Merrimack College Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Merrimack College has 7 executives leading key functions including finance, strategy, information technology, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Merrimack College is dedicated to enlightening minds, engaging hearts, and empowering lives through its Augustinian tradition, fostering a community of learning and service.

Leadership Roles at Merrimack College

  • Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - Tyler McCarthy
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Michael Harreys
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Seamus Harreys
  • Owner and President - Daniel Ruggiero
  • President - Steven Balas
  • Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing - Courtney Johanson
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Karen Slaton
  • Tyler McCarthy - Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

    Tyler McCarthy, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Merrimack College, supports the strategic financial operations of the institution. McCarthy coordinates key initiatives and provides critical analysis to the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, ensuring alignment with Merrimack College's overarching financial objectives. This role involves managing complex projects, facilitating communication across departments, and driving operational efficiencies within the finance division. McCarthy's contributions are vital to the effective execution of financial strategies, supporting the college's mission to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives. The Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial planning and resource allocation directly support academic and administrative goals, contributing to the sustained growth and stability of Merrimack College.

    Michael Harreys - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Michael Harreys, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Merrimack College, directs the comprehensive financial strategy and oversight for the institution. Harreys manages all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and investment management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This leadership position involves safeguarding college assets, optimizing resource allocation, and driving financial performance to support Merrimack College's mission. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP collaborates closely with other senior leaders to align financial resources with strategic priorities, including academic programs and campus development. Michael Harreys's expertise is crucial in navigating the complex financial landscape of higher education, ensuring Merrimack College can continue to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives through robust financial stewardship and strategic investment.

    Seamus Harreys - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Seamus Harreys, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Merrimack College, directs the comprehensive financial strategy and oversight for the institution. Harreys manages all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and investment management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This leadership position involves safeguarding college assets, optimizing resource allocation, and driving financial performance to support Merrimack College's mission. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP collaborates closely with other senior leaders to align financial resources with strategic priorities, including academic programs and campus development. Seamus Harreys's expertise is crucial in navigating the complex financial landscape of higher education, ensuring Merrimack College can continue to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives through robust financial stewardship and strategic investment.

    Daniel Ruggiero - Owner and President

    Daniel Ruggiero, the Owner and President at Merrimack College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision for the entire institution. Ruggiero guides the college's direction, ensuring adherence to its mission and values while driving growth and academic excellence. This paramount role involves overseeing all operational aspects, fostering a culture of innovation, and making critical decisions that shape the future of Merrimack College. The Owner and President collaborates with the board, faculty, and staff to advance educational objectives and enhance the student experience. Daniel Ruggiero's leadership is instrumental in empowering lives and engaging hearts, upholding the Augustinian tradition and ensuring Merrimack College remains a distinguished institution of higher learning.

    Steven Balas - President

    Steven Balas, the President at Merrimack College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision for the entire institution. Balas guides the college's direction, ensuring adherence to its mission and values while driving growth and academic excellence. This paramount role involves overseeing all operational aspects, fostering a culture of innovation, and making critical decisions that shape the future of Merrimack College. The President collaborates with the board, faculty, and staff to advance educational objectives and enhance the student experience. Steven Balas's leadership is instrumental in empowering lives and engaging hearts, upholding the Augustinian tradition and ensuring Merrimack College remains a distinguished institution of higher learning.

    Courtney Johanson - Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing

    Courtney Johanson, the Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing at Merrimack College, spearheads the college's external relations and brand strategy. Johanson oversees all fundraising efforts, alumni engagement, and marketing communications, driving philanthropic support and enhancing Merrimack College's public profile. This dual role requires a strategic approach to building relationships with donors, partners, and the wider community, while also developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns. The Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing ensures that institutional advancement initiatives and marketing efforts are synergistic, amplifying the college's message and impact. Courtney Johanson's leadership is essential for securing the resources and visibility needed to advance Merrimack College's mission to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives.

    Karen Slaton - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Karen Slaton, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Merrimack College, leads the strategic direction and implementation of all information technology initiatives. Slaton is responsible for managing the college's technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital services, ensuring robust and secure systems that support academic and administrative functions. This critical role involves overseeing the integration of innovative technologies to enhance learning, research, and operational efficiency across Merrimack College. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer collaborates with faculty and staff to leverage technology effectively, fostering an environment conducive to educational advancement. Karen Slaton's expertise is fundamental to empowering lives through accessible and advanced technological resources, directly supporting Merrimack College's mission.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Merrimack College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Merrimack College?
    Merrimack College is led by Tyler McCarthy (Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michael Harreys (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP) and Seamus Harreys (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP).
    Who is part of Merrimack College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Merrimack College includes leaders such as Tyler McCarthy (Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer), Michael Harreys (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP), Seamus Harreys (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Merrimack College have?
    Merrimack College has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Merrimack College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Merrimack College includes roles such as Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Owner and President, President.