Allegheny Intermediate Unit Executive and Leadership Team

October, 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 42 suburban public school districts and five vocational schools across Pennsylvania.

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 allocations for specialized educational programs. Overseeing complex financial reporting and treasury functions, the Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with state regulations while optimizing resource distribution for 42 suburban school districts. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Directors to align long-term financial strategies with institutional goals. By implementing rigorous auditing processes, Kara Lowmaster directly impacts the transparency and sustainability of educational funding. The Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer maintains fiscal stability through precise cash flow management and strategic investment oversight. Through disciplined financial stewardship, Lowmaster supports the expansion of vocational training initiatives, ensuring consistent support for all regional educational partners.
    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 entire educational institution. Overseeing high-level governance and stakeholder relations, the President & Board of Directors ensures alignment between the organization and the needs of 42 suburban public school districts. This leadership role involves facilitating board meetings, setting institutional priorities, and representing the organization in regional educational forums. By fostering collaborative partnerships, Philip Little directly impacts the quality of specialized services provided to vocational and technical schools. The President & Board of Directors maintains accountability through transparent oversight of executive performance and organizational mission fulfillment. Through visionary leadership, Little guides the institution toward achieving long-term academic objectives, ensuring that all member districts receive the necessary support to thrive within the Pennsylvania educational system.

    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. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures robust network security and scalable cloud infrastructure for all member institutions. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional stakeholders to implement data-driven instructional tools that enhance classroom engagement. By modernizing technical frameworks, Richard Platts directly impacts the efficiency of specialized education delivery throughout the county. The Chief Technology Officer maintains high standards for data privacy while supporting the evolving digital requirements of vocational and technical schools. Through strategic technology planning, Platts secures the technological foundation necessary for academic success in a rapidly changing educational landscape, ultimately driving innovation across the entire organizational network.

    Joseph Lucarelli - Chief Finance & Operations Officer

    Joseph Lucarelli, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, manages the daily operational logistics and internal business processes that support specialized education services. Overseeing facility management, procurement, and administrative workflows, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer ensures that all 42 suburban school districts receive seamless support for their unique educational requirements. This leadership role involves streamlining internal systems to maximize efficiency and reduce overhead costs across the organization. By optimizing operational capacity, Joseph Lucarelli directly impacts the delivery speed and quality of vocational training resources. The Chief Finance & Operations Officer coordinates with department heads to align daily activities with broader institutional objectives. Through meticulous management of physical and human resources, Lucarelli maintains the operational excellence required to sustain high-quality educational outcomes throughout the county, ensuring consistent service delivery for all regional partners.

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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.