Chris W. Brussalis, Allegheny ’87, is the ninth president of Point Park University. He has served in this role since February 2023. Brussalis also serves as adjunct professor of management and policy at the Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University. He served as longtime president and later chairman of The Hill Group Inc., a national management consulting firm. As an engaged scholar-practitioner for over 33 years, Brussalis has taught at the graduate level, provided advice and counsel to numerous Fortune 500 corporations, governments, large institutions, including many colleges and universities, and served in higher education executive leadership roles.
Dr. Brussalis has a longstanding commitment to public service, having served on and led many regional and national boards. He currently serves on the boards of the Live Like Lou Foundation (vice chair), Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, American Society for Competitiveness, and Leadership Pittsburgh (past chair). Brussalis served on the boards of Point Park University, ALS Association, Regional Learning Alliance (chair), Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity (president), Phi Delta Theta Foundation, Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall (chair), CONTACT Pittsburgh, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Small Business Council. He also managed the New Idea Factory in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the largest economic development transition effort of a metropolitan region in the history of the United States at the time.
Recognized for community engagement, Dr. Brussalis was selected as one of the “Pittsburgh Power 100,” highlighting the Pittsburgh region’s most influential leaders. He also received a “C-Suite Award” as an outstanding executive who made an impact in his organization and the region. The Pittsburgh Business Times selected Brussalis as one of the Pittsburgh region’s “Top 20 Changemakers” and “Fast Trackers,” and Pittsburgh Magazine recognized him as “40 Under 40” and “Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest.” Brussalis received a “Blue Citation” from Allegheny College for a lifetime of outstanding service to his alma mater, and he was inducted into the Elizabeth Forward High School Hall of Fame. Brussalis was also selected by the Secretary of the Air Force as one of 100 distinguished American leaders to attend the forty-seventh annual National Security Forum at the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base.
Dr. Brussalis is a graduate and former board chair of Leadership Pittsburgh, a network of regional leaders and decision makers, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College, master’s degree in public and business administration from the University of Illinois, and doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University. He and his wife, Christina have four children and reside north of Pittsburgh.
