Allegheny Intermediate Unit Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Allegheny Intermediate Unit has 4 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, financial management, operational oversight, and board governance.

Committed to advancing regional academic standards, Allegheny Intermediate Unit delivers specialized educational support to public school districts while fostering innovation across the Pennsylvania educational landscape.

Leadership Roles at Allegheny Intermediate Unit

  • Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer - Kara Lowmaster
  • President & Board of Directors - Philip Little
  • Chief Technology Officer - John Amelio
  • Chief Finance & Operations Officer - Joseph Lucarelli
  • Kara Lowmaster - Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

    Kara Lowmaster, the Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the institution. Lowmaster oversees complex budgetary allocations for 42 public school districts, ensuring compliance with state educational funding mandates. As the primary financial architect, the Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue streams and capital expenditures to maintain institutional stability. Kara Lowmaster collaborates with the Board of Directors to execute strategic financial policies that support specialized education programs. By streamlining procurement processes and auditing internal controls, the Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer maximizes resource utilization across the county. This leadership role requires precise management of treasury functions and investment strategies to secure the future of regional educational services. Lowmaster drives fiscal transparency, ensuring that every dollar directly benefits the diverse student populations served by the institution.
    Kara Lowmaster

    Philip Little - President & Board of Directors

    Philip Little, the President & Board of Directors at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, provides high-level governance and strategic vision for the entire educational institution. Little directs the board in establishing policies that govern the relationship between the unit and 42 suburban public school districts. As the primary representative of the governing body, the President & Board of Directors ensures that all institutional initiatives remain focused on the core mission of specialized education. Philip Little facilitates communication between the executive leadership team and regional stakeholders to maintain alignment on long-term academic goals. This leadership role involves approving major budgetary decisions and overseeing the performance of the organization against established educational benchmarks. By fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, the President & Board of Directors drives the strategic direction of the institution. Little ensures that the organization remains responsive to the changing needs of the Pennsylvania educational landscape, securing the future of regional academic support.

    John Amelio - Chief Technology Officer

    John Amelio, the Chief Technology Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, directs the digital transformation strategy for 42 suburban public school districts. Amelio architects scalable cloud infrastructure and secure data networks to support specialized education services across the county. By implementing advanced learning management systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data while optimizing hardware procurement for vocational schools. John Amelio maintains alignment with the Board of Directors to prioritize technology investments that enhance classroom engagement. Through the deployment of robust digital tools, the Chief Technology Officer drives operational efficiency and supports the broader mission of providing equitable educational resources. Amelio continuously evaluates emerging educational technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the regional academic sector, ensuring that all technical initiatives directly improve student outcomes and administrative productivity.
    John Amelio

    Joseph Lucarelli - Chief Finance & Operations Officer

    Joseph Lucarelli, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, manages the daily logistical and administrative functions that sustain regional educational services. Lucarelli coordinates facility maintenance, transportation logistics, and supply chain operations for vocational and technical schools. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer ensures that resources reach classrooms efficiently across the county. Joseph Lucarelli works alongside the executive team to align operational capacity with the evolving needs of 42 suburban school districts. This leadership role involves managing vendor contracts and physical infrastructure projects to support specialized learning environments. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer drives cost-effective solutions that allow the institution to expand its service reach. Lucarelli maintains high standards for safety and compliance, ensuring that all operational activities support the core mission of providing high-quality educational support to the Pennsylvania community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Allegheny Intermediate Unit Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Allegheny Intermediate Unit?
    Allegheny Intermediate Unit is led by Kara Lowmaster (Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Philip Little (President & Board of Directors) and John Amelio (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s executive team?
    The executive team of Allegheny Intermediate Unit includes leaders such as Kara Lowmaster (Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer), Philip Little (President & Board of Directors), John Amelio (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Allegheny Intermediate Unit have?
    Allegheny Intermediate Unit has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Allegheny Intermediate Unit includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, President & Board of Directors, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance & Operations Officer.