President Chris Brussalis Honored Among Pittsburgh's Most Influential Leaders Thursday, February 20, 2025
“I am honored to be among this list of influential people in Pittsburgh,” Brussalis said. “As Pittsburgh’s only Downtown university, the success of Point Park and the success of the city go hand-in-hand. I want both to thrive for the benefit of our entire region.”
President Chris W. Brussalis has been named to Pittsburgh Business Times’ Power 100 list, which identifies the region’s most influential leaders. Brussalis was selected for the second time in two years as a leader of influence with “strength, leadership and a drive to succeed.” He was included on the list of “Catalysts” who stand at the intersection of research, job training and aiding in company formation and growth.
“I am honored to be among this list of influential people in Pittsburgh,” Brussalis said. “As Pittsburgh’s only Downtown university, the success of Point Park and the success of the city go hand-in-hand. I want both to thrive for the benefit of our entire region.”
Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Cibik, M.D. FACS, said, “Every day I get to see the hard work that Chris and the broader Point Park University team does to have a positive impact on our students, stakeholders and city. It’s great to see this recognition of those efforts, and I look forward to continuing to work with Chris to build on our success so far.”
The Power 100 profile listed Brussalis’ major accomplishments in the two years he has been leading the University. These include devising a strategic plan, engaging the Urban Land Institute to conduct a study of the University’s Downtown footprint, boosting the athletics profile by moving from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II and creating the Center for Experiential Narrative Technologies.
The Pittsburgh Business Times publishes the Power 100 annually. The curators of the list consider such questions as “Who has the power to move the market?” and “Who is likely to shape our futures?” As Brussalis continues to execute the strategic plan to both grow the University and impact the community, it’s likely his efforts will indeed shape the futures of many.
“Point Park University is one of the largest owners of real estate Downtown, and of course, our students, faculty, and staff are integral parts of the Downtown community,” Cibik said. “It is critically important to us that Downtown be a thriving and safe community in which to live, work, study and play. Point Park has an opportunity to be a catalyst for development, and as our strategic vision makes clear, we intend to seize it.”