The Registry Assists Georgian Court University with Interim President Search

February 3, 2025 – The Registry, a Peabody, MA-based interim executive solution owned by ZRG, has assisted in the recruitment of Eugene J. Cornacchia as interim president of Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Cornacchia to Georgian Court University,” said Sister Michele Aronica, chair of the board of trustees. “His experience, leadership acumen, commitment to higher education and track record of success make him the ideal choice to guide Georgian Court at this important time in our history. We are grateful to the Georgian Court University community for their engagement throughout this search process.”

With decades of higher education experience, Dr. Cornacchia will guide the university through its transition following president Joseph R. Marbach’s decision to retire. Dr. Cornacchia’s interim appointment will continue until June 30, 2026. Dr. Cornacchia’s appointment follows a thorough and collaborative search process led by the university’s board of trustees working with The Registry.

Dr. Cornacchia served as president of Saint Peter’s University from 2007 until his retirement in June 2024, making him the longest-serving president in the institution’s history. Under his leadership, Saint Peter’s achieved significant milestones, including its transition to university status, the introduction of its first doctoral programs, and the creation of three new schools: business, nursing, and education. He also oversaw extensive campus enhancements, including the construction of the Mac Mahon Student Center, Run Baby Run Arena, and Panepinto Hall, and led two record-breaking fundraising campaigns that raised over $130 million.

“Dr. Marbach will retire on February 5, 2025, after leading the university since 2015,” said Sister Aronica. “He led the institution through nearly a decade of growth, program development and change. As Georgian Court looks toward the future, Dr. Cornacchia’s appointment marks a pivotal step in ensuring a seamless transition and advancing the university’s strategic goals.”

Georgian Court University is a regional university that provides a transformative education, preparing students for ethical leadership and service in the Catholic Mercy tradition. Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university.

Since 1992, The Registry recorded more than 1,200 placements at over 500 institutions of all types. “The Registry has placed more senior interim leaders on campuses across the nation than any other organization during the past three decades,” said Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, the firm that acquired The Registry in 2023. “The firm initiated and accelerated a new trend in American higher education: the utilization of outside interim presidents.”

Related: Key Hiring Trends For 2025

As a membership-based organization, The Registry preempts the need for expensive, time-consuming and potentially disruptive open-market interim searches. It is now considered the gold standard for interim placement across the higher education space.

Recent Placements

The Registry recently helped find interim HR leaders for a handful of leading schools including Rice University and the University of California. In September, The Registry recruited Cynthia Pepper as a member of The Registry and then placed her at Rice University as the interim associate vice president, human resources and CHRO. She has deep experience in change management and HR program development, working both in-house and as a consultant. “With her skills and expertise, Cynthia is the perfect candidate for this position, and we look forward to hearing about her many accomplishments,” The Registry said.


The Registry: Transforming Higher Education with Deeply Experienced Interim HR Leaders

The Registry, the national leading firm for higher education interim executives, recently placed interim HR leaders with Rice University and the University of California, among others. In an exclusive interview, Larry Lewellen, a senior consultant with The Registry, delves into the qualities that define successful interim CHROs and the organization’s approach to aligning leadership with institutional culture.


“My current role is a temporary assignment as interim CHRO, with my primary responsibilities focused on how I can help the HR team provide the best possible support for the campus community,” Ms. Pepper said. “I have spent my time engaging leaders across campus to understand their perspectives and challenges and bring those back to the HR team so we can address their needs.”

The Registry also recently assisted Rice with the placement of Beth Beam to the position of interim people and culture consultant. “Ms. Beam will be vital in advancing the university’s efforts to enhance employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion and we are confident that she will excel,” The Registry said.

Related: How to Determine Return on Investment in Executive Search

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media

Share This Article

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments