Venessa MacRo

About Venessa MacRo

Strategic problem solver and results-driven leader with deep expertise in legal compliance, human resources, facilities management, and organizational operations. Recognized for guiding institutions through complex challenges with a focus on mission alignment, risk management, and long-term sustainability. A key contributor to enterprise-wide strategy, bringing insight to decision-making, compliance, and litigation oversight. Known for servant leadership that develops talent, builds high-performing teams, and fosters a culture of accountability and collaboration. Leads major university initiatives including policy development, program implementation, real estate development, and financial planning, while overseeing core operational areas such as Human Resources, Public Safety, Operations, and Facilities. Provides executive leadership in risk mitigation and litigation strategy, and serves as a liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Execution and Audit Committees to ensure governance, transparency, and strategic focus.

Experience

1. Chief Administration Officer

   Drake University

   Apr 2015 — Present · Des Moines, IA, US

   As a member of the senior leadership team, contributes to organizational decision making and strategic planning, while managing administrative departments, including Human Resources, Title IX, Public Safety, and Facilities. • Responsible for legal compliance, contracting, and litigation management • Responsible for construction oversight and project delivery • Advises the Board of Trustees Compensation and Execution Committees • Manages litigation and outside legal counsel• Chair of the President’s Committee on Supporting Individuals with Disabilities• Manages community and third-party contractual relationships

Education

• University of Northern Iowa

  BS, Political Science

  1985 — 1989

• Drake University Law School

  JD, law

  1989 — 1992

Skills

• Higher Education Administration
• Nonprofits
• Non-Profits
• Performance Management
• Manager Training
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Legal Compliance
• Employee Benefit Design
• Workplace Investigation
• Fundraising
• Union Relations
• Resume Writing
• Leadership Development
• Organizational Development
• Human Resource Development
• Employee Recognition
• Workplace Coaching
• Employee Benefits
• Employee Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Human Resources
• Career Development
• Compensation Structures
• Public Speaking
• Career Counseling
• Policy
• Leadership
• Higher Education Leadership
• Risk Assessment
• Contract Negotiation
• Higher Education