Joe Zvesper '76

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement: The Sullivan School of Business and Technology

A 2004 news article on Joe Zvesper’s '76 ascension to chief executive officer at American Appraisal described him as being known for his low-key demeanor, drive, focus, and strategic thinking, as well as his ability to motivate employees. He was liked and respected by his colleagues at the largest independent valuation firm in the world.

Zvesper began his studies at Carroll as an English major. Contemplating becoming a lawyer, Zvesper took advantage of the liberal arts core studies at Carroll before changing his major to accounting and economics. He was active as vice president of the business club and a member of the student advisory council for the business department. He graduated magna cum laude from Carroll University with a Bachelor of Science in 1976 and is a certified public accountant.

Zvesper joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) upon graduation in 1976. After a few years in conventional auditing and tax, he determined his interest and passion was in providing transaction advisory services to clients and focused the balance of his career at PwC in the middle market merger and acquisition sector.

In September 1993, Zvesper joined American Appraisal as executive vice president and chief financial officer to guide a management buyout that was successfully completed in May of 1994. Building upon the company’s foundation of a more than 100-year presence in the United States marketplace, Zvesper primarily focused his efforts on leading the expansion of the global footprint of American Appraisal. During his tenure at American Appraisal until its sale to Duff & Phelps in 2015, American Appraisal expanded its operations to 30 countries, grew its revenues by 525%, and increased the portion of revenues from non-U.S. operations from 25% to 70%.

After completing a global integration role in 2018, Zvesper agreed to remain with Duff & Phelps (rebranded as Kroll in 2021) to continue to provide client services and serve on the Board of Directors of several of the firm’s operations in Europe and Asia. Presently, in addition to continuing his role as executive vice chairman at Kroll, Zvesper is also a principal at Jacsten LLC, a private investment firm that owns several manufacturing companies in Wisconsin.

Zvesper was elected to Carroll’s board of trustees in 2013 and served for 10 years. His wealth of professional experience brought guidance to his service as a member of the business, institutional advancement, and mission and governance committees, and as the compensation committee chairperson. In 2016, Zvesper and co-trustee Tim Sullivan ‘75 funded a one-million-dollar challenge grant for the Doug and Nancy Hastad Hall. Zvesper is known for quiet, strong, and thoughtful leadership.

Making a significant impact in alumni engagement, Zvesper has generously hosted Carroll’s annual Florida alumni and friends gathering for more than a decade, bringing together alumni in the region to remain connected to their alma mater. He has also been an active participant and champion for alumni gatherings in Indianapolis and the annual Pioneer Golf Classic.

Beyond his time devoted to professional efforts, Zvesper treasures spending time with his children, grandchildren, and other family and friends in their family homes in Wisconsin and Florida.