October 04, 2012
St. John’s University’s Board of Trustees, at its meeting on
Wednesday, appointed Martha K. Hirst as Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective
immediately. Previously, her title was Senior Vice President
for Operations and Treasurer. In her new role, she will
retain the position of Treasurer.
Ms. Hirst arrived at St. John’s in February 2011, and provided
oversight for the areas of Business Affairs, Information
Technology, Facilities and Construction, Branch Campuses, and
Conference Services. In June 2011, she assumed responsibility
for these areas and has also provided leadership for Global
Programs, Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications, and
Public Safety.
“Martha has become recognized throughout the University
community for her outstanding management abilities as well as for
her collegiality,” said Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President
of St. John’s University. “During her tenure, she has provided
capable and effective leadership for significant operational
initiatives which are enabling St. John’s to strengthen its
financial position, better utilize its facilities, and enhance its
brand and visibility.”
“I am grateful for the confidence and support of Father
Harrington and the Board of Trustees,” said Ms. Hirst. “The St.
John’s leadership team and the faculty, administrators and staff in
New York, Rome and Paris include absolutely first-rate men and
women. We are already working together across the University on a
wide array of exciting strategic challenges to maintain and enhance
the quality, vibrancy, and affordability of a St. John’s education
for all of our students. The opportunity to work in this capacity
to build on these efforts and further our mission is a privilege,
and I am delighted to accept this appointment.”
Prior to joining St. John’s, Hirst spent 32 years in New York
City government, working closely with Mayors Ed Koch, David
Dinkins, Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. Her varied
management successes included more than eight years as Commissioner
of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, a diverse
and professional 2,000-employee agency that supports all City
government departments in the areas of personnel and civil service,
goods procurement, real estate, and building and energy
management.
In addition, Hirst served for six years as Deputy Sanitation
Commissioner. In this capacity, she led the team of Solid
Waste Management planners and engineers that designed, secured
regulatory approvals for, and implemented the historic closing of
the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island.
A double alumna of New York University, she received her
baccalaureate degree magna cum laude and was elected to
Phi Beta Kappa. She subsequently earned a Masters in Urban Planning
at the Wagner School of Public Service.
Interested media representatives can contact Dominic Scianna,
Associate Vice President for External Relations at St. John’s
University, by calling 718.990.6185, or e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.
For late breaking news and information regarding St. John’s
visit us on the University website at www.stjohns.edu/news, on Twitter@St.JohnsUMedia and
on the University Facebook page.