Elmhurst University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Elmhurst University has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Elmhurst University fosters an inclusive environment where students develop versatile skillsets for enduring success, reflecting its evolution into a comprehensive higher education institution.

Leadership Roles at Elmhurst University

  • Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Kurt Ashley
  • President - Timotheus Lehmann
  • Chief of Staff - Britney Heald
  • Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Patricia Ferraro
  • Kurt Ashley - Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Kurt Ashley, the Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Elmhurst University, oversees all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Ashley directs budgeting, financial reporting, and investment management, ensuring the university's financial health and sustainability. This leadership position is crucial for supporting the institution's growth and its commitment to offering diverse academic programs. Kurt Ashley's responsibilities include managing financial resources to enhance student success initiatives and anticipating opportunities for new programs and partnerships. The financial strategies implemented by Ashley directly impact the university's capacity to attract students and faculty, reinforcing its status as a comprehensive higher education institution.
    Kurt Ashley

    Timotheus Lehmann - President

    Timotheus Lehmann, the President at Elmhurst University, provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Lehmann guides the university's academic mission, fosters an inclusive community, and champions the development of versatile skillsets for enduring student success. This role involves setting institutional priorities, overseeing all university functions, and representing Elmhurst University to external stakeholders. Timotheus Lehmann's leadership is instrumental in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring the university's continued growth and its accurate reflection as a comprehensive institution offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

    Britney Heald - Chief of Staff

    Britney Heald, the Chief of Staff at Elmhurst University, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across university departments. Heald manages key projects, ensuring seamless execution of the university’s strategic plan and facilitating communication between the President’s office and other administrative units. This role involves optimizing internal processes and supporting the President in high-level decision-making, directly contributing to the university's mission of providing a versatile skillset for student success. Britney Heald's oversight extends to resource allocation and policy implementation, ensuring that all university operations adhere to established standards and advance the institution's educational profile as a comprehensive higher education provider.

    Patricia Ferraro - Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Patricia Ferraro, the Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Elmhurst University, provides critical administrative support for technology and information strategy. Ferraro manages complex scheduling, coordinates executive communications, and facilitates the smooth operation of the Vice President's office. This position is essential for maintaining efficient workflows and ensuring timely information dissemination within the IT division and across the university. Patricia Ferraro's role supports the broader university objective of offering robust undergraduate and graduate programs by ensuring the technology infrastructure and information systems are effectively managed and aligned with academic needs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Elmhurst University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Elmhurst University?
    Elmhurst University is led by Kurt Ashley (Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Timotheus Lehmann (President) and Britney Heald (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Elmhurst University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Elmhurst University includes leaders such as Kurt Ashley (Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Timotheus Lehmann (President), Britney Heald (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Elmhurst University have?
    Elmhurst University has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Elmhurst University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Elmhurst University includes roles such as Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer.