ECPI University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

ECPI University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, technology infrastructure, and campus leadership.

Focused on delivering accelerated degree programs, ECPI University prioritizes student-centered learning and hands-on experiences to ensure career readiness for diverse populations across multiple regional markets.

Leadership Roles at ECPI University

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

    Neil Amari, the Chief Financial Officer at ECPI University, directs all fiscal planning and resource allocation to support the institution's mission of providing affordable education. Amari manages the university's budgetary frameworks, ensuring financial stability across all campus locations and online programs. By overseeing long-term capital investments and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal health necessary for academic expansion. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the board to optimize financial aid distribution, directly impacting the accessibility of degree programs for working adults and military personnel. Neil Amari monitors economic trends to refine the university's financial strategy, ensuring that resources align with student-centered learning goals. Through rigorous oversight of institutional assets, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain high-quality, hands-on educational environments throughout the organization's broad market reach.
    Neil Amari

    Barbara Larar - Chief Operating Officer

    Barbara Larar, the Chief Operating Officer at ECPI University, executes the daily administrative functions and operational workflows that define the student experience. Larar manages the integration of academic services with campus-level logistics, ensuring that the university's accelerated degree programs function efficiently across all locations. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer drives improvements in student support services and campus accessibility. This role requires constant coordination with department heads to maintain high standards in nursing, technology, and business education. Barbara Larar oversees the implementation of operational policies that facilitate a seamless transition for students from enrollment to graduation. Through the optimization of institutional infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer supports the university's commitment to providing personalized learning environments. Larar ensures that all operational activities remain aligned with the broader goal of preparing students for successful careers in competitive industries.

    Andy Gladstein - Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA

    Andy Gladstein, the Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA at ECPI University, leads the specialized culinary arts program and campus operations within the Virginia region. Gladstein directs the faculty and staff to ensure that students receive high-quality, hands-on training in professional kitchen environments. By overseeing the curriculum delivery and industry partnerships, the Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA maintains the program's reputation for excellence in culinary education. This leadership role involves managing campus-specific resources and fostering a student-centered learning culture that prepares graduates for immediate entry into the workforce. Andy Gladstein monitors student outcomes and program performance to ensure alignment with the university's broader career-focused mission. Through the active management of the culinary department, the Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA drives regional growth and ensures that students gain the practical skills necessary for success in the competitive culinary arts industry.

    Roger Rocha - Campus President

    Roger Rocha, the Campus President at ECPI University, oversees the comprehensive academic and administrative operations of the assigned campus location. Rocha directs the local faculty and support teams to ensure that students receive personalized attention and high-quality instruction in fields such as business and criminal justice. By managing campus-level resources and community engagement, the Campus President fosters an environment conducive to student success and career development. This role involves implementing university-wide policies while adapting to the specific needs of the local student population, including working adults and military personnel. Roger Rocha monitors key performance indicators to ensure that academic programs meet industry standards and student goals. Through the effective leadership of the campus, the Campus President drives regional enrollment and retention, ensuring that the university's mission of providing accessible, hands-on education remains a reality for all students at this location.

    Patricia Meredith - Campus President

    Patricia Meredith, the Campus President at ECPI University, manages the strategic operations and academic delivery for the designated campus site. Meredith directs the implementation of accelerated degree programs, ensuring that students benefit from the university's signature hands-on learning approach. By overseeing the daily functions of the campus, the Campus President maintains a supportive environment that addresses the unique requirements of diverse learners. This leadership role involves coordinating with central administration to align local campus activities with the university's overarching goals of affordability and career readiness. Patricia Meredith fosters strong relationships with local employers to create internship and job placement opportunities for students. Through the diligent management of campus resources and personnel, the Campus President ensures that the institution provides a high-quality educational experience that empowers students to achieve their professional objectives within the regional market.

