Starting at the end of this month, the University will have a new Executive Vice President of Administration and Operations, Roger Demareski ‘91. He will succeed Kenneth G. Valosky ‘82, who is retiring after holding the role for more than 21 years. 

After graduating from the University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering, Demareski served as a Senior Project Manager at Turner Construction Company. He later went on to receive an MBA from Seton Hall University in Finance and Financial Management Services, before becoming Associate Vice President for Administration there. He later moved to Princeton University, where he served as Assistant Vice President. He now comes to campus from Lafayette College, where he served as VP Finance and Administration.

While at Lafayette, Demareski was responsible for auxiliary and business services, finance, facilities management, real estate development, sustainability, risk management and safety and security. Among his most impactful contributions to the campus were the creation of a 10-year campus stewardship program focusing on IT and utility infrastructure, an updated campus space plan, improved campus services that increased offerings and reduced spending, as well as an improved campus safety and emergency preparedness plan.

“Roger’s vast higher education experience and knowledge, coupled with his familiarity with Villanova’s mission and values, made him stand out among a very impressive group of national candidates,” University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. said. “Roger will be an incredible asset to our senior leadership team, and I look forward to working closely with him in this role.”

At Villanova, Demareski’s responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Administration and Operations will include overseeing the Universities administrative functions, as well as a wide array of key operational areas, comprising Facilities Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, Auxiliary Services, Public Safety, Emergency Management and Government Relations and External Affairs. He will also join Villanova’s Executive Council and President’s Cabinet, where he will develop institutional-wide strategies for leveraging University resources in alignment with the University’s academic priorities, missions and goals.

“I am honored and excited to be coming home to the place that was transformational in my life,” Demareski said. “The opportunity to help Father Peter, his leadership team and the entire Villanova family elevate the University to even greater heights is one I happily embrace. I cannot wait to get started.”