Allegheny Intermediate Unit Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Allegheny Intermediate Unit has 4 executives leading key functions including technology, finance, operations, and governance.

Driven by a commitment to educational excellence, Allegheny Intermediate Unit provides specialized services to 42 suburban public school districts and five vocational schools, shaping the future of learning across Allegheny County.

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, commands the financial strategy and operational oversight for the institution. Lowmaster manages all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and treasury functions, ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization. This multifaceted role involves safeguarding the institution's assets, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. The Executive Vice President & Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer also plays a critical part in developing long-term financial strategies that align with Allegheny Intermediate Unit's mission of providing specialized educational services to numerous school districts. By meticulously managing financial resources and reporting, Kara Lowmaster provides essential financial leadership that underpins the institution's ability to innovate and serve its constituents effectively across Pennsylvania.
    Kara Lowmaster

    Philip Little - President & Board of Directors

    Philip Little, the President & Board of Directors at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, provides overarching strategic direction and governance for the institution. Little leads the Board of Directors in setting the organization's vision, mission, and long-term objectives, ensuring alignment with the educational needs of the community. This pivotal role involves guiding the institution's strategic planning processes, overseeing executive leadership, and ensuring accountability for institutional performance and financial stewardship. The President & Board of Directors champions the mission of providing specialized education services to 42 suburban public school districts and five vocational schools, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation. By providing strong leadership and strategic oversight, Philip Little ensures that Allegheny Intermediate Unit remains a vital resource, effectively serving its constituents and advancing educational opportunities across Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

    Richard Platts - Chief Technology Officer

    Richard Platts, the Chief Technology Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, directs the strategic implementation and management of all technology initiatives. Platts oversees the integration of innovative digital solutions that enhance educational delivery and operational efficiency across the 42 suburban public school districts and five vocational schools served by the institution. This leadership role involves architecting robust IT infrastructure, ensuring data security, and driving the adoption of emerging technologies to support the evolving needs of students and educators. By focusing on scalable and sustainable technology frameworks, Platts ensures that Allegheny Intermediate Unit remains at the forefront of educational technology, directly supporting the institution's mission to provide specialized learning services. The Chief Technology Officer's purview extends to managing technology budgets, vendor relationships, and IT support systems, guaranteeing seamless technological operations throughout the organization.

    Joseph Lucarelli - Chief Finance & Operations Officer

    Joseph Lucarelli, the Chief Finance & Operations Officer at Allegheny Intermediate Unit, spearheads the financial management and operational execution critical to the institution's service delivery. Lucarelli oversees the day-to-day operational functions, ensuring seamless integration with financial strategies to maximize efficiency and resource allocation. This leadership position involves managing budgets, optimizing operational workflows, and implementing best practices across all departments to support the specialized education services provided to 42 suburban public school districts and five vocational schools. The Chief Finance & Operations Officer's responsibilities include driving operational improvements, managing facilities, and ensuring that all administrative functions support the core educational mission. By aligning financial discipline with operational excellence, Joseph Lucarelli ensures that Allegheny Intermediate Unit can effectively and sustainably meet the diverse needs of its educational partners throughout Allegheny County.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    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.