Miami University Executive and Leadership Team

Samuel Oteng, the Chief Executive Officer at Miami University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this public research institution. Oteng architects long-term academic growth while overseeing the integration of the Miami Plan across all undergraduate and graduate programs. By aligning the Farmer School of Business and the College of Engineering and Computing with broader institutional goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent delivery of high-quality education. Samuel Oteng maintains active engagement with the Board to secure financial sustainability and research expansion. This leadership role involves navigating complex higher education landscapes to maintain the university's reputation for civic-mindedness and critical thinking. Through constant collaboration with faculty and administrative leaders, Oteng drives the mission of providing transformative learning experiences. The Chief Executive Officer ultimately secures the future of the institution by balancing traditional liberal arts values with modern technological advancements in the academic sector.

Mari Meza, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Miami University, manages the operational execution of the university's diverse academic portfolio. Meza focuses on the expansion of online academic programs and the optimization of the Voice of America Learning Center to reach broader student demographics. As the Co-Chief Executive Officer, Meza coordinates with regional campus leadership in Hamilton and Middletown to ensure equitable resource distribution and consistent educational standards. This role requires constant monitoring of student outcomes and faculty research productivity to maintain the institution's competitive edge. Mari Meza drives initiatives that enhance collaboration between the College of Arts and Science and external industry partners. By streamlining administrative processes, the Co-Chief Executive Officer supports the university's commitment to experiential learning. Meza ensures that the institution remains agile in responding to shifting educational demands while upholding the core values of communication and critical thinking inherent in the Miami Plan.

Kim Harris, the Chief Financial Officer at Miami University, oversees the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the entire institution. Harris architects the annual budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively across the Farmer School of Business, the College of Engineering and Computing, and other academic units. As the Chief Financial Officer, Harris manages the university's endowment and capital investments to support ongoing research and infrastructure development. This role involves analyzing market trends to ensure the financial viability of the John E. Dolibois European Center and other international initiatives. Kim Harris drives cost-saving measures while maintaining the high standards of the Miami Plan. By providing transparent financial reporting to the Board, the Chief Financial Officer ensures accountability and strategic alignment. Harris secures the necessary funding to support faculty research and student experiential learning, ultimately strengthening the university's market position as a leading public research institution.

Sandy Rivera, the Chief Operating Officer at Miami University, manages the physical infrastructure and logistical operations across all campuses. Rivera architects the maintenance and development of facilities, ensuring that the Oxford campus and regional sites provide a conducive environment for research and learning. As the Chief Operating Officer, Rivera oversees campus safety, auxiliary services, and the operational integration of the Voice of America Learning Center. This role involves coordinating with academic leaders to ensure that physical spaces support the pedagogical requirements of the Miami Plan. Sandy Rivera drives sustainability initiatives that reduce the university's environmental footprint while optimizing operational costs. By managing large-scale capital projects, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the institution's physical assets remain modern and functional. Rivera supports the university's mission by providing the essential infrastructure that enables students and faculty to engage in critical thinking and collaborative research.

Nicholas Barillari, the Club Sailing Team President at Miami University, manages the organizational activities and competitive schedule for the university's sailing program. Barillari architects the team's training regimen and coordinates travel logistics for regional and national competitions. As the Club Sailing Team President, Barillari oversees the recruitment of new members and the management of club finances, ensuring that the team remains a vibrant part of the student experience. This role involves fostering a culture of teamwork and discipline that aligns with the university's emphasis on collaboration. Nicholas Barillari drives the team's participation in collegiate events, representing the institution with professionalism and dedication. By organizing practice sessions and maintaining equipment, the Club Sailing Team President ensures that students have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning outside the classroom. Barillari supports the university's mission by promoting physical activity and leadership development among the student body.

Ava Young, the President at Miami University, directs the academic and cultural life of the institution. Young architects the university's commitment to the liberal arts, ensuring that the Miami Plan remains the foundation of the student experience. As the President, Young oversees the faculty senate and academic departments, promoting a culture of rigorous inquiry and critical thinking. This role involves engaging with alumni and donors to secure support for research and student scholarships. Ava Young drives the university's strategic initiatives, focusing on enhancing the quality of undergraduate and graduate education. By fostering an environment of civic-mindedness, the President ensures that the institution prepares students for active participation in society. Young maintains the university's reputation for excellence, balancing traditional values with the need for innovation in a rapidly changing educational landscape. The President ultimately guides the institution toward its long-term goals of academic and research leadership.

Lindsey Cooley, the President & Editor & Chief at Miami University, manages the editorial direction and publication standards for the university's official communications and academic journals. Cooley architects the content strategy that highlights faculty research and student achievements across all colleges. As the President & Editor & Chief, Cooley oversees the editorial board, ensuring that all publications reflect the university's commitment to communication and critical thinking. This role involves coordinating with the marketing department to ensure brand consistency across all media platforms. Lindsey Cooley drives the production of high-quality content that informs the university community and the public about the institution's impact. By maintaining rigorous editorial standards, the President & Editor & Chief supports the university's mission of fostering intellectual discourse. Cooley ensures that the institution's voice remains authoritative and engaging, effectively communicating the value of the Miami Plan to a global audience.

Madeline Zinkl, the Chief of Staff at Miami University, manages the internal communications and administrative workflows for the executive office. Zinkl architects the daily operational agenda, ensuring that the leadership team remains focused on the university's primary research and teaching objectives. As the Chief of Staff, Zinkl facilitates cross-departmental communication between the various colleges and the central administration. This role involves preparing strategic briefings for the Board and coordinating high-level institutional projects that span the Oxford campus and regional locations. Madeline Zinkl drives efficiency by optimizing the decision-making process and ensuring that all administrative actions align with the university's mission. By managing complex stakeholder relationships, the Chief of Staff supports the institution's commitment to civic-mindedness and collaborative governance. Zinkl ensures that the executive office functions as a cohesive unit, providing the necessary support to maintain the university's status as a premier public research institution.

Kristin Froehlke, the Associate Provost, Computing Information Services & Chief Information Officer at Miami University, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the institution. Froehlke architects scalable cloud solutions and cybersecurity frameworks that protect research data and student information across all campuses. As the Chief Information Officer, Froehlke manages the integration of advanced computing tools into the classroom, supporting the university's commitment to modern pedagogical methods. This role involves collaborating with the College of Engineering and Computing to foster innovation in digital research. Kristin Froehlke drives the implementation of enterprise software that streamlines administrative and academic workflows. By ensuring robust connectivity and digital access, the Associate Provost supports the university's mission of providing a high-quality education in a technology-driven world. Froehlke maintains the technological backbone that enables the institution to deliver online academic programs and facilitate global collaboration.

Jessica Rivinius, the Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer at Miami University, manages the brand identity and public relations strategy for the institution. Rivinius architects comprehensive marketing campaigns that highlight the university's research achievements and the unique value of the Miami Plan. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Rivinius oversees internal and external communications, ensuring that the university's message of civic-mindedness and academic excellence reaches prospective students and global stakeholders. This role involves coordinating with the admissions department to drive enrollment growth across all colleges. Jessica Rivinius drives the digital presence of the university, utilizing data-driven insights to optimize engagement. By managing the institution's reputation, the Vice President supports the university's mission of fostering a collaborative and inclusive community. Rivinius ensures that the brand remains strong and competitive, effectively communicating the impact of the university's liberal arts framework to a diverse audience.