ECPI University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

ECPI University has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, finance, operations, and campus leadership.

Driven by a commitment to student success, ECPI University provides accelerated degree programs and hands-on experiences, fostering a student-centered learning environment to achieve career goals.

Leadership Roles at ECPI University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Neil Amari
  • Chief Operating Officer - Barbara Larar
  • Campus President - Patricia Meredith
  • Campus President - Karen Burgess
  • Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA - Andrew Gladstein
  • SVA Campus Chapter President - Jeff Stump
  • President - Mark Dreyfus
  • President - Karen Sturtevant
  • Chief Technology Officer - Robert Steffler
  • Financial Assistance Chief Information Officer & Vice President - Jeffery Arthur
  • Neil Amari - Chief Financial Officer

    Neil Amari, the Chief Financial Officer at ECPI University, manages the institution's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Amari oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This executive position involves developing financial strategies that support ECPI University's mission of providing affordable education and financial assistance. By optimizing resource allocation and managing investments, Neil Amari drives financial sustainability and growth across all university operations. Amari's responsibilities include securing funding, managing cash flow, and evaluating the financial viability of new initiatives and campus expansions, thereby directly contributing to the accessibility of higher education for a diverse student body.
    Neil Amari

    Barbara Larar - Chief Operating Officer

    Barbara Larar, the Chief Operating Officer at ECPI University, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient functioning of all university departments. Larar oversees campus administration, student services, and the implementation of university policies and procedures across all locations. This critical role involves optimizing operational workflows to support ECPI University's student-centered learning environment and hands-on educational approach. By enhancing operational efficiency, Barbara Larar directly contributes to the university's ability to deliver accelerated degree programs effectively. Larar's leadership ensures seamless integration of academic and administrative functions, supporting the university's commitment to providing accessible higher education and personalized support to students pursuing careers in technology, health sciences, business, and other fields.

    Patricia Meredith - Campus President

    Patricia Meredith, the Campus President at ECPI University, leads the Virginia Beach campus operations, ensuring alignment with the university's strategic objectives and academic standards. Meredith oversees campus administration, faculty management, and student support services, fostering a conducive learning environment. This leadership position involves driving enrollment growth and enhancing the student experience through personalized support and hands-on learning opportunities. By managing campus resources effectively, Patricia Meredith directly contributes to ECPI University's mission of providing accelerated degree programs and career-focused education. Meredith's focus remains on operational excellence and student success, ensuring the Virginia Beach campus effectively serves its diverse student population.

    Karen Burgess - Campus President

    Karen Burgess, the Campus President at ECPI University, directs the strategic initiatives and operational management for a designated campus, ensuring adherence to academic excellence and student success metrics. Burgess oversees all campus functions, including admissions, student affairs, and faculty development, cultivating a supportive and engaging educational atmosphere. This executive role is pivotal in implementing ECPI University's commitment to hands-on learning and accelerated degree programs. By championing campus growth and student retention, Karen Burgess significantly contributes to the university's broader mission of accessible higher education. Burgess's leadership ensures the campus effectively meets the evolving needs of students pursuing careers in various professional fields.

    Andrew Gladstein - Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA

    Andrew Gladstein, the Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA at ECPI University, leads the specialized culinary arts program in Virginia Beach. Gladstein oversees all aspects of the culinary campus operations, including curriculum delivery, student recruitment, and faculty management, ensuring a high standard of culinary education. This role focuses on providing students with intensive, hands-on training and industry-relevant skills essential for success in the culinary field. By fostering strong relationships with industry partners, Andrew Gladstein enhances internship and employment opportunities for graduates. Gladstein's leadership ensures the culinary program at ECPI University remains at the forefront of culinary arts education, preparing students for dynamic careers.

    Jeff Stump - SVA Campus Chapter President

    Jeff Stump, the SVA Campus Chapter President at ECPI University, leads initiatives focused on supporting Student Veterans of America (SVA) members and advocating for their educational needs. Stump oversees chapter activities, coordinates events, and serves as a liaison between student veterans and university administration to ensure access to resources and support services. This role is crucial in fostering a community for student veterans and facilitating their transition into academic and professional life. By championing the needs of student veterans, Jeff Stump directly supports ECPI University's commitment to providing accessible education and personalized support to military personnel and their families. Stump's dedication enhances the overall university experience for this vital student demographic.

    Mark Dreyfus - President

    Mark Dreyfus, the President at ECPI University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Dreyfus oversees all university operations, academic programs, and long-term planning, ensuring alignment with the mission of providing accelerated, career-focused education. This paramount role involves guiding the university's growth, maintaining academic integrity, and fostering innovation across all campuses and online platforms. By setting the vision for ECPI University, Mark Dreyfus drives the institution's commitment to student success and accessibility. Dreyfus's leadership ensures the university remains responsive to industry demands and student needs, solidifying its position as a leading provider of higher education.

    Karen Sturtevant - President

    Karen Sturtevant, the President at ECPI University, directs the strategic vision and operational execution across the university's diverse academic offerings. Sturtevant oversees the administration of all campuses and online programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, hands-on education aligned with industry demands. This leadership position is instrumental in advancing ECPI University's commitment to student-centered learning and career development. By championing institutional growth and academic excellence, Karen Sturtevant significantly contributes to making higher education accessible and effective for a broad range of students. Sturtevant's focus remains on enhancing the student experience and ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their chosen professions.

    Robert Steffler - Chief Technology Officer

    Robert Steffler, the Chief Technology Officer at ECPI University, directs the university's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Steffler oversees the development and implementation of all IT systems, ensuring robust and scalable solutions that support ECPI's diverse academic programs and online learning platforms. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols, data integrity, and the integration of new technologies to enhance the educational experience for students and faculty. By driving technological innovation, Robert Steffler ensures ECPI University maintains a competitive edge in delivering accessible, high-quality education across multiple campuses and online modalities. Steffler's oversight extends to all technology-related operational efficiencies, directly impacting the university's ability to serve a broad student demographic, including military personnel and working adults.
    Robert Steffler

    Jeffery Arthur - Financial Assistance Chief Information Officer & Vice President

    Jeffery Arthur, the Financial Assistance Chief Information Officer & Vice President at ECPI University, leads the integration of technology within financial assistance programs and university-wide information systems. Arthur oversees the development and management of IT infrastructure supporting financial aid processes, ensuring accessibility and efficiency for students. This dual role involves strategic planning for information systems that enhance the university's ability to offer affordable education and financial assistance. By optimizing technology solutions, Jeffery Arthur directly supports ECPI University's mission to make higher education attainable. Arthur's oversight ensures that technological resources are aligned with institutional goals, facilitating student enrollment and retention across all academic disciplines and delivery methods.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ECPI University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads ECPI University?
    ECPI University is led by Neil Amari (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Barbara Larar (Chief Operating Officer) and Patricia Meredith (Campus President).
    Who is part of ECPI University’s executive team?
    The executive team of ECPI University includes leaders such as Neil Amari (Chief Financial Officer), Barbara Larar (Chief Operating Officer), Patricia Meredith (Campus President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ECPI University have?
    ECPI University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in ECPI University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of ECPI University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Campus President, Campus President, Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA.