Lisa A. Lori, J.D., serves as the 13th President of Marywood University and the first lay president in the institution’s history, a milestone she considers both an honor and a profound responsibility.
A proud Marywood alumna (Class of 1993), Lori returned to her alma mater after a distinguished 25-year career as a commercial litigation attorney in Philadelphia. As a partner at Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP, she represented businesses, health systems, and higher education institutions in complex commercial matters and co-founded and co-chaired the firm’s Higher Education and Healthcare Industry Practice Groups. Advising executive teams and boards on governance, risk management, and strategic growth shaped the disciplined, strategic, and data-informed leadership style she now brings to higher education.
Her academic preparation reflects both rigor and ambition. Lori earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Temple University School of Law, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review. She later earned an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy and completed a Certificate in Strategic Leadership in Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
Service to Marywood has long defined her path. Elected to the university’s board of trustees in 2014, she became board chair in 2016, helping guide the institution through key financial and strategic transitions. When the presidency opened in 2024, she stepped down from the board and as chair to enter a national search process. Her transition from board governance to executive leadership uniquely positioned her to lead with continuity and bold vision.
Since taking office in July 2024, Lori has led Marywood through a period of growth and momentum. Enrollment now exceeds 3,100 students. The University has launched new academic programs, expanded global partnerships, enhanced campus initiatives, and strengthened its role as a regional workforce leader, with healthcare programs achieving licensure pass rates between 98% and 100%.
She speaks candidly about the urgency facing higher education. “Higher education is at an inflection point,” Lori says. “Universities must be transformative, deliver rigorous academics, career-ready graduates, and outcomes that justify the financial investment.”
Throughout her legal career, Lori was recognized by Chambers USA as a leading commercial litigation attorney (2021–2024), named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and was inducted as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. In 2023, she received the Above & Beyond Award from City & State Pennsylvania for her service as board chair.
Lori credits two influential mentors for shaping her leadership philosophy. William Harvey, her former managing partner, instilled discipline and resilience. Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Marywood’s former president, modeled courageous, faith-centered leadership. Their influence is reflected in Lori’s guiding belief: “Leadership is not about comfort. It is about accountability and the courage to make tough decisions that secure the future.”
Lori’s home is in Northeastern Pennsylvania and New Hope. She is an avid animal lover and is the owner of three rescue dogs. “Their loyalty and unconditional love carry me through the most stressful days,” Lori says. “They remind me to stay humble, grounded, and to serve others with the same steadiness and care.”
Lisa A. Lori
Home: Raised in Pittston Twp., lives in Scranton and New Hope
Title: President
Company: Marywood University, Scranton