Allegheny Intermediate Unit Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to advancing regional academic standards, Allegheny Intermediate Unit delivers specialized educational support to public school districts and vocational centers across Pennsylvania through collaborative resource management.

Leadership Roles at Allegheny Intermediate Unit

  • Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer - Kara Lowmaster
  • President & Board of Directors - Philip Little
  • Chief Technology Officer - Richard Platts
  • 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 budgetary planning for the institution. The Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer oversees complex funding streams, ensuring compliance with state regulations while maximizing resource allocation for public school districts. By directing financial audits and treasury operations, Lowmaster maintains institutional stability. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Directors to align capital investments with long-term educational objectives. Kara Lowmaster executes rigorous financial reporting to provide transparency for stakeholders across the Pennsylvania region. Through the optimization of procurement processes, the Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer reduces operational costs. This commitment to fiscal discipline supports the expansion of specialized education services. Ultimately, Lowmaster ensures the financial viability required to sustain critical academic programs.
    Kara Lowmaster

    Philip Little - President & Board of Directors

    Philip Little, the President & Board of Directors at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, governs the strategic direction and policy framework for the organization. The President & Board of Directors facilitates high-level decision-making to ensure the institution meets the evolving needs of 42 suburban school districts. By presiding over board meetings, Little guides the collective vision for regional educational excellence. This leadership role involves evaluating organizational performance and approving major initiatives that impact vocational and technical schools. Philip Little maintains strong relationships with district superintendents to foster collaborative partnerships. Through the oversight of governance standards, the President & Board of Directors upholds accountability and ethical conduct. This focus on policy development ensures that all educational services remain aligned with state mandates. Ultimately, Little provides the necessary leadership to navigate complex administrative challenges while promoting sustainable growth for the entire educational community.

    Richard Platts - Chief Technology Officer

    Richard Platts, the Chief Technology Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, directs the digital transformation of educational services across 42 suburban school districts. The Chief Technology Officer architects scalable network infrastructure and secure data systems to support modern classroom environments. By implementing advanced instructional technology, Platts ensures seamless connectivity for diverse learning platforms. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive student information while optimizing hardware deployment across regional vocational schools. Richard Platts maintains alignment with academic goals by integrating software solutions that enhance administrative efficiency. Through the oversight of technical staff, the Chief Technology Officer drives innovation in digital pedagogy. This strategic focus on technological reliability empowers educators to deliver high-quality instruction. Ultimately, Platts secures the digital foundation necessary for the long-term success of the entire educational network within the county.

    Joseph Lucarelli - Chief Finance & Operations Officer

    Joseph Lucarelli, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, manages the daily logistical functions and operational workflows of the institution. The Chief Finance & Operations Officer coordinates facility maintenance and supply chain logistics to support the diverse needs of vocational and technical schools. By streamlining internal processes, Lucarelli enhances the efficiency of administrative support services provided to suburban school districts. This leadership role involves monitoring operational budgets to ensure resources reach classrooms effectively. Joseph Lucarelli directs cross-departmental teams to resolve logistical bottlenecks and improve service delivery across the county. Through the implementation of standardized operational procedures, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer maintains high performance levels. This focus on operational excellence allows the institution to scale specialized education services effectively. Ultimately, Lucarelli secures the functional infrastructure required to support the daily operations of the entire educational network.

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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 Richard Platts (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), Richard Platts (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.