Sacred Heart University Executive and Leadership Team

Helen Andrus, the Chief Financial Officer at Sacred Heart University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation necessary to sustain high-quality academic programs. Overseeing the university's budget, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funding supports state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative production initiatives. Andrus directs financial planning to optimize the institution's ability to provide students with valuable industry connections and internship opportunities. Helen Andrus monitors revenue streams and expenditures, maintaining the financial stability required for long-term growth in the competitive media education sector. By balancing operational costs with strategic investments, the Chief Financial Officer enables the university to maintain small class sizes and personalized instruction. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of economic trends to guide institutional decision-making. Through prudent fiscal management, Andrus secures the resources needed to uphold the university's reputation for excellence in cinematic arts and professional media training.

Navon Fry, the 2026 Class President at Sacred Heart University, represents the interests of the student body while fostering a culture of collaboration and artistic growth. Organizing student-led initiatives, the 2026 Class President facilitates engagement with the university's media programs and industry-focused events. Fry coordinates with student organizations to ensure that the academic experience aligns with the needs of the class of 2026. Navon Fry drives community-building efforts, encouraging students to utilize the university's proximity to New York City for professional networking and internships. This leadership role involves acting as a liaison between students and the administration to improve campus life and academic support. By promoting active participation in cinematic storytelling projects, the 2026 Class President enhances the overall student experience. Through dedicated advocacy, Fry ensures that the class of 2026 remains connected to the university's mission of preparing students for successful careers in the media industry.

Jacqueline Paradiso, the Founder & President at Sacred Heart University, establishes the strategic vision for the institution's media and cinematic arts programs. Defining the core mission, the Founder & President ensures that the university remains a leader in providing hands-on production experience and industry-aligned education. Paradiso oversees the development of partnerships with major media companies, creating pathways for student internships and professional placement. Jacqueline Paradiso drives the expansion of the university's influence, emphasizing the importance of cinematic storytelling across diverse platforms. This leadership role involves setting long-term goals that prioritize small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities to support artistic development. By fostering a supportive environment, the Founder & President enables students to cultivate their unique creative voices. Through visionary guidance, Paradiso maintains the university's commitment to excellence and its reputation as a premier destination for aspiring media professionals.

Robert Zane, the President of the Class of 2027 at Sacred Heart University, leads student initiatives that promote academic and professional development within the media arts community. Coordinating class activities, the President of the Class of 2027 fosters a collaborative environment where students explore cinematic storytelling and production techniques. Zane organizes events that connect students with industry professionals, leveraging the university's location to provide valuable networking opportunities. Robert Zane drives engagement by encouraging participation in hands-on projects that prepare students for the media industry. This leadership role involves representing the class of 2027 in discussions with faculty and administration to enhance the educational experience. By facilitating communication and teamwork, the President of the Class of 2027 ensures that students remain focused on their artistic and career goals. Through active leadership, Zane supports the university's mission of preparing the next generation of media creators.

John Petillo, the President at Sacred Heart University, directs the overall institutional strategy to ensure the university remains a leader in cinematic and media education. Overseeing the implementation of academic programs, the President ensures that the curriculum emphasizes collaboration and hands-on production. Petillo manages relationships with major industry partners, securing opportunities for students to gain real-world experience near New York City. John Petillo drives the university's commitment to small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities, providing a supportive environment for artistic growth. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and executive team to maintain the institution's financial and academic health. By championing the university's mission, the President fosters a culture of innovation and professional excellence. Through strategic oversight, Petillo ensures that the institution continues to prepare students for successful careers in the competitive media industry.

Amanda Federico, the President of SHU Influencers Club at Sacred Heart University, leads student efforts to explore digital media and content creation strategies. Coordinating club activities, the President of SHU Influencers Club facilitates workshops that focus on modern storytelling techniques across various digital platforms. Federico manages collaborative projects that allow students to apply their artistic vision in a practical, social-media-driven context. Amanda Federico drives the club's mission to connect students with industry trends, enhancing their understanding of the media landscape. This leadership role involves organizing events that highlight the importance of personal branding and digital presence in the film and television industry. By fostering a community of creators, the President of SHU Influencers Club supports the university's goal of preparing students for diverse media careers. Through active engagement, Federico ensures that club members gain the skills necessary to succeed in the evolving digital world.

Arianna Giannopoulos, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council at Sacred Heart University, manages residential student life initiatives that support the university's collaborative culture. Coordinating hall events, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council fosters a supportive environment where students can engage with peers and faculty outside the classroom. Giannopoulos oversees the planning of activities that promote community building and artistic exchange among residents. Arianna Giannopoulos drives initiatives that enhance the student experience, ensuring that living spaces contribute to the university's mission of cinematic and academic excellence. This leadership role involves working with other student leaders to address the needs of the residential community and improve campus life. By facilitating communication and collaboration, the Co President - Pioneer Gardens Hall Council helps create a vibrant atmosphere that supports student success. Through dedicated service, Giannopoulos contributes to the overall mission of the university.

Michael Iannazzi, the Chief of Staff at Sacred Heart University, coordinates high-level administrative operations to ensure institutional alignment with academic goals. Managing complex workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between departments to support the university's mission of cinematic excellence and media industry preparation. Iannazzi oversees the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring that resources remain focused on student success and state-of-the-art facility development. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enables faculty and staff to maintain a supportive environment for artistic growth. Michael Iannazzi drives operational efficiency across the campus, allowing the institution to leverage its proximity to New York City for maximum student benefit. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with other executive leaders to refine institutional policies. Through meticulous oversight, Iannazzi secures the operational stability necessary for the university to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.

Shirley Canaan, the Chief Information Officer at Sacred Heart University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting advanced cinematic storytelling and media production. Overseeing the integration of state-of-the-art technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students possess the tools required for modern film and television careers. Canaan manages the university's data systems and network security, providing a robust foundation for academic research and collaborative projects. Shirley Canaan architects digital solutions that enhance the learning experience, particularly for students engaged in intensive media programs. By aligning technological investments with the university's educational objectives, the Chief Information Officer facilitates seamless access to industry-standard software and hardware. This role involves constant evaluation of emerging digital trends to maintain the institution's competitive edge. Through strategic planning, Canaan supports the university's commitment to providing a cutting-edge environment for artistic vision and professional development.

Gregory Johnstone, the Chief Technology Officer at Sacred Heart University, leads the development of technical frameworks essential for cinematic production and media education. Architecting scalable systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students utilize industry-standard equipment and software within the university's state-of-the-art facilities. Johnstone oversees the implementation of specialized media technology, facilitating hands-on production experiences that mirror professional industry environments. Gregory Johnstone drives innovation by integrating new tools into the curriculum, allowing students to refine their artistic vision through advanced technical platforms. This role involves close coordination with academic departments to ensure that technological capabilities meet the evolving demands of the film and television industry. By maintaining high-performance infrastructure, the Chief Technology Officer supports the university's goal of preparing graduates for successful media careers. Through technical leadership, Johnstone ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of digital storytelling and creative production.