Sacred Heart University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sacred Heart University has 10 executives leading key functions including information systems, financial management, technology infrastructure, institutional leadership, and specialized medical operations.

Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, Sacred Heart University advances academic excellence through a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. This institution fosters intellectual growth and community engagement across diverse student populations.

Leadership Roles at Sacred Heart University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Helen Andrus
  • Band President - Matthew Meaney
  • President - Nicholas Scozzari
  • 2026 Class President - Navon Fry
  • Founder & President - Jacqueline Paradiso
  • President of Bergoglio Hall - Broderick Prendergast
  • Group President, Sacred Heart Medical - Buddy Elmore
  • Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council - Arianna Giannopoulos
  • Chief Information Officer - Shirley Canaan
  • Chief Technology Officer - Gregory Johnstone
  • Helen Andrus - Chief Financial Officer

    Helen Andrus, the Chief Financial Officer at Sacred Heart University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Andrus oversees the allocation of capital resources to support academic programs and campus infrastructure development. By monitoring budgetary performance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial strategies align with the university's commitment to the liberal arts. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to maintain fiscal transparency and institutional growth. Helen Andrus drives revenue optimization initiatives that allow for continued investment in student services and faculty research. Through rigorous financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for the university to thrive in a competitive higher education landscape. Andrus maintains a focus on long-term stability, ensuring that every dollar spent advances the core mission of providing a high-quality, values-based education to the student body.

    Matthew Meaney - Band President

    Matthew Meaney, the Band President at Sacred Heart University, coordinates the operational and performance logistics for the university's musical ensembles. Meaney oversees the scheduling of rehearsals, public performances, and community outreach events that represent the institution. By managing the band's internal organization, the Band President ensures that all members maintain high standards of musical excellence. This leadership role involves working with faculty advisors to align performance schedules with the academic calendar. Matthew Meaney drives the recruitment of new talent, expanding the reach of the music program across the campus. Through the coordination of logistics, the Band President facilitates a vibrant artistic environment that enriches the student experience. Meaney maintains a focus on fostering teamwork and discipline among performers, ensuring that every event reflects the university's commitment to the arts and community spirit while enhancing the overall cultural presence of the institution.

    Nicholas Scozzari - President

    Nicholas Scozzari, the President at Sacred Heart University, provides the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Scozzari oversees the execution of the university's mission, ensuring that all academic and administrative functions remain grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. By leading the executive team, the President drives the development of long-term goals that enhance the university's reputation and market position. This leadership role involves engaging with external stakeholders, donors, and the broader community to secure support for institutional initiatives. Nicholas Scozzari maintains a focus on academic quality and student success, fostering an environment where the liberal arts flourish. Through the coordination of campus-wide efforts, the President ensures that the university continues to provide a transformative educational experience. Scozzari directs the strategic growth of the institution, balancing tradition with the demands of modern higher education to ensure a lasting impact on the student body.
    Navon Fry, the 2026 Class President at Sacred Heart University, represents the interests and concerns of the sophomore student cohort. Fry oversees the planning of class-specific events and initiatives that promote student engagement and campus unity. By acting as a liaison between the student body and the administration, the 2026 Class President ensures that student feedback informs institutional decision-making. This leadership role involves organizing community-building activities that align with the university's values. Navon Fry drives the development of programs that support student well-being and academic success throughout the undergraduate experience. Through the coordination of class meetings and social events, the 2026 Class President fosters a sense of belonging among peers. Fry maintains a focus on advocacy, ensuring that the voices of the class are heard and that the student experience remains a priority within the broader university community.

    Jacqueline Paradiso - Founder & President

    Jacqueline Paradiso, the Founder & President at Sacred Heart University, establishes the foundational principles and strategic direction for specialized institutional initiatives. Paradiso oversees the development of unique programs that expand the university's reach and impact within the academic community. By managing the growth of these initiatives, the Founder & President ensures that they remain consistent with the university's core mission. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities for innovation and collaboration across departments. Jacqueline Paradiso drives the implementation of projects that enhance the university's standing in the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition. Through the oversight of these specialized efforts, the Founder & President fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and academic excellence. Paradiso maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the overall success and reputation of the institution while providing students with unique opportunities for growth and development.

