Joe Echevarria Appointed as University of Miami President Ahead of Centennial Celebration

Joe Echevarria, an esteemed alumnus of the University of Miami, has been appointed as the institution’s seventh president following a unanimous decision by the Board of Trustees. Echevarria’s leadership will guide the university as it approaches its centennial celebration. Previously serving as acting president, he is the first UM graduate and the second Hispanic to hold the presidency at the university.

“Joe is a ‘Cane through and through,” remarked Board of Trustees Chair Manny Kadre in a statement released to the UM community. “He embodies our mission and stands with our teams—in classrooms, clinics, labs, and on fields of competition worldwide.”

Echevarria’s connection with the University of Miami dates back 50 years, epitomizing his long-standing affiliation and passion for the institution. His career includes a tenure as CEO of UHealth, the university’s extensive medical sector, since 2020, and a prior role as CEO of Deloitte LLP, one of the world’s largest professional services networks.

Echevarria succeeds Julio Frenk, who vacated the presidency after nearly a decade to assume the role of Chancellor at UCLA. Frenk and Echevarria collaborated extensively, with Frenk noting Echevarria’s pivotal role in managing various challenges during his presidency.

The selection process for Echevarria differed from prior presidential searches, proceeding internally without the formation of a formal search committee. Instead, a consultative group comprising faculty, deans, and trustees managed the selection. This process marks a departure from the exhaustive search that followed Donna Shalala’s presidency.

Echevarria’s journey to the presidency is particularly notable as he transitions from a career primarily rooted in business. He joined Deloitte LLP fresh out of college, eventually rising to CEO, before retiring in 2014. His work extends beyond the university, with advisory roles for the Obama Foundation and board positions with Pfizer and UNUM.

Although Echevarria has yet to detail specific plans for his presidency, his past involvement with UHealth suggests that health and athletics may remain focal points. The university has not disclosed how it will address the vacant CEO position at UHealth, previously held by Echevarria, leaving it uncertain whether the role will be filled or restructured under his leadership.