Milwaukee School of Engineering Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Milwaukee School of Engineering has 7 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, institutional leadership, and alumni relations.

Dedicated to academic excellence, Milwaukee School of Engineering fosters innovation through specialized degree programs in engineering, business, and nursing to prepare students for global professional success.

Leadership Roles at Milwaukee School of Engineering

  • Chief Financial Officer - Zoe Novak
  • Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer - Armund Janto
  • Alumni Association Board President - Ploy Chongvatanabandit
  • President - Brian Scharles
  • President - Lucas Grohmann
  • Vice President & Chief of Staff - Daniel Bergen
  • Sophomore Class Representative - Carly Ademi
  • Zoe Novak - Chief Financial Officer

    Zoe Novak, the Chief Financial Officer at Milwaukee School of Engineering, manages the university's fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability. Novak directs the allocation of capital resources to support advanced engineering laboratories and nursing facilities. By overseeing budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment between institutional spending and academic growth objectives. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance and optimizing tuition revenue streams to maintain the non-profit status of the institution. Zoe Novak also collaborates with the Board to evaluate financial risks associated with campus expansion projects. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal policies, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding for faculty research and student development initiatives. Ultimately, Novak maintains the financial integrity required to uphold the university's reputation for technical education excellence across the Midwest region.

    Armund Janto - Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer

    Armund Janto, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer at Milwaukee School of Engineering, oversees the physical infrastructure and logistical frameworks supporting the campus environment. Janto directs the maintenance and development of academic buildings, ensuring facilities meet the rigorous standards required for engineering and nursing instruction. By managing operational budgets, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource utilization to reduce overhead costs while enhancing student amenities. This leadership role involves integrating sustainable practices into campus operations to align with modern environmental standards. Armund Janto also coordinates with external vendors and contractors to execute large-scale facility upgrades. Through the strategic management of physical assets, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer creates a conducive learning environment for the entire student body. Janto ensures that operational capabilities remain robust enough to support the university's long-term growth and academic mission.

    Ploy Chongvatanabandit - Alumni Association Board President

    Ploy Chongvatanabandit, the Alumni Association Board President at Milwaukee School of Engineering, cultivates relationships between the university and its global network of graduates. Chongvatanabandit directs engagement programs that connect alumni with current students for mentorship and professional development opportunities. By fostering a strong sense of community, the Alumni Association Board President drives philanthropic support for scholarships and research initiatives. This leadership role involves organizing networking events that showcase the impact of the university's engineering and business programs in the professional marketplace. Ploy Chongvatanabandit also represents the interests of the alumni body to the university administration, ensuring that graduate perspectives inform future institutional strategies. Through the promotion of lifelong learning and career advancement, the Alumni Association Board President strengthens the university's brand presence. Chongvatanabandit facilitates meaningful connections that enhance the value of an engineering degree for all graduates.

    Brian Scharles - President

    Brian Scharles, the President at Milwaukee School of Engineering, defines the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire university. Scharles directs the academic and administrative leadership teams to ensure the institution remains at the forefront of technical education. By championing innovation in engineering, business, and nursing curricula, the President drives the university's reputation for excellence in the competitive higher education landscape. This leadership role involves engaging with industry partners to align degree programs with current market needs and technological advancements. Brian Scharles also oversees the implementation of long-term growth strategies, including the expansion of research capabilities and student support services. Through consistent advocacy for the university's mission, the President secures the resources necessary to maintain high academic standards. Scharles leads the institution toward a future defined by technical proficiency, ethical leadership, and significant contributions to the regional and national economy.

    Lucas Grohmann - President

    Lucas Grohmann, the President at Milwaukee School of Engineering, manages the internal governance and representative functions of the student body. Grohmann directs the student government organization to ensure that the interests of the diverse student population are represented in institutional policy discussions. By overseeing the allocation of student activity funds, the President supports a wide range of clubs and professional organizations that enhance the educational experience. This leadership role involves facilitating dialogue between students and faculty to address academic challenges and improve campus life. Lucas Grohmann also coordinates with university leadership to promote initiatives that align with the institution's commitment to technical excellence and professional development. Through the effective management of student affairs, the President fosters a culture of leadership and collaboration. Grohmann ensures that the student experience remains a top priority, contributing to the university's success in preparing graduates for complex professional environments.

    Daniel Bergen - Vice President & Chief of Staff

    Daniel Bergen, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Milwaukee School of Engineering, coordinates strategic initiatives across all academic and administrative departments. Bergen facilitates communication between the executive leadership team and the broader university community to ensure operational cohesion. By managing high-priority projects, the Vice President & Chief of Staff drives the execution of the university's mission to provide high-quality technical education. This role involves streamlining internal processes to improve efficiency in student services and faculty support systems. Daniel Bergen also monitors the progress of institutional goals, providing critical updates to the President to inform decision-making. Through effective coordination of cross-functional teams, the Vice President & Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to producing career-ready graduates. Bergen maintains a focus on organizational agility to adapt to the evolving demands of the engineering and business sectors.

    Carly Ademi - Sophomore Class Representative

    Carly Ademi, the Sophomore Class Representative at Milwaukee School of Engineering, serves as the primary liaison between the second-year student body and the university administration. Ademi directs student-led initiatives that address the specific academic and social needs of sophomores navigating their core engineering and business coursework. By gathering feedback from peers, the Sophomore Class Representative ensures that student concerns reach the appropriate decision-making bodies. This leadership role involves organizing events that promote campus engagement and foster a supportive community environment. Carly Ademi also collaborates with student government leaders to advocate for improvements in campus resources and extracurricular programming. Through active participation in university governance, the Sophomore Class Representative contributes to the overall student experience. Ademi ensures that the voices of the sophomore class remain central to the university's efforts to maintain a vibrant and inclusive campus culture for all students.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Milwaukee School of Engineering Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Milwaukee School of Engineering?
    Milwaukee School of Engineering is led by Zoe Novak (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Armund Janto (Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer) and Ploy Chongvatanabandit (Alumni Association Board President).
    Who is part of Milwaukee School of Engineering’s executive team?
    The executive team of Milwaukee School of Engineering includes leaders such as Zoe Novak (Chief Financial Officer), Armund Janto (Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer), Ploy Chongvatanabandit (Alumni Association Board President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Milwaukee School of Engineering have?
    Milwaukee School of Engineering has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Milwaukee School of Engineering’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Milwaukee School of Engineering includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Operations & Chief Financial Officer, Alumni Association Board President, President, President.