Leadership

John S. Kiralla serves as Loyola Marymount University’s Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. In these roles, he leads the university’s administration, overseeing its operational, organizational, reputational, and external engagement functions—integrating people, systems, and partnerships to drive progress on LMU’s mission and strategic priorities.

Working closely with President Thomas Poon, Provost Weaver, and colleagues across the university, Kiralla leads a team of dynamic senior leaders whose creativity, discipline, and collaboration accelerate LMU’s forward momentum. Together, they strengthen the university’s academic enterprise, elevate its visibility, and shape a distinctive LMU experience—one that inspires excellence, fosters belonging, and connects the university’s purpose to the wider world. Guided by LMU’s Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount traditions, this leadership team manages the institution’s resources and outreach with integrity, innovation, and a relentless commitment to service.

COO Executive Leadership

• John S. Kiralla, Executive Vice President, COO, CMO, CCO
• Roberto Aguirre, Vice President, Campus Safety Services
• Tamara Armstrong, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
• Michelle Bernardin, Chief of Staff and Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives
• Victoria Gerken, Vice President, Communications and Public Relations
• April Kately, Acting Vice President, Facilities Management and Planning
• Andrew O'Reilly, Vice President, Auxiliary and Business Services
• Bernie Paine, Vice President, Marketing and Brand Management
• Nancy Pluzdrak, Ed.D., Vice President, Human Resources
• Marianna Villa, Vice President, External Relations and Partnerships
• Trevor Wiseman, Ed.D., Vice President, Operations
  
  

COO Key Resources

COO Support Team

• Seal Flores-Valleyfield, Administrative Specialist
• Soroya Greene, Talent Acquisition Partner
• Lori Melkonian, Executive Assistant to the COO
• Dawn Yoshinaga, Records and Administration Manager

COO Analysis and Strategy Team

• Julia Andrews, Data Analytics Specialist
• Tina Brauneck, Financial Data Analyst
• Debbie Cavanagh, Director for Executive Affairs
• Chris Wilson, Operations Manager

COO Special Advisors and Communications

• Marne Campbell, Ph.D., Special Advisor and Professor of African American Studies
• T. Catherine Irwin, Ph.D., Special Advisor and University Ambassador
• Vacant, Senior Director for Executive Communications