Ohio State Government Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ohio State Government has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, administrative operations, policy implementation, and digital infrastructure.

Committed to public service excellence, Ohio State Government maintains a robust framework of cabinet departments and administrative agencies to deliver essential services across all state counties and municipalities.

Leadership Roles at Ohio State Government

  • Chief Executive Officer - Hal Uhrman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jennifer Starr
  • Chief Operating Officer - Gerald Craig
  • Chief of Staff - Alex Goodman
  • Chief Information Officer - Brent Rawlins
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Data Officer - Budwhite Zhang
  • Deputy Director - Christopher Geocaris
  • Deputy Director - Lizett Schreiber
  • Deputy Director - Amber Pugh
  • Deputy Director - LaTisha Kratzer
  • Hal Uhrman - Chief Executive Officer

    Hal Uhrman, the Chief Executive Officer at Ohio State Government, directs the overarching strategic vision for the state administrative apparatus. Uhrman coordinates between the executive, judicial, and legislative branches to ensure the efficient delivery of public services across all Ohio counties. By aligning departmental goals with the constitutional mandates of the state, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the functionality of the government. This leadership role involves managing complex inter-agency relationships to streamline policy implementation and improve resident outcomes. Hal Uhrman monitors the performance of cabinet departments to guarantee accountability and transparency in public administration. Through rigorous oversight of state-wide initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer drives the modernization of governmental processes. Ultimately, Uhrman secures the operational integrity of the state, ensuring that all administrative functions remain responsive to the evolving needs of the population while maintaining fiscal responsibility and adherence to legal standards.

    Jennifer Starr - Chief Financial Officer

    Jennifer Starr, the Chief Financial Officer at Ohio State Government, directs the fiscal planning and budgetary management for the state. Starr oversees the allocation of funds across all cabinet departments to ensure compliance with legislative appropriations. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial health of the state government. This leadership role involves managing the audit process and ensuring transparency in all financial reporting. Jennifer Starr coordinates with the legislative branch to develop balanced budgets that support the strategic priorities of the state. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer drives fiscal responsibility and accountability. Starr maintains a focus on long-term economic stability by managing debt and investment portfolios. By providing accurate financial analysis, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for the government to fulfill its constitutional obligations to the residents of Ohio.

    Gerald Craig - Chief Operating Officer

    Gerald Craig, the Chief Operating Officer at Ohio State Government, directs the internal administrative functions and facility management for the state. Craig oversees the optimization of operational workflows to reduce costs and improve service delivery speed. By standardizing procurement processes and supply chain logistics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all departments have the resources required for daily operations. This leadership role involves managing the physical assets and infrastructure of the state government to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Gerald Craig monitors the efficiency of administrative support services to identify areas for improvement. Through the implementation of lean management principles, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence across the organization. Craig coordinates with other cabinet members to align facility usage with long-term strategic goals. By streamlining internal operations, the Chief Operating Officer secures the foundational stability required for the government to serve the public effectively.

    Alex Goodman - Chief of Staff

    Alex Goodman, the Chief of Staff at Ohio State Government, directs the internal operations and strategic communications of the executive office. Goodman oversees the flow of information between cabinet departments and the leadership team to ensure alignment with state objectives. By managing the daily agenda and prioritizing critical policy issues, the Chief of Staff optimizes the productivity of the administration. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level meetings and coordinating the execution of executive directives. Alex Goodman monitors the progress of key legislative priorities to ensure timely completion. Through the development of robust internal processes, the Chief of Staff drives organizational efficiency. Goodman maintains a focus on maintaining clear lines of communication across all branches of government. By providing essential support to the executive leadership, the Chief of Staff secures the smooth functioning of the state government and ensures that all administrative actions remain consistent with the mission of the state.

    Brent Rawlins - Chief Information Officer

    Brent Rawlins, the Chief Information Officer at Ohio State Government, directs the development and maintenance of the state's digital infrastructure. Rawlins oversees the implementation of secure cloud computing solutions and enterprise software to support government operations. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Information Officer enhances the reliability and accessibility of public digital services. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive state data across all departments. Brent Rawlins monitors the performance of the state's network architecture to ensure high availability for residents and employees. Through the strategic adoption of emerging technologies, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation across the government. Rawlins coordinates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology into every aspect of service delivery. By optimizing the state's technical capabilities, the Chief Information Officer secures a resilient and efficient digital environment that supports the mission of the state.
    Brent Rawlins

    Budwhite Zhang - Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Data Officer

