Presidential Search
After two decades of dedicated and inspirational leadership, President Franco Pavoncello will be stepping down in June 2026.
In preparation for this transition, the Board of Trustees is launching a comprehensive search for the seventh President of John Cabot University.
The Search Committee
A 12-member Presidential Search Committee selected by John Cabot University's Board of Trustees has committed to finding the most-qualified candidate to lead the University into the future.
Trustees
1. Comm. Sal Salibello, Chair
2. Comm. Avv. Frank J. Desiderio, Vice-Chair
3. Cav. Prof. Portia Anne Prebys, Vice Chair
4. Mr. William A. Cavendish
5. Mr. John Meditz
6. Hon. William J. Martini
7. Angelo J. Genova, Esq.
8. Mr. Angelo Vivolo
9. Mrs. Kristin Frohring Kushlan Finkelstein
Faculty & Administration
10. Prof. Paola Castelli, Faculty, Associate Professor of Psychology
11. Dr. Mary Merva, Vice President of Academics
12. Dr. Jose B. Alvarez, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Operations
Advisors to the Committee
Dr. Franco Pavoncello, President
Peter May, Esq., External Legal Consultant
Coordinator of the Committee
Ms. Kathryne Fedele, Director of Administration and Chief of Staff
The Search Process
The Search Committee is charged with identifying a leader who will lead JCU into its next chapter with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to our mission. John Cabot University is partnering with Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading executive search firm, to ensure a thorough and inclusive process.
Learn more about the position below
Expressions of Interest and Nominations
Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest should be sent to [email protected].
While materials will be accepted until the position is filled, for priority consideration, please submit a CV (cover letter is optional) by September 19, 2025.
John Cabot University, a regionally accredited American university in Rome, Italy, is an equal opportunity employer. The University prohibits and has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, or disability in any of its policies, programs, and services.