    Broderick Prendergast - President of Bergoglio Hall

    Broderick Prendergast, the President of Bergoglio Hall at Sacred Heart University, manages the residential life and community standards within the hall. Prendergast oversees the organization of hall-specific activities that promote a supportive living environment for students. By facilitating communication between residents and housing staff, the President of Bergoglio Hall ensures that the residential experience aligns with the university's values. This leadership role involves addressing student concerns and fostering a sense of community among hall members. Broderick Prendergast drives the creation of programs that encourage academic and social development within the residence. Through the coordination of hall events, the President of Bergoglio Hall enhances the overall quality of campus life. Prendergast maintains a focus on inclusivity and safety, ensuring that the hall remains a welcoming space where students can thrive academically and personally while contributing to the vibrant culture of the university.

    Buddy Elmore - Group President, Sacred Heart Medical

    Buddy Elmore, the Group President, Sacred Heart Medical at Sacred Heart University, directs the strategic operations of the medical and health sciences division. Elmore oversees the integration of clinical training with the university's academic curriculum to prepare students for careers in healthcare. By managing partnerships with regional medical facilities, the Group President, Sacred Heart Medical ensures that students gain practical experience in diverse clinical settings. This leadership role involves aligning medical programs with the university's commitment to service and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Buddy Elmore drives the expansion of health-related research initiatives that address contemporary medical challenges. Through the oversight of faculty and clinical staff, the Group President, Sacred Heart Medical maintains high standards of education and patient care. Elmore focuses on scaling the medical division's impact, ensuring that the university remains a leader in health sciences education and community health outreach.

    Arianna Giannopoulos - Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council

    Arianna Giannopoulos, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council at Sacred Heart University, shares responsibility for the governance and social programming of the residence hall. Giannopoulos oversees the planning of events that build community and support the well-being of residents. By collaborating with the other co-president, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council ensures that hall activities reflect the diverse interests of the student population. This leadership role involves representing the hall in student government meetings and advocating for improvements to residential facilities. Arianna Giannopoulos drives the implementation of initiatives that promote a positive and inclusive living environment. Through the coordination of council meetings, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council fosters active participation among residents. Giannopoulos maintains a focus on creating a home-like atmosphere, ensuring that the hall remains a place where students feel supported in their academic and personal pursuits.

    Shirley Canaan - Chief Information Officer

    Shirley Canaan, the Chief Information Officer at Sacred Heart University, directs the digital transformation of academic and administrative systems. Canaan oversees the integration of advanced data analytics to support the university's mission of providing a robust learning environment. By managing complex network architectures, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the campus. This leadership role involves securing sensitive institutional data while optimizing digital resources for research and instruction. Shirley Canaan drives the implementation of modern software solutions that enhance operational efficiency throughout the institution. Through the alignment of technology with the Catholic intellectual tradition, the Chief Information Officer supports the broader goal of academic innovation. Canaan maintains high standards for cybersecurity, protecting the digital integrity of the university while facilitating a collaborative environment for all members of the academic community.

    Gregory Johnstone - Chief Technology Officer

    Gregory Johnstone, the Chief Technology Officer at Sacred Heart University, architects the technological infrastructure required for modern pedagogical delivery. Johnstone oversees the deployment of hardware and software solutions that empower faculty to integrate digital tools into the classroom. By managing the technical roadmap, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to identify emerging technology needs that support the Catholic intellectual tradition. Gregory Johnstone drives the development of scalable systems that facilitate research and administrative productivity. Through the oversight of technical support teams, the Chief Technology Officer maintains high uptime for critical campus services. Johnstone ensures that the technological environment remains agile, supporting the diverse needs of students and staff while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and digital literacy across the entire institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sacred Heart University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sacred Heart University?
    Sacred Heart University is led by Helen Andrus (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Meaney (Band President) and Nicholas Scozzari (President).
    Who is part of Sacred Heart University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sacred Heart University includes leaders such as Helen Andrus (Chief Financial Officer), Matthew Meaney (Band President), Nicholas Scozzari (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sacred Heart University have?
    Sacred Heart University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sacred Heart University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sacred Heart University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Band President, President, 2026 Class President, Founder & President.