    Jeff Stump - SVA Campus Chapter President

    Jeff Stump, the SVA Campus Chapter President at ECPI University, leads the Student Veterans of America chapter, focusing on the specific needs and career transitions of military-affiliated students. Stump directs initiatives that provide peer support, networking opportunities, and resources for veterans pursuing degrees in technology, health science, and other fields. By overseeing chapter activities and advocacy efforts, the SVA Campus Chapter President ensures that military personnel receive the personalized support necessary to succeed in an accelerated academic environment. This role involves collaborating with university administration to enhance services for the veteran community. Jeff Stump facilitates workshops and events that bridge the gap between military experience and civilian career goals. Through the active leadership of the SVA chapter, the SVA Campus Chapter President strengthens the university's commitment to serving those who have served, ensuring that veteran students thrive throughout their educational journey.

    Karen Sturtevant - President

    Karen Sturtevant, the President at ECPI University, provides the overarching strategic vision and executive leadership for the entire institution. Sturtevant directs the university's long-term growth, ensuring that all academic programs and campus operations remain aligned with the core mission of providing accelerated, hands-on education. By overseeing the executive team and board relations, the President maintains the university's focus on student-centered learning and career outcomes. This leadership role involves navigating the evolving landscape of higher education to ensure that the institution remains competitive and accessible to working adults and military personnel. Karen Sturtevant champions initiatives that enhance the quality of instruction and the effectiveness of student support services across all locations. Through the strategic guidance of the university, the President secures the institution's position as a leader in career-focused education, driving innovation and excellence in every department and program offered.

    Karen Burgess - Campus President

    Karen Burgess, the Campus President at ECPI University, manages the operational and academic success of the assigned campus location. Burgess directs the faculty and administrative staff to ensure that students receive a high-quality, hands-on education in fields such as nursing and health science. By overseeing the campus environment, the Campus President creates a culture of personalized support that helps students overcome barriers to graduation. This role involves managing local budgets, facilities, and community partnerships to enhance the university's regional presence. Karen Burgess monitors student progress and program efficacy to ensure that all academic offerings meet the university's rigorous standards. Through the effective leadership of the campus, the Campus President supports the institution's mission of providing accessible education, ensuring that students gain the practical skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen careers within the broader regional market.

    Robert Steffler - Chief Technology Officer

    Robert Steffler, the Chief Technology Officer at ECPI University, architects the digital infrastructure and learning management systems that power the institution's online and hybrid degree programs. Steffler directs the deployment of advanced educational technologies, ensuring that students receive a robust, hands-on digital experience regardless of location. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols and network reliability, the Chief Technology Officer protects sensitive student data and maintains continuous access to academic resources. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging educational software to enhance the university's curriculum in fields like technology and health science. Robert Steffler collaborates with academic leadership to integrate innovative tools that support personalized learning and student engagement. Through the strategic management of the university's technical assets, the Chief Technology Officer enables the institution to scale its educational reach effectively, ensuring that all digital platforms remain current and responsive to the needs of modern learners.
    Robert Steffler

    Jeff Arthur - Financial Assistance Chief Information Officer & Vice President

    Jeff Arthur, the Financial Assistance Chief Information Officer & Vice President at ECPI University, manages the complex data systems and information architecture dedicated to student financial aid. Arthur directs the technological integration of financial assistance programs, ensuring that students receive timely and accurate support to make higher education accessible. By overseeing the digital processing of financial aid applications, the Financial Assistance Chief Information Officer & Vice President streamlines the path to enrollment for working adults and military personnel. This role involves maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations through secure data management practices. Jeff Arthur coordinates with the finance and admissions departments to optimize the delivery of financial services across all campus locations. Through the implementation of advanced information systems, the Financial Assistance Chief Information Officer & Vice President enhances the efficiency of the university's financial aid operations, directly supporting the institution's mission of affordability.

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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 Andy Gladstein (Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA).
    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), Andy Gladstein (Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA) 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, Compus President, Culinary Virginia Beach, VA, Campus President, Campus President.