Joe Echevarria: UM president targeting the progression from great to elite

Joe Echevarria’s journey from growing up in the South Bronx to the seventh president of the University of Miami (UM) is the epitome of a full-circle moment as he was appointed in October the first alumnus to lead the university. 

His professional path began when he interviewed with Deloitte at the UM’s career center as a student – a connection that launched a 36-year career at the global consulting and tax firm, culminating in his role as CEO, where he oversaw 70,000 employees across multiple countries. Following his tenure at Deloitte, Mr. Echevarria served on the UM Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2019. 

He brought his expertise to the UM Health System as a senior advisor to former President Julio Frenk, interim chief financial officer, chief administrative officer and interim chief executive officer. He became chief executive officer of UHealth in 2020 and his responsibilities as CEO grew to include the entire university in 2022. 

Now, as the university’s first alumnus president, Mr. Echevarria brings his passion, honed leadership and deep personal connection to the institution he credits with transforming his life. At the helm during the institution’s centennial, Mr. Echevarria stands poised to unite UM’s academic, research, health care and athletic missions under a vision of community, excellence and continual improvement. 

Mr. Echevarria spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen. 

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