John S. Kiralla
John S. Kiralla serves as Loyola Marymount University’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, where he leads a comprehensive portfolio that integrates university administration, reputation management, and external engagement. Reporting to President Thomas Poon, Kiralla works in close partnership with the president, governance boards, university leadership, and community partners to advance LMU’s mission, steward its resources, and ensure excellence across academic, administrative, and external functions.
Kiralla brings three decades of leadership experience to the role. A trusted strategist and organizational leader, he has guided LMU through complex challenges, elevated the university’s reputation and visibility, and strengthened its capacity to serve students, faculty, and the broader community. His work has spanned academic, business, technology, operational, communications, marketing, governmental, and administrative functions. As COO, he oversees Auxiliary and Business Services, Campus Safety Services, Communications and Public Relations, Conference and Event Services, External Relations and Partnerships, Facilities Management, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Marketing and Brand Management, Operations, and Parking and Transportation—balancing both the institutional focus of university administration and the outward-facing responsibilities of partnerships and engagement.
Under Kiralla’s leadership, LMU has earned more than 110 national and international awards for excellence in communications, marketing, and reputation building. He has spearheaded several first-ever and record-setting outcomes for LMU, including the university’s largest-ever self-study initiative, its most visible event (the U.S. Democratic Presidential Debate), its most attended event (Commencement at SoFi Stadium), and nine consecutive years of growth in visibility and reputation—advancing student enrollment, faculty scholarship, fundraising, and institutional prestige.
An alumnus of and parent at LMU, Kiralla previously served as the university’s Senior Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and External Relations, where he led transformative initiatives such as hosting world leaders on LMU’s campuses. His earlier career included positions with Collegis Eduprise, Sungard Higher Education, and Apple. A recognized thought leader on crisis management, brand development, executive decision-making, and change management, Kiralla is actively involved in professional organizations and serves on several boards, including the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. He also plays leadership roles in citywide initiatives, including Los Angeles’ efforts to host the 2028 Olympic Games.