Misericordia University Appoints New Members to Board of Trustees

Misericordia University has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees: Robert J. “Bob” Gronauer, Esq.; Mary T. Kolessar; Kris Jones; and Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D.

Robert J. Gronauer, Esq., a 1991 graduate of College Misericordia, is a partner at Kaempfer Crowell in Las Vegas, where he specializes in land use and zoning law. Recognized nationally by Best Lawyers in America® and Chambers USA, he has extensive experience in government relations, zoning and community planning. He brings to Kristhe board strategic legal expertise, leadership in governance and a strong alumni connection to the university.

Mary T. Kolessar, a 2007 graduate of Misericordia with a master’s degree in education, serves as executive director of DiscoverNEPA, where she promotes regional growth and community engagement. She previously held leadership roles in education and finance. Kolessar contributes experience in strategic planning, fundraising and civic partnership building, along with a deep commitment to advancing education and regional development.

Kris Jones, a returning trustee, is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. He founded PepperJam, an internet marketing agency acquired by eBay, as well as LSEO.com, a digital marketing agency, and Legacy Advisors, a boutique M&A advisory firm. In 2025, Jones published his fourth book, The Entrepreneur’s Exit Playbook, which is a practical guide that helps founders maximize value, avoid mistakes, and confidently navigate the process of selling their business. He brings to the board expertise in entrepreneurship, digital marketing and investment, as well as a broad professional network to support the university’s strategic goals.

Mary Ann Dillon, RSM, Ph.D., returns to the board as an active voting member. She previously served on the board until 2015 when she earned trustee emerita status. She is a former president of Mount Aloysius College and senior vice president for mission and sponsorship at Mercy Health System. A Sister of Mercy and a 1968 graduate of College Misericordia, she has a distinguished career in higher education and health care leadership. She provides the board with deep mission alignment, and experience in governance and planning.

The appointments of Gronauer, Kolessar, Jones and Dillon reflect Misericordia’s commitment to drawing leaders from diverse professional fields to guide the university’s mission of academic excellence, service and community engagement.