Members of the committee to find a replacement for University President the Rev. Scott Pilarz will be announced in the coming weeks along with the details of the search process, said Brian Dorrington, senior director for University Communications.

John Ferraro, vice chair of Marquette’s Board of Trustees and chair of the finance and audit committee, was chosen by the Board of Trustees Sept. 25 to head the search committee.

“The Board of Trustees is extremely optimistic that it will find a dynamic leader in the next president of Marquette University,” Dorrington said. “This is a remarkable opportunity for a visionary leader to transform the lives of our students in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition.”

Ferraro graduated from Marquette’s College of Business Administration in 1977. He is the global chief operating officer for Ernst & Young, a London-based professional services firm, and is responsible for the overall operations of company worldwide. The company has more than 700 offices in 140 countries and approximately 167,000 employees.

“His executive leadership and experiences will help inform the committee’s decision on how the presidential search process will unfold,” Dorrington said.

Beyond Ferraro’s professional experience, he provides a wealth of understanding and appreciation of Marquette’s mission. He, and his wife, both attended Marquette as undergraduates and he has served on the Board of Trustees since 2006.

As with previous searches, the process will include many opportunities to engage the entire Marquette community in selecting its next leader.

Former University President the Rev. Robert Wild will lead the university as interim president beginning Oct. 16. Pilarz will assist Wild with transition while traveling back and forth to the East coast to care for his ailing father, according to Pilarz’s email to the community last week.