Madison C. Silvert, J.D., is the sixth president of Brescia University. He began his tenure on March 31, 2025. President Silvert’s selection marked the first time a lay person has served in the role of President in the 100-year history of the university.
President Silvert previously served as President of BryantCorp, where he managed and developed hospitality and commercial real estate holdings. Prior to that role, he was President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, where he assisted in the revitalization of downtown Owensboro through key economic strategies. Still licensed to practice law, he worked in private practice in both Owensboro and Louisville. Also during these years, President Silvert taught as an adjunct professor at Brescia University, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Owensboro Community and Technical College.
President Silvert earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Centre College, a juris doctorate from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and is recognized by the American Planning Association as a certified urban planner with the designation of AICP. He is a former member of the industry advisory council for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and the Hampton by Hilton Owner’s Advisory Council.
President Silvert served on numerous boards over the years, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), where he served on the executive committee; the Kentucky Association for Economic Development, where he served as Chair; the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service; and the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board. His service to the Commonwealth includes a 2021 appointment by Gov. Andy Beshear to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education where he currently serves as Chair.
Locally, he is a member of the parish council for St. Pius X Catholic Church, past chair of the Brescia University Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, immediate past chair of the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport, and a board member for the William and Marilyn Young Foundation.
With his wife and college sweetheart, Amy, they have three children—Emma, Lilly and John.