Executive Leadership
Alumnus and seasoned administrator takes on key senior role for Villanova
Three decades after graduating from Villanova’s College of Engineering, Roger Demareski ’91 COE returned to campus in November 2021 as the University’s new Executive Vice President.
Serving as a member of Villanova’s Executive Council and President’s Cabinet, Demareski is a senior adviser to University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS and the Board of Trustees on major University matters. He oversees the University’s administrative functions and key operational areas, comprising Facilities Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, Auxiliary Services, Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Government Relations and External Affairs.
“I am honored for the opportunity to return to my alma mater and help Villanova thrive as a premier national university,” says Demareski. “It’s been wonderful meeting and working with community members from across the University, and I am excited to be part of key campus initiatives, including the Center for Engineering Education and Research expansion, the development of a new 10-year Campus Master Plan, and helping to strengthen our IT infrastructure and emergency management planning.”
“I happily embrace this opportunity to help Father Peter, his leadership team and the entire Villanova family elevate the University to even greater heights.”
Roger Demareski ’91 COE, Executive Vice President
Demareski has an impressive record of leadership over his more than 20 years in higher education. He has held leadership positions at Seton Hall University and Princeton University, and most recently served as the vice president for Finance and Administration at Lafayette College — leading a 350-member division that managed the college’s finances and provided key campus services.
“Roger has quickly proven himself to be a great asset to our senior leadership team, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to achieve Villanova’s ambitious plans for the future,” Father Peter says.
Demareski met his wife, Kris Ryan ’91 CLAS, when they were undergraduate students, and they live in Pennington, N.J., with their four children. He has an MBA in Finance from Seton Hall and outside of work enjoys coaching his son’s CYO basketball teams and serving his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.