Debbie Cavanagh

Debbie Cavanagh directs executive affairs for Loyola Marymount University, providing strategic direction and oversight that advance presidential effectiveness, institutional continuity, and senior leadership engagement. Her portfolio includes executive services and logistics, senior leadership forums and retreats, presidential transitions, administrative operations, stewardship of LMU’s presidents emeriti, and oversight of LMU’s executive venues for hosting dignitaries and distinguished guests.

With over two decades of experience spanning higher education, public service, and the private sector, Cavanagh has developed and implemented protocols that streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and foster collaborative teams. Since joining LMU in 2014, she has served as Senior Executive Assistant to the President, Director of Executive Operations, and Special Assistant to the President, and in 2025, became Director of Executive Affairs, where she launched the university’s new executive affairs unit. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles in human resources and faculty affairs within the California State University system, as well as with The Boeing Company.