Saint Joseph's University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Saint Joseph's University has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, administration, finance, operations, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and experiential learning, Saint Joseph's University fosters intellectual growth through rigorous programs across five specialized schools. The institution empowers students to achieve professional success through simulation-based training and industry-aligned partnerships.

Leadership Roles at Saint Joseph's University

  • Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Lauren Goldsmith
  • Associate VP & Chief Operating Officer - Eric Laudano
  • President - Sara Stoud
  • President - Chad Beaver
  • President - Cheryl McConnell
  • President, The Sports Marketing Club - Lauren Pizzi
  • President - C. Gillespie
  • President - Brian Lennon
  • Chief Technology Officer - Amanda Sciarra
  • Chief of Staff - Kiersten White
  • Lauren Goldsmith - Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Lauren Goldsmith, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Saint Joseph's University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources across the five schools, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures that capital investments support academic programs and experiential learning opportunities. This leadership role involves balancing the budget to maintain the university's competitive standing while funding essential infrastructure and student services. By optimizing revenue streams and managing endowment assets, Lauren Goldsmith directly impacts the financial sustainability of the university. Furthermore, Goldsmith collaborates with the Board of Trustees to provide transparent reporting and strategic financial guidance. Through rigorous oversight of institutional spending and debt management, the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer secures the necessary funding to expand certificate programs and health-related initiatives, ultimately ensuring that the university remains a premier destination for students seeking high-value education.
    Lauren Goldsmith

    Eric Laudano - Associate VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Eric Laudano, the Associate VP & Chief Operating Officer at Saint Joseph's University, directs the daily operational functions that sustain the campus environment. Overseeing facilities management and auxiliary services, the Associate VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical infrastructure supports the diverse needs of the student body and faculty. This role involves coordinating logistics for experiential learning programs, including co-ops and internships, to ensure students receive practical training. By improving operational workflows, Eric Laudano directly impacts the quality of the campus experience. Furthermore, Laudano manages the integration of health and safety protocols across the School of Health Professions and the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Through efficient resource management and process optimization, the Associate VP & Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of the university, ensuring that all operational activities align with the overarching goal of providing a comprehensive and supportive educational environment.
    Eric Laudano

    Sara Stoud - President

    Sara Stoud, the President at Saint Joseph's University, leads the strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Focusing on the expansion of graduate and doctoral programs, the President drives initiatives that enhance the university's reputation in the fields of business and healthcare. This leadership role involves engaging with external partners to create new experiential opportunities for students. By fostering a culture of academic excellence, Sara Stoud directly impacts the university's ability to attract top-tier talent and research funding. Furthermore, Stoud oversees the alignment of the five schools with the evolving demands of the modern workforce. Through visionary leadership and community outreach, the President secures the university's position as a leader in higher education, ensuring that the institution continues to provide rigorous training and valuable career preparation for all students across the diverse academic landscape.

    Chad Beaver - President

    Chad Beaver, the President at Saint Joseph's University, directs the institutional growth and development strategies. Concentrating on the enhancement of undergraduate programs and continuing education, the President ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry trends. This leadership role involves managing relationships with alumni and donors to support the university's long-term financial goals. By promoting innovation in teaching methods, Chad Beaver directly impacts the student learning experience. Furthermore, Beaver oversees the implementation of new certificate programs that cater to the needs of working professionals. Through strategic planning and effective communication, the President maintains the university's commitment to providing a high-quality education that prepares graduates for success in their chosen fields, ultimately strengthening the institution's impact on the broader community and the regional economy.

    Cheryl McConnell - President

    Cheryl McConnell, the President at Saint Joseph's University, oversees the comprehensive academic and administrative operations of the institution. Prioritizing the integration of the College of Arts and Sciences with the professional schools, the President ensures a holistic educational experience for all students. This leadership role involves guiding the university through complex institutional transitions and maintaining high standards of academic rigor. By championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, Cheryl McConnell directly impacts the campus culture and student success rates. Furthermore, McConnell collaborates with faculty and staff to advance research and experiential learning opportunities. Through decisive leadership and a focus on student-centered outcomes, the President secures the university's future, ensuring that the institution remains a beacon of academic excellence and professional preparation in the competitive higher education sector.
    Cheryl McConnell

