Merrimack College Executive and Leadership Team

Tyler McCarthy, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Merrimack College, manages operational workflows and executive communications. Coordinating between the financial office and administrative departments, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer ensures that institutional priorities receive consistent focus. This role involves analyzing fiscal data to support high-level decision-making processes across the campus. By streamlining internal reporting structures, Tyler McCarthy enhances organizational efficiency and transparency. The Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to meet budgetary goals and long-term strategic objectives. Through rigorous oversight of administrative projects, McCarthy maintains the operational integrity of the college. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer supports the financial stability required for academic excellence.

Seamus Harreys, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Merrimack College, directs the fiscal planning and resource allocation for the entire institution. Overseeing the long-term capital investment strategy, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures that financial assets support the core academic mission. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary frameworks to maintain institutional solvency and growth. By implementing robust financial controls, Seamus Harreys mitigates risk while maximizing the impact of available funding. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP collaborates with the board to align fiscal policy with the strategic vision of the college. Through the management of endowment funds and operational expenditures, Harreys secures the necessary resources for campus infrastructure and faculty development. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP provides the economic foundation for the continued success of the college.

Michael Harreys, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Merrimack College, manages the procurement and supply chain logistics essential for daily campus operations. Overseeing the optimization of vendor contracts, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures cost-effective service delivery across all departments. This leadership role involves analyzing operational expenses to identify opportunities for efficiency and waste reduction. By streamlining the purchasing process, Michael Harreys supports the financial health of the institution through disciplined resource management. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP coordinates with department heads to ensure that budgetary allocations align with immediate operational needs. Through the rigorous monitoring of fiscal performance metrics, Harreys maintains the financial agility of the college. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP secures the operational resources necessary to sustain the high standards of the academic community.

Steven Balas, the President at Merrimack College, defines the overarching strategic vision and academic direction of the institution. Overseeing the implementation of the college's mission, the President ensures that all programs reflect the Augustinian values of the community. This leadership role involves engaging with external stakeholders, including alumni and regional partners, to advance the reputation of the college. By fostering a culture of academic excellence, Steven Balas drives the growth of student enrollment and faculty research initiatives. The President facilitates collaboration among the board and executive leadership to achieve long-term institutional goals. Through the promotion of inclusive campus policies, Balas shapes the social and intellectual environment of the college. Ultimately, the President provides the guiding philosophy that empowers students and faculty to achieve their full potential within the broader educational landscape.

Carlos Alas, the President at Merrimack College, focuses on the expansion of academic partnerships and the development of new degree programs. Overseeing the alignment of curriculum with evolving industry demands, the President ensures that graduates remain competitive in the global workforce. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with corporate and non-profit entities to create internship and career opportunities for students. By championing innovative pedagogical approaches, Carlos Alas drives the modernization of the academic experience. The President works closely with the faculty senate to maintain high standards of teaching and research. Through the oversight of campus expansion projects, Alas enhances the physical and intellectual capacity of the institution. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the college by bridging the gap between traditional academic values and the requirements of the modern professional world.

Daniel Ruggiero, the Owner and President at Merrimack College, directs the governance and long-term sustainability of the institution. Overseeing the preservation of the college's heritage, the Owner and President ensures that the core mission remains central to all administrative decisions. This leadership role involves managing the legal and ethical frameworks that govern the college's operations. By maintaining strong ties with the Augustinian order, Daniel Ruggiero upholds the spiritual and intellectual traditions of the campus. The Owner and President coordinates with the board to ensure that the college remains a beacon of excellence in higher education. Through the strategic oversight of institutional assets, Ruggiero guarantees the longevity of the college for future generations. Ultimately, the Owner and President provides the foundational stability that allows the academic community to thrive in an ever-changing global environment.

Courtney Johnanson, the Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing at Merrimack College, directs all strategic communication and fundraising initiatives. Overseeing the expansion of donor relations, the Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing ensures alignment with the broader mission of the institution. This leadership role involves managing brand identity across North American markets to attract prospective students and alumni support. By optimizing digital engagement platforms, Courtney Johnanson directly impacts the visibility and financial health of the college. Through the coordination of multi-channel marketing campaigns, the Senior VP, Institutional Advancement & Chief Marketing Officer, Marketing secures long-term institutional growth. Ultimately, Johnanson drives the narrative of the college to ensure sustained relevance in a competitive higher education landscape while fostering deep connections with the global community.

Karen Slaton, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Merrimack College, architects the digital infrastructure and technological roadmap for the campus. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for modern academic success. This leadership role involves securing network integrity and data privacy across all institutional platforms. By modernizing the technological landscape, Karen Slaton drives innovation in both administrative and classroom environments. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer manages large-scale IT projects that support the college's commitment to digital transformation. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Slaton enhances the overall efficiency of campus operations. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer maintains the technological backbone required for a high-quality, contemporary educational experience.