Title: Georgetown Appoints President’s New Chief of Staff

Georgetown has hired Anne Moran, a longtime higher education administrative leader, as its next chief of staff.

In her role, Moran will serve as a senior advisor to President Eduardo Peñalver and work to carry out his strategic priorities. 

Moran most recently served as Peñalver’s chief of staff at Seattle University, where she worked for the past 15 years. 

“I am excited to continue working with Anne in this new chapter at Georgetown,” Peñalver said. “Anne brings the strategic mindset, diplomatic skills and a deep commitment to the Catholic, Jesuit mission that will help Georgetown lead in this moment.”

Moran will succeed Joseph Ferrara, who will continue to serve as the senior vice president for strategic engagement and senior advisor to the president.

At Seattle, Moran served the president and his leadership team, while also supporting the university’s Board of Trustees. Moran previously was senior assistant to the president and the senior executive coordinator for Seattle’s executive vice president. She also earned her undergraduate degree in English at Seattle. 

“The work I did at Seattle prepared me for taking this role,” Moran said. “I feel like that work has missioned me to Georgetown, and it’s gratifying to carry those experiences and relationships that I made at Seattle to Georgetown.”

Get to know Moran, her love for Jesuit education and what she’s most looking forward to in joining the Georgetown community.

What motivated you to devote your career to higher education?

I didn’t work for a long time outside of the home when Matt and I started our family because we had our five children in eight years. My husband refers to our five children as my first executive cabinet. I dipped my toe back into returning to work when I worked at the Jesuit parish in Seattle. Because we have so many children, people then kept suggesting I should work at Seattle University for the tuition benefit. I often say I initially chose Seattle U to attend as an undergrad and then returned to work there in 2011, but at some point, Seattle University chose me. Jesuit, Catholic higher education chose me and instilled in me a deep commitment to the work that I have so enjoyed.

I believe passionately about the impact universities and higher education can have on the trajectory of a young person’s life. Universities and institutions serve a broad bandwidth of people, but I tend to think about it primarily at the undergraduate level and those really formative years as young adults are beginning to explore what the trajectory of their life might look like. To play a small role in that has been really meaningful.

I can’t imagine working anywhere else [but in Catholic, Jesuit higher education]. It’s just core to who I am to serve in this capacity in higher ed, and what a privilege it is to serve these Jesuit institutions.

Why does Catholic, Jesuit tradition resonate with you?

There’s the expected answer of cura personalis and care for the whole person. We know that, but there’s something deeper in terms of how we educate students to be other-centered, to be in service to and for others, explore varying themes. We’ve lost a little bit of this ability to be in disagreement respectfully with one another, and I think the Catholic, Jesuit tradition offers meaning to those conversations.

What motivated you to come to Georgetown?

What motivated me to come to Georgetown was the opportunity to continue working with Eduardo. People are drawn to Eduardo and they want to work with him. When I met him in 2020 when he was appointed [president of Seattle University], I recognized the impact he could make. I wanted to continue what I have learned over the years and support his work at Georgetown.

What an opportunity for me to bring my skills and relationships to the landmark Jesuit institution. It was an easy yes. Georgetown’s reputation stands alone, and to play some small role in the next chapter in Georgetown’s legacy and history with the 49th president is really appealing to me.

What’s something you know about President Peñalver that you’re looking forward to the Georgetown community learning?

He likes really good food, and he’s an amazing cook. When we were in Seattle, we would plan a small dinner party at his home, and he would do the cooking, preparing delicious Cuban food. If you ever get invited to a paella meal with him, take advantage of it because he does a remarkable job. 

What are you most looking forward to at Georgetown?

I need a good campus tour to find my way around. I am excited to get to know the community, the students, the faculty, staff, administrators, members of the Jesuit community and the board of directors who have been so committed to Georgetown in their personal and professional lives.

What are the goals you have as you start your role?

My priorities are to take time getting to know people, to listen and provide an opportunity to help people do their work and be a conduit for moving things forward, to really help move the needle on issues and initiatives that have become Eduardo’s priorities.

What do you want the Georgetown community to know about you?

It sounds cliché, but stop by if you need something. I’m a very relational person, so reaching out and being in conversation with anyone and everyone — I’m open to that.

I’m also known for my shoes. I have a very basic wardrobe, but I always like the pop of a great pair of shoes. I have to be careful on the brick, though, because I like heels!