Wilmington University Executive and Leadership Team

Heather O'Connell, the Chief Financial Officer at Wilmington University, manages the fiscal health of a private, non-profit research institution. O'Connell oversees budgetary allocations across seven colleges, ensuring resources support undergraduate and graduate programs effectively. By monitoring revenue streams and institutional expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability necessary for long-term academic growth. This leadership role involves coordinating with the board to align financial strategies with the university's mission of providing accessible education. Heather O'Connell drives cost-efficiency initiatives that allow for continued investment in research and faculty development. Through rigorous financial oversight, O'Connell secures the capital required for campus infrastructure improvements and program expansion. The Chief Financial Officer balances fiscal responsibility with the need for competitive tuition models, ensuring that Wilmington University remains a viable and impactful institution for students seeking professional advancement in various academic disciplines.

Lloyd Ricketts, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Wilmington University, manages the long-term financial planning and asset allocation for a private, non-profit research institution. Ricketts oversees the university's endowment and investment strategies, ensuring that financial resources support the growth of seven colleges. By directing treasury operations, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer secures the capital necessary for expanding undergraduate and graduate programs. This leadership role involves maintaining fiscal transparency and compliance with institutional standards. Lloyd Ricketts drives financial sustainability by optimizing the university's balance sheet and managing risk across all academic disciplines. Through strategic financial stewardship, Ricketts supports the institution's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. The Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer collaborates with executive leadership to ensure that Wilmington University remains financially robust while investing in the future of its students and research initiatives.

Erin DiMarco, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Wilmington University, executes the daily operational strategies of a private, non-profit research institution. DiMarco manages the administrative functions across seven colleges, ensuring that undergraduate and graduate programs operate with maximum efficiency. By streamlining internal processes, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer supports the delivery of high-quality academic services to a diverse student body. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to improve campus facilities and student support services. Erin DiMarco drives organizational excellence by aligning operational workflows with the university's core mission of accessibility and professional development. Through proactive management, DiMarco optimizes resource utilization to sustain the institution's research capabilities. The Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational scalability, ensuring that Wilmington University continues to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty within the competitive higher education landscape.

LaVerne Harmon, the President at Wilmington University, directs the overall strategic vision of a private, non-profit research institution. Harmon leads the executive team in advancing the mission of providing accessible undergraduate and graduate programs across seven colleges. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, the President ensures that academic disciplines remain relevant to professional demands. This leadership role involves setting the long-term goals for institutional growth and research impact. LaVerne Harmon drives the university's commitment to student success by championing innovative teaching methods and community engagement. Through visionary leadership, Harmon guides the institution toward achieving its objectives in a competitive educational market. The President maintains a focus on academic quality and institutional integrity, ensuring that Wilmington University continues to serve as a cornerstone of higher education. By aligning the efforts of all colleges, the President secures the future of the university as a premier destination for professional and academic development.

Dhevaakaran Kumar, the President at Wilmington University, directs the academic and research initiatives of a private, non-profit research institution. Kumar oversees the development of undergraduate and graduate programs across seven colleges, ensuring that the curriculum meets the needs of modern professions. By promoting a culture of innovation, the President drives the university's efforts to expand its reach and impact in the higher education sector. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to enhance research capabilities and academic standards. Dhevaakaran Kumar drives the strategic implementation of new programs that align with the university's mission of accessibility and excellence. Through effective governance, Kumar ensures that the institution remains responsive to the evolving demands of the workforce. The President maintains a focus on student outcomes, ensuring that Wilmington University provides the tools necessary for professional success. By leading the university's strategic initiatives, the President secures the institution's position as a leader in academic and professional education.

Peter Lutus, the Chief Information Officer at Wilmington University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting a private, non-profit research institution. Lutus architects secure network environments and scalable cloud solutions that facilitate seamless access to undergraduate and graduate programs. By modernizing campus technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students maintain connectivity across all seven colleges. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional data while optimizing digital learning platforms for diverse academic disciplines. Peter Lutus drives the integration of emerging educational technologies to enhance the overall student experience. Through strategic planning, Lutus aligns technical resources with the broader mission of providing high-quality, accessible education. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic leadership to implement data-driven systems that support institutional growth and operational efficiency throughout the New Castle headquarters and remote learning environments.

Nicole Romano, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer & Adjunct Faculty at Wilmington University, directs talent acquisition and workforce development for a private, non-profit research institution. Romano manages human capital strategies that support faculty and staff across seven colleges. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer & Adjunct Faculty ensures that the university maintains a high standard of academic and professional excellence. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive workplace culture that aligns with the institution's mission of student-centered education. Nicole Romano drives initiatives that promote employee retention and professional growth, directly impacting the quality of undergraduate and graduate programs. Through effective personnel management, Romano supports the diverse needs of the university's workforce. The Assistant Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer & Adjunct Faculty balances administrative duties with teaching responsibilities, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of human resources and academic success.

Sarah Keith, the Chief Operations Officer at Wilmington University, manages the logistical frameworks and campus services of a private, non-profit research institution. Keith oversees the physical and digital operations that support seven colleges, ensuring that undergraduate and graduate programs function without interruption. By optimizing facility management and service delivery, the Chief Operations Officer enhances the overall environment for students and faculty. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to improve operational agility and responsiveness. Sarah Keith drives initiatives that streamline administrative tasks, allowing the university to focus on its core mission of academic excellence. Through effective operational oversight, Keith ensures that resources are allocated to support the diverse needs of the student body. The Chief Operations Officer maintains a focus on continuous improvement, ensuring that Wilmington University remains a leader in providing accessible and high-quality education through efficient, well-managed institutional processes.

Donna Wilkinson, the Chapter Advisor at Wilmington University, directs student engagement and organizational development within a private, non-profit research institution. Wilkinson manages the mentorship programs that support students across seven colleges, ensuring that extracurricular activities align with the university's mission of professional growth. By facilitating leadership training, the Chapter Advisor empowers students to excel in their chosen academic disciplines. This leadership role involves coordinating with student organizations to foster a vibrant campus community. Donna Wilkinson drives initiatives that promote networking and career readiness, directly impacting the success of undergraduate and graduate students. Through dedicated mentorship, Wilkinson supports the holistic development of the student body. The Chapter Advisor balances administrative guidance with student-led projects, providing a supportive environment that enhances the overall educational experience. By fostering connections between students and the broader university community, the Chapter Advisor contributes to the institution's reputation for excellence and student-centered learning.

Nicole Cathcart, the Director, Human Resources & Adjunct Faculty at Wilmington University, manages personnel operations and instructional support for a private, non-profit research institution. Cathcart oversees the recruitment and development of faculty across seven colleges, ensuring that undergraduate and graduate programs are staffed by qualified professionals. By implementing human resources policies that support academic excellence, the Director, Human Resources & Adjunct Faculty fosters a productive work environment. This leadership role involves balancing administrative responsibilities with teaching duties, providing a unique perspective on the needs of both staff and students. Nicole Cathcart drives initiatives that improve faculty engagement and professional development, directly impacting the quality of education. Through effective personnel management, Cathcart supports the university's mission of providing accessible and high-quality learning experiences. The Director, Human Resources & Adjunct Faculty ensures that the institution maintains a strong, dedicated workforce capable of meeting the diverse needs of the student body.