Sacred Heart University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sacred Heart University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, marketing, financial management, medical services, and institutional leadership.

Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, Sacred Heart University advances academic excellence through a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum designed to prepare students for global leadership and professional success.

Leadership Roles at Sacred Heart University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Patricia Huettl
  • President - Catherine Gadue
  • Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council - Arianna Giannopoulos
  • President - Nicholas Scozzari
  • Dance Ensemble President - Sam Summa
  • Men's Rugby Team President and Captain - Jeremy Suhr
  • Band President - Matthew Meaney
  • Chief Information Officer - Shirley Canaan
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Paul Baroco
  • Chief Medical Officer - Chidi Emenike
  • Patricia Huettl - Chief Financial Officer

    Patricia Huettl, the Chief Financial Officer at Sacred Heart University, oversees the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Huettl directs budget allocation, endowment management, and capital investment strategies to support the academic mission. By monitoring operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resource efficiency across all departments. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Trustees to maintain financial stability while funding new campus infrastructure projects. Patricia Huettl manages the financial reporting processes to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory standards. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the growth of academic programs and student services. By balancing revenue generation with cost-effective management, Huettl secures the financial future of the university. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary economic foundation to sustain the commitment to excellence in higher education.

    Catherine Gadue - President

    Catherine Gadue, the President at Sacred Heart University, provides executive leadership for the entire institution. Gadue directs the strategic vision and academic mission, ensuring alignment with the Catholic intellectual tradition. By overseeing the senior leadership team, the President fosters an environment of academic rigor and community engagement. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, donors, and the broader academic community. Catherine Gadue manages the long-term growth strategy, focusing on expanding academic programs and enhancing the campus experience. Through the promotion of liberal arts values, the President drives the institutional commitment to developing well-rounded graduates. By facilitating collaboration across all departments, Gadue ensures the university remains competitive in the higher education landscape. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the institution by championing innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence in every facet of university operations.

    Arianna Giannopoulos - Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council

    Arianna Giannopoulos, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council at Sacred Heart University, manages residential life programming and student engagement initiatives. Giannopoulos directs council activities that foster a sense of community and belonging within the residence halls. By overseeing student-led events, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council ensures that residential life aligns with the mission of the university. This leadership role involves advocating for student needs and facilitating communication between residents and housing administration. Arianna Giannopoulos coordinates with other student leaders to organize social and educational programming that enhances the living-learning environment. Through the management of hall council resources, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council supports the personal development of students. By creating inclusive spaces, Giannopoulos strengthens the campus culture. Ultimately, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council drives student-centered initiatives that improve the residential experience.

    Nicholas Scozzari - President

    Nicholas Scozzari, the President at Sacred Heart University, leads specific student governance and organizational initiatives. Scozzari directs the operations of the student body organization, ensuring that student voices influence institutional policy. By overseeing committee activities, the President facilitates collaboration between students and faculty to improve campus life. This leadership role involves managing organizational budgets and planning large-scale events that promote school spirit and community involvement. Nicholas Scozzari maintains open lines of communication with the administration to advocate for student interests and academic support. Through the coordination of student-led projects, the President fosters leadership skills among the student population. By driving initiatives that enhance the student experience, Scozzari contributes to the vibrant culture of the university. Ultimately, the President ensures that student governance remains an active and effective force in shaping the future of the institution.

    Sam Summa - Dance Ensemble President

    Sam Summa, the Dance Ensemble President at Sacred Heart University, manages the artistic direction and administrative operations of the dance program. Summa directs rehearsals, performance schedules, and outreach efforts to showcase student talent. By overseeing the ensemble budget and logistics, the Dance Ensemble President ensures the successful execution of all performances. This leadership role involves coordinating with the arts department to integrate dance into the broader cultural life of the university. Sam Summa fosters a collaborative environment that encourages artistic growth and technical proficiency among members. Through the management of ensemble activities, the Dance Ensemble President promotes the value of the arts within the liberal arts curriculum. By organizing community performances, Summa enhances the visibility of the university in the regional arts scene. Ultimately, the Dance Ensemble President drives artistic excellence and student engagement through dedicated leadership and creative vision.