    Budwhite Zhang, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Data Officer at Ohio State Government, directs the governance and analytical utilization of state data assets. Zhang oversees the development of data warehousing solutions that enable evidence-based policy making across all departments. By establishing rigorous data quality standards, the Chief Data Officer ensures that information remains accurate and actionable for decision-makers. This leadership role involves managing the integration of disparate data sets to provide a comprehensive view of state operations. Budwhite Zhang monitors the security and privacy of data to maintain public trust in government systems. Through the application of advanced analytics and machine learning, the Deputy Chief Information Officer & Chief Data Officer drives the discovery of insights that improve service delivery. Zhang coordinates with the IT department to ensure that data infrastructure supports the broader digital strategy. By optimizing data utility, the Chief Data Officer secures a foundation for smarter governance.

    Christopher Geocaris - Deputy Director

    Christopher Geocaris, the Deputy Director at Ohio State Government, manages the operational execution of public health and safety initiatives. Geocaris oversees the coordination of regional emergency response protocols to ensure the protection of residents across diverse municipalities. By integrating data-driven decision-making into daily administrative workflows, the Deputy Director enhances the responsiveness of state services. This leadership role involves collaborating with local townships and special districts to standardize service delivery models. Christopher Geocaris monitors the allocation of resources to maximize the impact of state-funded programs. Through the implementation of rigorous performance metrics, the Deputy Director drives efficiency within the department. Geocaris maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that public health infrastructure remains resilient against emerging challenges. By fostering partnerships with community stakeholders, the Deputy Director strengthens the overall effectiveness of the state government in addressing critical public needs.

    Lizett Schreiber - Deputy Director

    Lizett Schreiber, the Deputy Director at Ohio State Government, directs the expansion of economic development programs across the state. Schreiber oversees the administration of grants and incentives designed to stimulate growth within local business sectors. By aligning state economic policies with regional market trends, the Deputy Director fosters a competitive environment for innovation and job creation. This leadership role involves managing complex regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance while promoting industrial advancement. Lizett Schreiber monitors the progress of infrastructure projects that support commercial expansion in both urban and rural areas. Through the strategic deployment of state resources, the Deputy Director drives sustainable economic progress. Schreiber coordinates with various cabinet departments to ensure that development initiatives remain consistent with the broader goals of the state. By optimizing the interface between government and private enterprise, the Deputy Director secures long-term prosperity for the residents of Ohio.

    Amber Pugh - Deputy Director

    Amber Pugh, the Deputy Director at Ohio State Government, manages the implementation of educational policy and workforce training programs. Pugh oversees the alignment of state-funded initiatives with the requirements of school districts and vocational institutions. By analyzing demographic data and labor market demands, the Deputy Director ensures that educational resources reach the populations requiring the most support. This leadership role involves coordinating with local boards of education to standardize curriculum quality and accessibility. Amber Pugh monitors the effectiveness of state-wide training programs to improve employment outcomes for residents. Through the rigorous evaluation of educational performance metrics, the Deputy Director drives continuous improvement in the state school system. Pugh maintains a focus on bridging the gap between academic preparation and career readiness. By fostering collaboration across administrative departments, the Deputy Director secures a high-quality educational foundation for the future workforce of the state.

    LaTisha Kratzer - Deputy Director

    LaTisha Kratzer, the Deputy Director at Ohio State Government, directs the administration of social services and community support programs. Kratzer oversees the delivery of essential assistance to vulnerable populations across all state municipalities. By streamlining the application and distribution processes for state benefits, the Deputy Director improves the accessibility of critical support systems. This leadership role involves managing partnerships with non-profit organizations and local government entities to extend the reach of social programs. LaTisha Kratzer monitors the impact of these services on community stability and resident well-being. Through the implementation of efficient case management systems, the Deputy Director drives the reduction of administrative barriers. Kratzer coordinates with other cabinet leaders to ensure that social service delivery remains integrated with broader state policy goals. By prioritizing the needs of the community, the Deputy Director secures a more equitable and supportive environment for all residents.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ohio State Government Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ohio State Government?
    Ohio State Government is led by Hal Uhrman (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jennifer Starr (Chief Financial Officer) and Gerald Craig (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Ohio State Government’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ohio State Government includes leaders such as Hal Uhrman (Chief Executive Officer), Jennifer Starr (Chief Financial Officer), Gerald Craig (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ohio State Government have?
    Ohio State Government has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ohio State Government’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ohio State Government includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.