Joseph De Piro is an assistant professor in the Food Business School at CIA’s New York campus, where he teaches Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Event Design and Project Management, Event Contract Negotiation, Principles of Marketing, and Digital Marketing. His courses bridge the gap between business theory and the realities of culinary and hospitality management, preparing students to think strategically, lead creatively, and execute with precision.
De Piro brings more than two decades of leadership across the hospitality, nonprofit, and fashion industries, with expertise in large-scale event planning, marketing strategy, and business development. Before joining CIA in 2024, he served as associate dean and professor of fashion business and luxury brand management at Istituto Marangoni in Miami, overseeing all undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs and spearheading curriculum innovation. He also taught at Miami International University of Art & Design, where he led fashion and event business programs and developed experiential learning initiatives linking students directly with industry partners.
Earlier in his career, De Piro held roles in retail, marketing, and event management with organizations such as Harding Brothers–Carnival Cruises and Macy’s Florida. He has also produced and hosted major nonprofit events, including AIDS Walk Miami and The White Party, and served on the boards of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center, Fashion Group International, and Kids in Distress.
De Piro earned an MA in International Business from Columbia University and a BA in International Relations from the University of Notre Dame, including study abroad in Austria and leadership training through the U.S. Army ROTC program.
Outside the classroom, De Piro is an abstract painter, avid animal lover, and passionate traveler who has explored more than 60 countries. He’s also a master chess player and a devoted mentor who finds his greatest satisfaction in seeing students realize their potential—both in business and in life.