Miami University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Miami University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Miami University provides a transformative educational experience, fostering student success through internships and research to attract future leaders and prepare them for diverse career opportunities.

Leadership Roles at Miami University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Samuel Oteng
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Mari Meza
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bruce Guiot
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sandy Rivera
  • President - Ava Young
  • President - Sydney Soler
  • President, Special Events, Office of - Kathleen Squance
  • President - Mackenzie Rice
  • Chief of Staff - Madeline Zinkl
  • Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer - Jessica Rivinius
  • Samuel Oteng - Chief Executive Officer

    Samuel Oteng, the Chief Executive Officer at Miami University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional direction. Oteng guides the university's mission to deliver excellence in undergraduate teaching and foster career success for its students. Overseeing all major university initiatives, Samuel Oteng ensures alignment with Miami University's commitment to providing a transformative educational experience. This leadership role involves setting long-term goals for academic programs, research endeavors, and campus development. By championing innovation in educational delivery, Oteng directly impacts the university's ability to attract future leaders and prepare them for diverse career paths. Ultimately, Oteng secures the university's position as a nationally ranked institution.

    Mari Meza - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Mari Meza, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Miami University, collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer to shape institutional strategy and operational execution. Meza focuses on enhancing the university's recognized excellence in undergraduate teaching and ensuring robust career preparation for graduates. Working in tandem with the Chief Executive Officer, Mari Meza drives initiatives that support student success through internships and research opportunities. This leadership position involves fostering partnerships and advancing the university's commitment to providing a transformative educational experience. By optimizing resource allocation and strategic planning, Meza directly contributes to Miami University's goal of attracting and developing future leaders. Ultimately, Meza ensures the sustained growth and impact of the university's academic offerings.

    Bruce Guiot - Chief Financial Officer

    Bruce Guiot, the Chief Financial Officer at Miami University, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Guiot oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the university's academic and operational goals. Ensuring financial stability and sustainability, Bruce Guiot directs the management of university assets and investments. This critical role involves developing financial models that enable Miami University to offer diverse undergraduate, graduate, and online programs effectively. By maintaining fiscal discipline and exploring new revenue streams, Guiot directly supports the university's commitment to fostering student success through internships and research. Ultimately, Guiot safeguards the financial health necessary for Miami University to provide a transformative educational experience and attract future leaders.

    Sandy Rivera - Chief Operating Officer

    Sandy Rivera, the Chief Operating Officer at Miami University, oversees the daily operational functions and administrative services. Rivera ensures the efficient delivery of university programs and support services, aligning operations with the strategic objectives of academic excellence and student career success. Managing campus infrastructure, technology, and administrative departments, Sandy Rivera drives initiatives that enhance the student experience. This leadership position is integral to supporting Miami University's diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. By optimizing resource utilization and streamlining processes, Rivera directly contributes to fostering student success through internships and research. Ultimately, Rivera ensures the smooth functioning of the university, enabling a transformative educational environment.

    Ava Young - President

    Ava Young, the President at Miami University, provides leadership and strategic direction for specific university initiatives. Young focuses on advancing the institution's commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and preparing students for successful career paths. Overseeing key projects and stakeholder engagement, Ava Young ensures progress towards Miami University's educational goals. This leadership role supports the delivery of diverse academic programs and enhances the student experience. By championing specific university objectives, Young directly contributes to fostering student success through internships and research opportunities. Ultimately, Young plays a vital part in maintaining Miami University's reputation and attracting future leaders.

    Sydney Soler - President

    Sydney Soler, the President at Miami University, directs strategic priorities and operational oversight for designated university functions. Soler is dedicated to upholding Miami University's reputation for outstanding undergraduate education and ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their professional journeys. Managing critical departmental operations and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, Sydney Soler advances the university's mission. This executive position is essential for supporting the breadth of undergraduate, graduate, and online programs offered. By driving specific strategic agendas, Soler directly contributes to the university's focus on student success via internships and research. Ultimately, Soler ensures the effective implementation of initiatives that provide a transformative educational experience.

    Kathleen Squance - President, Special Events, Office of

    Kathleen Squance, the President, Special Events, Office of at Miami University, leads the planning and execution of significant university events. Squance ensures these events effectively showcase Miami University's commitment to academic excellence and student achievements. Coordinating logistics, managing budgets, and engaging stakeholders for major functions, Kathleen Squance enhances the university's visibility and community relations. This role is crucial for creating impactful experiences that highlight the value of Miami University's diverse programs. By orchestrating high-profile events, Squance directly supports the university's efforts to foster student success and attract future leaders. Ultimately, Squance contributes to a vibrant campus life and reinforces the transformative educational experience offered.
    Kathleen Squance

    Mackenzie Rice - President

    Mackenzie Rice, the President at Miami University, leads key strategic initiatives and operational enhancements across various university sectors. Rice is committed to advancing Miami University's core values of exceptional undergraduate teaching and robust career development for its students. Driving innovation in program delivery and student support services, Mackenzie Rice ensures alignment with institutional goals. This leadership capacity is vital for supporting the university's comprehensive offerings, including undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. By spearheading specific projects, Rice directly contributes to fostering student success through internships and research. Ultimately, Rice plays a significant role in providing a transformative educational experience and attracting aspiring leaders.

    Madeline Zinkl - Chief of Staff

    Madeline Zinkl, the Chief of Staff at Miami University, provides strategic support and manages key initiatives for the executive leadership team. Zinkl facilitates communication and coordination across departments, ensuring alignment with the university's mission of academic excellence and student career preparation. Overseeing special projects and advising senior leadership, Madeline Zinkl enhances the effectiveness of institutional decision-making. This role is crucial for advancing Miami University's commitment to offering diverse programs and preparing students for various career opportunities. By driving cross-functional collaboration and managing critical projects, Zinkl directly supports the fostering of student success through internships and research. Ultimately, Zinkl ensures the efficient execution of strategic priorities for a transformative educational experience.

    Jessica Rivinius - Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer

    Jessica Rivinius, the Vice President, CCO and Chief Marketing Officer at Miami University, leads all marketing, communications, and brand strategy efforts. Rivinius is responsible for enhancing the university's national recognition for undergraduate teaching excellence and promoting student career success. Developing and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns, Jessica Rivinius drives enrollment growth and strengthens the university's reputation. This position is vital for communicating the value of Miami University's diverse undergraduate, graduate, and online programs to prospective students and stakeholders. By amplifying the university's message and highlighting student achievements, Rivinius directly supports the fostering of student success through internships and research. Ultimately, Rivinius ensures Miami University's brand resonates, attracting future leaders and reinforcing its commitment to a transformative educational experience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Miami University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Miami University?
    Miami University is led by Samuel Oteng (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mari Meza (Co-Chief Executive Officer) and Bruce Guiot (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Miami University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Miami University includes leaders such as Samuel Oteng (Chief Executive Officer), Mari Meza (Co-Chief Executive Officer), Bruce Guiot (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Miami University have?
    Miami University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Miami University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Miami University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.