President’s Staff
Strategy
Jessica Durkin, Chief of Staff
Jessica Durkin
Chief of Staff
As Chief of Staff to the University of Minnesota President, Jessica Durkin provides strategic guidance and support to the President. Jessica plays a lead role in managing presidential priorities and initiatives, and she is responsible for directing the operations of the Office of the President. She maintains a close working relationship with members of the President’s Leadership Team to ensure key issues impacting the U of M system are proactively addressed. Jessica also provides critical support to the President in establishing priorities, assisting with long-range planning, and coordinating the execution of strategies in support of the Office of the President.
Jessica previously served as Chief of Staff to the Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan. She holds a Master of Science degree from Northern Michigan University.
Alex Piazza, Executive Director of Presidential Communications
Alex Piazza
Executive Director of Presidential Communications
As the Executive Director of Presidential Communications, Alex designs and implements executive communications strategies in support of the University of Minnesota President. Alex develops and manages a variety of communications tools and mediums on behalf of the President as part of a strategic effort to amplify the University’s achievements and priorities broadly. He also works with faculty, staff and students across the five system campuses to generate increased awareness around important presidential objectives and strategies.
Alex previously served as the Assistant Vice President for Research - Strategic Communications at the University of Michigan. He holds a Master of Science degree in general administration from Central Michigan University.
Maggie Flaten, Assistant Chief of Staff
Maggie Flaten
Assistant Chief of Staff
As Assistant Chief of Staff, Maggie provides direct strategic support to the President. She serves as a liaison with senior leaders and key partners including the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations and its reporting units, the Office of Human Resources, Government and Community Relations, the Office of Internal Audit, Institutional Compliance, University Relations, the Duluth campus, and the P&A and Civil Service Senates.
Maggie also serves as the Office of the President’s liaison to the Board of Regents committees on Finance & Operations, Audit & Compliance, and University Workforce.
Maggie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Brianna Menning, Assistant Chief of Staff
Brianna Menning
Assistant Chief of Staff
In her role as Assistant Chief of Staff, Brianna works within the Office of the President and across the University of Minnesota system to liaise, connect, and support the work of the president. Her focus areas are the systemwide strategic plan, university governance through the University and Faculty Senate, Native American Affairs, and policies and delegations of the Office of the President. She also connects the President’s Office to the Board of Regents Governance & Policy committee.
Brianna holds a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University and a B.A. in philosophy and political science.
Jamie Larson, Assistant Chief of Staff
Jamie Larson
Assistant Chief of Staff
Jamie supports strategic initiatives and operations for the President. She serves as a liaison between the Office of the President, senior leaders, and partners, ensuring smooth communication and coordination across the university system. Key focus areas include the Office of Research and Innovation; Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost; Office of Equity and Diversity; Academic Clinical Affairs & Health Sciences; Health, Safety, and Risk Management; and Student Affairs.
Jamie also serves as a liaison between the Office of the President and student governance groups, including Student Senate and Recognized Student Governance Associations (COGS, USG, PSG). Finally, she connects the Office of the President to the Board of Regents meetings and committees on Mission Fulfillment, Academic Health, and special committee on Student Affairs.
Jamie holds a master of education degree from the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development and a bachelor of science degree in business economics and psychology.
Operations
Sarah Stoesz, Director of Administrative Services
Sarah Stoesz
Director of Administrative Services
As the Director of Administrative Services, Sarah provides essential administrative guidance and support within the President’s office. She plays a lead role in managing the President’s calendar, aligning daily operations with strategic priorities, and overseeing the logistical planning of various initiatives. In her role, Sarah optimizes administrative workflows and collaborates with key stakeholders to improve efficiency. She also manages the administrative team in the Office of the President.
Prior to her return to Minnesota and the University, Sarah served as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Enterprise Operations & Technology Officer at Regions Bank in Birmingham, Alabama. Previously, she held the position of Executive Assistant to the Dean of International Programs in the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance at the University of Minnesota.
Sarah holds a Master of Agriculture in Horticulture and a Bachelor of Arts in History, both earned from the University of Minnesota.
Emily Coil, Administrative Assistant
Emily Coil
Administrative Assistant
As the President’s Office Administrative Assistant, Emily leads the daily operations of the front desk with a focus on customer service, organization, and efficiency, ensuring visitors are attended to professionally and promptly. She makes recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of office operations and liases with front line staff of other senior leaders to ensure open communication and provide information as needed. She also assists the Office Manager with project support, event planning, and Huntington Bank Stadium Suite preparation for home football games.
Ellen Reed, Administrative Associate
Ellen Reed
Administrative Associate
As an Administrative Associate, Ellen provides administrative support to the Office of the President’s senior staff. Her main duties include scheduling for the chief of staff team, event and meeting coordination, and ensuring smooth day to day operations. In her role, she works with the administrative team to support key goals and initiatives and foster strong relationships with the President’s leadership team and partner’s.
Ellen holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Global Resource Systems from Iowa State University.