Case Western Reserve University Executive and Leadership Team

John Sideras, the Chief Financial Officer at Case Western Reserve University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the law school. Sideras architects the budgetary frameworks that fund the diverse academic programs, including the Master of Compliance and Risk Management and the Master of Patent Practice. By monitoring revenue streams and capital expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the institution possesses the necessary liquidity to invest in cutting-edge legal technology and research facilities. John Sideras collaborates with the leadership team to evaluate the financial viability of new academic initiatives and international law partnerships. This role requires precise oversight of endowment management and grant funding to support the school's mission. Through strategic financial planning, Sideras secures the resources required to maintain the competitive edge of the university within the global legal education landscape, ultimately driving institutional growth and stability.

Kayla Klatt, the President at Case Western Reserve University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the law school. Klatt leads the institution in its mission to deliver high-quality legal education through a curriculum deeply rooted in experiential learning. By fostering relationships with legal professionals and government leaders, the President expands the influence of the school within the broader legal community. Kayla Klatt oversees the development of new academic programs, such as the Master of Patent Practice, to meet the evolving demands of the modern legal market. This role involves setting the tone for academic excellence and professional ethics across all departments. Through the cultivation of a collaborative environment, Klatt ensures that the faculty and staff remain dedicated to the success of every student. The President drives the long-term growth of the institution, solidifying its position as a leader in legal, business, and government education.

Sarah Abbott, the President at Case Western Reserve University, focuses on the internal governance and academic integrity of the law school. Abbott directs the faculty development initiatives and ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to the changing landscape of environmental and health law. By overseeing the academic standards of the Juris Doctor and Doctor of Juridical Science programs, the President maintains the rigorous quality of the educational experience. Sarah Abbott collaborates with the Board to implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion within the student body and faculty. This leadership role involves managing the institutional culture to support innovation in legal research and clinical practice. Through the promotion of academic excellence, Abbott ensures that the school continues to produce graduates prepared for the complexities of the legal profession. The President remains dedicated to the advancement of the university's mission through sustained academic rigor and institutional development.

Susan Troia, the Founder and President of the Community Advisory Board at Case Western Reserve University, bridges the gap between the law school and the external professional community. Troia directs the engagement efforts that connect students with mentors and practitioners in the legal and business sectors. By facilitating partnerships with local and regional organizations, the Founder and President of the Community Advisory Board creates opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through practicums and specialized centers. Susan Troia manages the advisory board to ensure that the curriculum reflects the current needs of the legal industry. This role involves organizing networking events and professional development workshops that enhance the career prospects of the student body. Through the cultivation of these external relationships, Troia strengthens the school's impact on the community and ensures that the institution remains responsive to the demands of the modern legal landscape.

Alice Lo, the Co-Founder & Co-President at Case Western Reserve University, drives the development of specialized legal initiatives and interdisciplinary programs. Lo architects the framework for collaborative projects that integrate law with technology and the arts, providing students with a unique competitive advantage. By overseeing the expansion of the school's reach into emerging legal fields, the Co-Founder & Co-President ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of legal innovation. Alice Lo collaborates with other executive leaders to align these specialized programs with the broader mission of the university. This role involves identifying new areas for research and clinical practice that address contemporary legal challenges. Through the strategic development of these initiatives, Lo enhances the academic portfolio of the school, attracting students who seek to specialize in complex, high-growth areas of law and technology within the global market.

Yvette Zhu, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Hypercase at Case Western Reserve University, leads the integration of practical, technology-driven legal solutions into the academic curriculum. Zhu directs the efforts to modernize the approach to legal training, focusing on the intersection of law and digital innovation. By managing the Hypercase initiative, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Hypercase provides students with hands-on experience in handling complex legal cases through advanced technological tools. Yvette Zhu collaborates with faculty to incorporate these practical applications into the Juris Doctor and Master's programs. This role involves fostering an environment where students can experiment with new legal methodologies and professional practices. Through the leadership of this initiative, Zhu ensures that the school remains a pioneer in legal education, preparing graduates to navigate the digital transformation of the legal industry and succeed in a rapidly evolving professional environment.

Elizabeth Fehsenfeld, the Chief of Staff at Case Western Reserve University, coordinates the strategic initiatives and administrative priorities of the executive office. Fehsenfeld facilitates communication between the leadership team and the various academic departments, ensuring that the vision for experiential learning remains a central focus. By managing complex projects and institutional partnerships, the Chief of Staff enables the school to execute its mission of preparing students for careers in business and government sectors. Elizabeth Fehsenfeld oversees the implementation of policies that govern the law clinics and specialized research centers, maintaining alignment with the university's core values. This role involves streamlining decision-making processes and fostering collaboration across the faculty and administrative staff. Through the effective management of institutional priorities, Fehsenfeld supports the overall operational success of the school, ensuring that all departments contribute to the high standards of legal education expected at the university.

Erica Starrfield, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Case Western Reserve University, directs the brand strategy and recruitment efforts for the law school. Starrfield architects comprehensive campaigns to attract top-tier talent to the Juris Doctor and specialized Master's programs. By leveraging digital platforms and industry partnerships, the Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer enhances the visibility of the school's unique focus on law, technology, and the arts. Erica Starrfield manages the messaging that highlights the value of practical training through law clinics and practicums to prospective students globally. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to position the institution as a leader in legal education. Through the development of targeted outreach initiatives, Starrfield drives enrollment growth and strengthens the reputation of the university, ensuring that the school remains a premier destination for students seeking careers in the legal and government sectors.

Sue Nartker, the Managing Director at Case Western Reserve University, oversees the daily operational efficiency of the legal educational programs. Nartker directs the administrative workflows that support the Juris Doctor and Master of Laws curricula, ensuring that faculty and students maintain access to high-quality resources. By managing the logistical requirements of the various law clinics and labs, the Managing Director facilitates a seamless environment for experiential learning. Nartker also coordinates with department heads to align internal processes with the broader institutional goals of the school. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation across the various specialized centers, including those focused on health law and professional ethics. Through rigorous oversight of operational standards, Sue Nartker maintains the high academic reputation of the institution while supporting the diverse needs of the student body across North American legal education markets.