About

President's Office Team

Paige Beles Geers, Chief of Staff

Paige supports, proactively manages and shepherds high-priority projects and key university strategic initiatives. She oversees relations and outreach efforts with the Florida Board of Governors members, staff and other dignitaries. Paige is also the staff liaison for the Board of Trustees Strategic Initiatives Committee. Email Paige.

Linda De Blasio, Senior Special Assistant to the President

Linda proactively manages and coordinates the daily functions of the president. This includes synchronizing meetings and speaking engagements and optimizing the president’s time for maximum productivity. Linda assists in communicating with internal and external constituents, including the Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, business leaders, donors and government officials. Email Linda.

Travis Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff

Travis works with President Law and other university leaders on project management of strategic initiatives and other institutional priorities. He also serves as the President’s Office liaison to key on-campus groups, including Presidential Advisory Committees, and assists the President in staying connected with and being an active participant in the university’s student community across all three campuses. Email Travis.

Shari Martinez, Senior Director of Executive & Presidential Events

As the lead planner for presidential and executive events in the President's Office, Shari partners with all units across USF in ensuring proper protocol, presentation, and communication is met for all events involving the President, including logistics for Board of Trustees and Board of Governors events. Shari also manages events at Lifsey House and is the liaison to Town and Gown. Email Shari.

Amberly Nelson, Director of Commencement

Amberly provides leadership for the university’s Commencement ceremonies, working closely with senior leadership, the Registrar’s Office, colleges and all three campuses to provide students a memorable experience to celebrate their graduation. Amberly also coordinates graduate celebrations for the St. Petersburg campus. Email Amberly.

 

Christy Chefalas, Manager of Fiscal & Business Administration/Budget Analyst

Christy’s chief responsibility is the fiscal and business management for Executive Services including the Office of the President, Government Relations, General Counsel, and the Board of Trustees. She also serves as the HR manager for the Office of the President. Email Christy.

 

 

Jessica Samaniego, Executive Project Manager

Jessica plays a crucial role in overseeing complex projects and strategic undertakings from start to finish, while meticulously tracking the progress of university and presidential initiatives. She is committed to enhancing project efficiency and ensuring stakeholder engagement, performance monitoring and fostering a culture of continuous project improvement and innovation. Email Jessica.

Dorinda Agosto, Building Manager

Dorinda oversees operations, events, and maintenance for the Patel Center for Global Solutions building, the leadership hub for the University of South Florida. Dorinda supervises student office assistants in serving as the first point of contact for guests; the planning and executing of meetings and other events held in the building; and in ensuring timely mail services. Email Dorinda.

Mary Dooley, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff 

Mary provides high-level administrative support to the Chief of Staff, managing daily operations such as meeting coordination, communication with internal and external stakeholders, and the facilitation and reconciliation of travel arrangements. Additionally, she serves as the travel reconciler for the President and Board of Trustees, and coordinates student check-in for all Commencement ceremonies. Email Mary.

Bailey Peery, Special Events Coordinator

Bailey is committed to creating memorable experiences that showcase the University’s successes and build a strong sense of community. Her role spans a wide range of duties, from organizing high-profile events and working closely with important stakeholders to managing every detail from start to finish. Her creative approach and dedication to outstanding service play a crucial role in enhancing USF’s dynamic campus atmosphere.

Daniela Harary, Graduate Assistant for Strategic Operations

Daniela provides support to the President’s Office staff by assisting in daily and strategic operations, collaborating with staff members on key strategic initiatives, and assisting in the planning, implementation and wrap-up of high priority projects. She also supports the Deputy Chief of Staff in student-related matters and functions. Email Daniela. 

Elizabeth Metcalf, Executive Communications Manager

Elizabeth is responsible for promoting the strategic vision and outreach activities of President Rhea Law. A member of University Communications and Marketing, Elizabeth manages day-to-day speech writing and social media engagement to help raise the chief executive’s visibility, build community trust among stakeholder groups, and advance the university’s goals. Email Elizabeth.