Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Comprised of eleven departments, the office is dedicated to operational excellence, innovation, and service, creating a seamless and student-centered environment that empowers faculty, staff, and students.

About the COO

Patrick Retton is the Chief Operating Officer of Georgetown Law. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education leadership, Patrick specializes in finance, operations, capital planning, and human resources. His career includes leadership roles at Vanderbilt University and George Washington University, where he developed a reputation for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and aligning resources to achieve institutional priorities.

Dedicated to building inclusive and high-performing teams, Patrick focuses on creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. His leadership style emphasizes thoughtful planning, efficient operations, and a commitment to sustainable, long-term success.

Patrick lives in Virginia with his husband and their daughter.