Cleveland State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cleveland State University has 5 executives leading key functions including technology infrastructure, administrative operations, and institutional strategy.

Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, Cleveland State University advances public research initiatives while fostering student success through diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines.

Leadership Roles at Cleveland State University

  • President - Ronald Berkman
  • President - Walter Waetjen
  • President - Laura Bloomberg
  • Chief Technology Officer - Maria Codinach
  • Chief Administrative Officer & Chief of Staff - Patricia Franklin
  • Ronald Berkman - President

    Ronald Berkman, the President at Cleveland State University, architects the overarching vision for institutional growth and academic reputation. Overseeing the strategic direction of the university, the President manages relationships with external stakeholders and government entities. Ronald Berkman drives initiatives focused on increasing research output and enhancing student enrollment metrics. By fostering partnerships with regional industry leaders, the President expands the professional network available to the student body. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the expansion of academic programs in engineering and liberal arts. Through the promotion of community-based research, the President elevates the profile of the institution within the national landscape. Berkman directs the implementation of long-term development plans to ensure financial sustainability. Ultimately, Berkman secures the future of the university by championing innovation in higher education and public service.

    Walter Waetjen - President

    Walter Waetjen, the President at Cleveland State University, focuses on the historical development and foundational stability of the academic institution. Overseeing the expansion of campus facilities and infrastructure, the President ensures the physical environment supports modern pedagogical requirements. Walter Waetjen directs the allocation of resources toward core academic departments, including science and urban affairs. By maintaining rigorous standards for faculty recruitment, the President upholds the quality of undergraduate and graduate programs. This leadership role involves managing the transition of the university into a prominent public research entity. Through the cultivation of alumni relations, the President strengthens the financial endowment and support systems for future students. Waetjen monitors the effectiveness of educational policies to ensure alignment with evolving market demands. Ultimately, Waetjen drives the long-term success of the institution by prioritizing academic rigor and institutional integrity.

    Laura Bloomberg - President

    Laura Bloomberg, the President at Cleveland State University, leads the current strategic evolution of the institution toward increased community impact and student-centered learning. Overseeing the implementation of modern educational frameworks, the President drives initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. Laura Bloomberg manages the integration of social sciences and human services into the broader university curriculum. By championing diversity and inclusion, the President ensures the campus environment reflects the needs of a global society. This leadership role involves navigating the complexities of higher education funding and public policy. Through the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, the President encourages faculty to address pressing urban challenges. Bloomberg directs the university toward sustainable growth and enhanced student outcomes. Ultimately, Bloomberg secures the relevance of the institution by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and civic engagement.
    Laura Bloomberg

    Maria Codinach - Chief Technology Officer

    Maria Codinach, the Chief Technology Officer at Cleveland State University, directs the digital transformation of campus infrastructure. Overseeing enterprise software systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless integration of academic tools across the institution. Maria Codinach manages the deployment of advanced research computing resources to support faculty innovation. By optimizing network reliability, the Chief Technology Officer facilitates high-speed connectivity for students and staff throughout the North American region. This leadership role involves aligning technical investments with the long-term research goals of the university. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Technology Officer drives operational efficiency. Codinach maintains rigorous standards for data privacy while expanding digital access for remote learners. Ultimately, Codinach secures the technological foundation necessary for modern pedagogical delivery and administrative excellence within the public research environment.

    Patricia Franklin - Chief Administrative Officer & Chief of Staff

    Patricia Franklin, the Chief Administrative Officer & Chief of Staff at Cleveland State University, manages internal governance and executive communications. Overseeing cross-departmental workflows, the Chief Administrative Officer & Chief of Staff ensures alignment between administrative functions and institutional objectives. Patricia Franklin coordinates high-level policy development to streamline university operations. By facilitating collaboration among senior leadership, the Chief Administrative Officer & Chief of Staff supports the execution of strategic initiatives across the campus. This role involves managing complex organizational projects that impact the broader academic community. Through the oversight of administrative resources, the Chief Administrative Officer & Chief of Staff improves institutional agility. Franklin maintains clear channels of communication between the executive office and various academic departments. Ultimately, Franklin drives organizational cohesion and operational effectiveness to support the mission of this public research institution.
    Patricia Franklin

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cleveland State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cleveland State University?
    Cleveland State University is led by Ronald Berkman (President), along with executives such as Walter Waetjen (President) and Laura Bloomberg (President).
    Who is part of Cleveland State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cleveland State University includes leaders such as Ronald Berkman (President), Walter Waetjen (President), Laura Bloomberg (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cleveland State University have?
    Cleveland State University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cleveland State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cleveland State University includes roles such as President, President, President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief of Staff.