    Jeremy Suhr - Men's Rugby Team President and Captain

    Jeremy Suhr, the Men's Rugby Team President and Captain at Sacred Heart University, leads the athletic and administrative functions of the rugby program. Suhr directs team training, match preparation, and recruitment efforts to maintain a competitive edge. By overseeing team logistics and travel arrangements, the Men's Rugby Team President and Captain ensures the smooth operation of the athletic program. This leadership role involves fostering team cohesion and discipline while upholding the values of the university. Jeremy Suhr coordinates with the athletic department to ensure compliance with safety standards and institutional policies. Through the management of team activities, the Men's Rugby Team President and Captain promotes physical fitness and sportsmanship among student-athletes. By driving performance goals, Suhr enhances the reputation of the university in collegiate athletics. Ultimately, the Men's Rugby Team President and Captain secures the success of the program through dedicated leadership and athletic commitment.

    Matthew Meaney - Band President

    Matthew Meaney, the Band President at Sacred Heart University, manages the operational and musical coordination of the university band. Meaney directs practice schedules, performance logistics, and member recruitment to ensure a high standard of musical excellence. By overseeing the band budget and equipment maintenance, the Band President supports the seamless execution of all musical events. This leadership role involves collaborating with the music department to align band activities with the academic and cultural goals of the university. Matthew Meaney fosters a supportive environment that encourages musical growth and teamwork among members. Through the management of ensemble performances, the Band President enhances the spirit and atmosphere of campus events. By representing the band in institutional functions, Meaney promotes the importance of music in the liberal arts tradition. Ultimately, the Band President drives musical engagement and community pride through consistent leadership and organizational dedication.

    Shirley Canaan - Chief Information Officer

    Shirley Canaan, the Chief Information Officer at Sacred Heart University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the institution. Canaan architects secure, scalable network solutions that facilitate academic research and administrative efficiency across the campus. By overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data while driving innovation in educational technology. Shirley Canaan maintains alignment with the broader mission of the university by providing robust digital tools that enhance the overall student experience. Through the implementation of cloud-based resources, the Chief Information Officer supports the expansion of remote learning capabilities. Ultimately, Canaan optimizes the technological landscape to foster a modern, high-performance environment that meets the evolving demands of higher education in the digital age.

    Paul Baroco - Chief Marketing Officer

    Paul Baroco, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sacred Heart University, manages the institutional brand identity and strategic communications. Baroco executes comprehensive marketing campaigns that highlight the unique value proposition of the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition. Overseeing the recruitment marketing funnel, the Chief Marketing Officer drives enrollment growth by targeting prospective students across diverse regional markets. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to showcase research achievements and student success stories. Paul Baroco maintains a consistent brand voice across all digital and traditional media channels to strengthen the market position of the university. By analyzing enrollment data and market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer refines outreach strategies to maximize visibility. Ultimately, Baroco secures the reputation of the institution as a premier destination for higher learning through data-driven storytelling and strategic brand positioning.

    Chidi Emenike - Chief Medical Officer

    Chidi Emenike, the Chief Medical Officer at Sacred Heart University, leads the health and wellness initiatives for the campus community. Emenike directs clinical operations and medical services to ensure the physical well-being of students and staff. By overseeing health protocols and wellness programs, the Chief Medical Officer maintains a safe environment conducive to academic success. This leadership role involves coordinating with public health authorities to manage campus-wide health responses and preventative care strategies. Chidi Emenike integrates medical expertise into the broader student support framework to address the holistic needs of the population. Through the management of health services, the Chief Medical Officer ensures access to quality care and mental health resources. By fostering a culture of wellness, Emenike supports the overall mission of the university. Ultimately, the Chief Medical Officer drives health-focused initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the entire campus community.

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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 Patricia Huettl (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Catherine Gadue (President) and Arianna Giannopoulos (Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council).
    Who is part of Sacred Heart University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sacred Heart University includes leaders such as Patricia Huettl (Chief Financial Officer), Catherine Gadue (President), Arianna Giannopoulos (Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council) 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, President, Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council, President, Dance Ensemble President.