Mario Alberto Moreno Zepeda: Strategic Leadership in University Operations

Title: Chief of Staff Office of the Provost

Organization: University of Chicago

Age: 36

Mario Alberto Moreno Zepeda currently serves as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Provost at the University of Chicago, where he plays a crucial strategic and organizational leadership role. In this position, he works to advance the University’s mission, vision, and distinctive strengths, working as a key member of the provost’s senior leadership team. 

Before joining the Office of the Provost in 2024, Mario had an extensive career in public service, serving as Chief of Staff at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. In this role, he was directly involved in developing and implementing President Biden’s drug policy priorities. He managed a sizable agency with an operating budget of $450 million and over 100 staff, including senior military officials, public health specialists, academic researchers, and data scientists. Mario’s expertise and leadership were essential in driving initiatives that shaped national drug control strategies that led to reductions in overdose deaths.

Additionally, Mario served as press secretary at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy during President Obama’s second term. His experience spans across various sectors, including communications, research, and political campaigns. His career also includes fieldwork in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.

Mario holds a master’s degree in computational analysis and public policy from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University.