St Bonaventure University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

St Bonaventure University has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, institutional advancement, financial oversight, communications, academic leadership, and student management.

Rooted in the Catholic-Franciscan tradition, St Bonaventure University fosters academic excellence and personal growth through a commitment to community, service, and transformative education for students across the United States.

Leadership Roles at St Bonaventure University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kaylee Grace
  • Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance - Paul Liess
  • President - Tyler Verrill
  • President - Jeffrey Gingerich
  • President, St Bonaventure Management Club - Delaney Rowan
  • Vice President, Advancement & Chief of Staff - Lindsay Retchless
  • Chief Communications Officer - Thomas Missel
  • Kaylee Grace - Chief Executive Officer

    Kaylee Grace, the Chief Executive Officer at St Bonaventure University, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term institutional goals. By aligning academic programs with the core Catholic-Franciscan mission, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains high standards of excellence. Kaylee Grace manages complex relationships with the Board of Trustees to secure sustainable growth and operational stability. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of administrative functions to support faculty and student success. By prioritizing fiscal responsibility and mission-driven initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer drives the institution toward greater regional impact. The Chief Executive Officer also evaluates market trends to adapt educational offerings for modern learners. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the university brand. Ultimately, Grace secures the future of the institution by fostering a culture of innovation and academic integrity across all departments.

    Paul Liess - Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance

    Paul Liess, the Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance at St Bonaventure University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the institution. Overseeing financial reporting, audit compliance, and resource allocation, the Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance ensures the university operates within sustainable parameters. Paul Liess directs the financial planning processes that support academic expansion and infrastructure improvements. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to monitor investment performance and endowment growth. By implementing rigorous accounting standards, the Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance mitigates risk and optimizes operational efficiency. Liess also provides critical data analysis to inform strategic decision-making across the campus. Through careful management of assets and liabilities, the Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance secures the financial foundation of the university. Ultimately, Liess supports the long-term viability of the institution through disciplined fiscal stewardship.

    Tyler Verrill - President

    Tyler Verrill, the President at St Bonaventure University, leads the academic and administrative functions focused on student life and campus culture. Overseeing student services, residential life, and extracurricular programming, the President ensures a holistic educational experience rooted in the Catholic-Franciscan tradition. Tyler Verrill directs initiatives that promote student retention and personal development. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to integrate academic rigor with community service opportunities. By fostering an inclusive campus environment, the President supports the diverse needs of the student body. Verrill also manages partnerships with external organizations to provide internships and career development resources. Through active engagement with the student community, the President identifies opportunities for institutional improvement. Ultimately, Verrill drives the mission of the university by cultivating a vibrant, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment that prepares students for success in their professional and personal lives.

    Jeffrey Gingerich - President

    Jeffrey Gingerich, the President at St Bonaventure University, directs the academic vision and faculty development programs. Overseeing curriculum design, research initiatives, and academic policy, the President ensures the university maintains high standards of scholarly excellence. Jeffrey Gingerich facilitates collaboration between academic departments to promote interdisciplinary learning and innovation. This leadership role involves managing faculty recruitment and tenure processes to build a world-class teaching staff. By aligning academic programs with market demands, the President drives student success and career readiness. Gingerich also works closely with the Board to define the long-term academic strategy of the institution. Through the promotion of research and creative activity, the President enhances the academic reputation of the university. Ultimately, Gingerich secures the intellectual future of the institution by fostering a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and commitment to the Catholic-Franciscan values that define the university.
    Jeffrey Gingerich

    Delaney Rowan - President, St Bonaventure Management Club

    Delaney Rowan, the President, St Bonaventure Management Club at St Bonaventure University, directs student-led initiatives focused on professional development and business leadership. Overseeing club operations, networking events, and industry partnerships, the President, St Bonaventure Management Club provides students with practical experience in organizational management. Delaney Rowan architects programs that connect students with alumni and business leaders to foster mentorship and career growth. This leadership role involves managing club budgets and coordinating large-scale events that showcase student talent. By facilitating workshops and seminars, the President, St Bonaventure Management Club enhances the professional skills of the student body. Rowan also collaborates with university administration to align club activities with the broader mission of the institution. Through active leadership and community building, the President, St Bonaventure Management Club prepares students for future roles in the global economy. Ultimately, Rowan drives student engagement by creating meaningful opportunities for professional exploration.

    Lindsay Retchless - Vice President, Advancement & Chief of Staff

    Lindsay Retchless, the Vice President, Advancement & Chief of Staff at St Bonaventure University, manages institutional fundraising and strategic administrative operations. Overseeing donor relations and alumni engagement, the Vice President, Advancement & Chief of Staff secures the financial resources necessary for campus development. Lindsay Retchless coordinates executive priorities to ensure seamless communication between the President and various academic departments. This role involves architecting comprehensive advancement campaigns that highlight the unique value of the Catholic-Franciscan educational model. By streamlining internal processes, the Vice President, Advancement & Chief of Staff improves organizational efficiency and supports the broader mission of the university. Retchless also facilitates high-level meetings to align departmental goals with institutional objectives. Through targeted outreach and relationship management, the Vice President, Advancement & Chief of Staff expands the university network. Ultimately, Retchless drives sustainable growth by cultivating long-term partnerships with supporters and community leaders.

    Thomas Missel - Chief Communications Officer

    Thomas Missel, the Chief Communications Officer at St Bonaventure University, directs all internal and external messaging to enhance the institutional reputation. Overseeing media relations, digital marketing, and public affairs, the Chief Communications Officer ensures consistent communication of the Catholic-Franciscan mission. Thomas Missel architects comprehensive campaigns that highlight student achievements and faculty research to a broad audience. This leadership role involves managing crisis communications and maintaining positive relationships with regional and national media outlets. By aligning messaging with the university brand, the Chief Communications Officer drives enrollment and engagement efforts. Missel also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure transparency and clarity in all institutional announcements. Through strategic content creation and brand management, the Chief Communications Officer strengthens the connection between the university and the public. Ultimately, Missel secures the public image of the institution by articulating the unique value proposition of the university experience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St Bonaventure University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads St Bonaventure University?
    St Bonaventure University is led by Kaylee Grace (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Liess (Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance) and Tyler Verrill (President).
    Who is part of St Bonaventure University’s executive team?
    The executive team of St Bonaventure University includes leaders such as Kaylee Grace (Chief Executive Officer), Paul Liess (Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance), Tyler Verrill (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St Bonaventure University have?
    St Bonaventure University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St Bonaventure University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St Bonaventure University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Controller & Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Finance, President, President, President, St Bonaventure Management Club.