    Lauren Pizzi - President, The Sports Marketing Club

    Lauren Pizzi, the President, The Sports Marketing Club at Saint Joseph's University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on the intersection of athletics and business. Overseeing the club's professional development workshops, the President, The Sports Marketing Club ensures that members gain practical insights into the sports industry. This leadership role involves organizing networking events and guest speaker series that connect students with industry professionals. By facilitating these experiential opportunities, Lauren Pizzi directly impacts the career readiness of students interested in sports marketing. Furthermore, Pizzi coordinates with the Haub School of Business to align club activities with academic coursework. Through active engagement and strategic planning, the President, The Sports Marketing Club fosters a vibrant community of learners, helping students build the skills and connections necessary to excel in the competitive sports marketing field upon graduation.

    C. Gillespie - President

    C. Gillespie, the President at Saint Joseph's University, manages the university's external relations and community partnerships. Focusing on the expansion of the university's footprint in the healthcare sector, the President drives collaborations with regional medical institutions to enhance student internships. This leadership role involves representing the university at high-level academic conferences and industry forums. By building strong ties with local businesses, C. Gillespie directly impacts the availability of co-op opportunities for students. Furthermore, Gillespie oversees the development of new academic programs within the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Through strategic networking and effective advocacy, the President secures the resources and partnerships needed to support the university's mission, ensuring that students receive the practical training and professional exposure required for success in their respective careers.

    Brian Lennon - President

    Brian Lennon, the President at Saint Joseph's University, directs the university's efforts in technological integration and digital transformation. Concentrating on the modernization of the School of Education and Human Development, the President ensures that students have access to the latest educational technologies. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of simulation-based learning tools that prepare future educators for the classroom. By fostering innovation in digital pedagogy, Brian Lennon directly impacts the quality of teacher training. Furthermore, Lennon collaborates with the technology department to ensure that all academic programs benefit from robust digital infrastructure. Through forward-thinking leadership and a commitment to technological advancement, the President secures the university's reputation as a leader in educational innovation, ultimately preparing students to thrive in a technology-driven world.

    Amanda Sciarra - Chief Technology Officer

    Amanda Sciarra, the Chief Technology Officer at Saint Joseph's University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting academic and administrative operations. Overseeing campus-wide information systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless integration of technology into the classroom environment. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data analytics platforms to enhance student engagement. By modernizing network capabilities, Amanda Sciarra directly impacts the university's ability to deliver high-quality remote and on-campus learning experiences. Furthermore, Sciarra coordinates with academic deans to implement advanced simulation tools across the five schools, ensuring that technical resources align with the evolving needs of the student body. Through strategic investment in scalable software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer maintains the technological edge necessary for competitive higher education, ultimately supporting the broader mission of academic innovation and institutional efficiency across the entire campus network.
    Amanda Sciarra

    Kiersten White - Chief of Staff

    Kiersten White, the Chief of Staff at Saint Joseph's University, manages executive communications and coordinates strategic initiatives across the university leadership team. Facilitating alignment between the President and the various school deans, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals remain consistent with the mission of providing rigorous academic training. This role involves overseeing high-level projects that impact the university's market position and long-term growth. By streamlining internal processes, Kiersten White directly supports the efficiency of the administrative cabinet. Furthermore, White monitors the execution of cross-departmental policies, ensuring that the College of Arts and Sciences and the Haub School of Business operate in harmony with broader university objectives. Through meticulous planning and stakeholder management, the Chief of Staff secures the operational stability required for the institution to thrive in the competitive landscape of higher education, consistently driving progress toward the university's strategic vision.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Saint Joseph's University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Saint Joseph's University?
    Saint Joseph's University is led by Lauren Goldsmith (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), along with executives such as Eric Laudano (Associate VP & Chief Operating Officer) and Sara Stoud (President).
    Who is part of Saint Joseph's University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Saint Joseph's University includes leaders such as Lauren Goldsmith (Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Eric Laudano (Associate VP & Chief Operating Officer), Sara Stoud (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Saint Joseph's University have?
    Saint Joseph's University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Saint Joseph's University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Saint Joseph's University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Associate VP & Chief Operating Officer, President, President, President.