Ohio University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ohio University has 10 executives leading key functions including administration, information technology, financial management, and human resources.

Committed to academic excellence and research innovation, Ohio University advances public education through a robust framework of institutional leadership and community engagement across the state of Ohio.

Leadership Roles at Ohio University

  • The Foundation Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer - Candice Casto
  • Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Mark Heil
  • Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance - Deborah Shaffer
  • Chief Operating Officer - Elizabeth Maxon
  • Chief of Staff - Carly Leatherwood
  • Chief Information Officer - Brian Phillips
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Edward Carter
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Lewis Lewin
  • Chief of Staff To the Executive Vice President and Provost - Cary Frith
  • Associate Chief of Staff - Amy Trout
  • Candice Casto - The Foundation Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

    Candice Casto, the The Foundation Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer at Ohio University, manages the financial health and endowment assets of the university foundation. Casto oversees investment strategies, fiscal reporting, and the allocation of funds to support academic programs and scholarships. By ensuring the long-term sustainability of foundation resources, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary capital for university growth and innovation. Candice Casto collaborates with the board of directors to maintain transparency and compliance with financial regulations. This role involves monitoring market trends and adjusting investment portfolios to maximize returns while minimizing risk. Through precise financial planning, the The Foundation Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer supports the philanthropic goals of the institution. Casto drives the financial success of the foundation, ensuring that all monetary assets remain aligned with the core mission of advancing education and research at the university.

    Mark Heil - Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Mark Heil, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Ohio University, directs the comprehensive financial strategy and treasury operations of the university. Heil oversees the annual budget process, financial planning, and debt management to ensure the fiscal stability of the institution. By managing the university's treasury functions, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer optimizes cash flow and investment performance. Mark Heil collaborates with the board and executive leadership to align financial resources with the strategic priorities of the university. This role involves rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance with state and federal regulations. Through the implementation of sound fiscal policies, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer supports the expansion of research capabilities and academic programs. Heil drives the financial health of the university, ensuring that all resources are utilized effectively to achieve the long-term goals of the institution.

    Deborah Shaffer - Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance

    Deborah Shaffer, the Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance at Ohio University, directs the administrative and financial operations of the university. Shaffer oversees the integration of financial planning with administrative services to ensure the efficient use of university resources. By managing the financial and administrative functions, the Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance supports the operational needs of the entire campus. Deborah Shaffer coordinates with other executive leaders to align administrative policies with the fiscal goals of the institution. This role involves overseeing complex financial systems and ensuring that all administrative processes remain compliant with university standards. Through the management of financial and administrative resources, the Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance enhances the overall effectiveness of the university. Shaffer drives initiatives that improve operational efficiency, ensuring that all departments have the support necessary to achieve their research and educational objectives.

    Elizabeth Maxon - Chief Operating Officer

    Elizabeth Maxon, the Chief Operating Officer at Ohio University, manages the daily operational functions and physical infrastructure of the campus. Maxon oversees facilities management, campus services, and logistical planning to ensure a productive environment for students and staff. By streamlining operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer improves the delivery of essential services across the university. Elizabeth Maxon coordinates with other executive leaders to align physical resources with the strategic goals of the institution. This leadership position involves managing large-scale capital projects and optimizing the use of university assets to support research and educational activities. Through rigorous oversight of operational budgets and service contracts, Maxon ensures fiscal responsibility and high-quality standards. The Chief Operating Officer drives initiatives that enhance campus safety and sustainability, maintaining the integrity of the university's historic and modern facilities while supporting the growth of the public research mission.
    Elizabeth Maxon

    Carly Leatherwood - Chief of Staff

    Carly Leatherwood, the Chief of Staff at Ohio University, coordinates executive communications and manages strategic initiatives across the institution. Leatherwood aligns administrative priorities with the broader mission of the university, ensuring seamless collaboration between the president and various academic departments. By facilitating high-level decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes organizational efficiency and supports the long-term goals of the campus community. Carly Leatherwood maintains oversight of critical projects that impact institutional reputation and operational success. Through constant engagement with internal stakeholders, the Chief of Staff fosters a culture of transparency and accountability. This leadership role requires balancing complex administrative demands while maintaining focus on the core research and educational objectives of the university. Leatherwood drives progress on key university-wide initiatives, ensuring that all administrative functions remain synchronized with the evolving needs of the student body and faculty members.

    Brian Phillips - Chief Information Officer

    Brian Phillips, the Chief Information Officer at Ohio University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the entire campus. Phillips oversees the implementation of secure network systems and advanced data management tools that support academic research and administrative operations. By modernizing the technological landscape, the Chief of Staff ensures that students and faculty possess access to cutting-edge digital resources. Brian Phillips manages large-scale IT projects, focusing on cybersecurity, cloud integration, and system reliability across all regional campuses. This role involves constant collaboration with academic leaders to align technology investments with the evolving pedagogical requirements of the university. Through the deployment of robust software solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the overall efficiency of university services. Phillips maintains a focus on digital transformation, ensuring that the technological framework remains scalable and responsive to the demands of a prominent public research institution.

    Edward Carter - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Edward Carter, the Interim Chief Information Officer at Ohio University, leads the transition of information technology services and maintains the stability of campus digital systems. Carter oversees the continuity of network operations and ensures that all technical support teams remain focused on the immediate needs of the university community. By managing the current IT portfolio, the Interim Chief Information Officer provides steady leadership during periods of technological change. Edward Carter coordinates with department heads to address critical infrastructure requirements and cybersecurity protocols. This role involves evaluating existing software and hardware assets to identify opportunities for immediate improvement. Through proactive management of IT resources, the Interim Chief Information Officer supports the ongoing research and teaching activities of the university. Carter ensures that all digital platforms remain functional and secure, facilitating a seamless experience for students and faculty while preparing the institution for future technological advancements.

    Lewis Lewin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lewis Lewin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ohio University, manages the talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development strategies for the university. Lewin oversees the recruitment of faculty and staff, ensuring that the institution attracts top-tier talent to support its research and educational mission. By developing comprehensive benefits and compensation programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters a positive and inclusive work environment. Lewis Lewin coordinates with department leaders to address workforce planning and professional development needs. This role involves implementing policies that promote employee engagement and retention across all campus units. Through the management of human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the university remains a competitive employer. Lewin drives initiatives that align staff performance with the strategic objectives of the institution, maintaining a focus on organizational culture and the well-being of the entire university workforce.

    Cary Frith - Chief of Staff To the Executive Vice President and Provost

    Cary Frith, the Chief of Staff To the Executive Vice President and Provost at Ohio University, facilitates the academic and administrative operations of the provost's office. Frith manages the flow of information and coordinates strategic projects that impact academic policy and faculty affairs. By supporting the executive vice president, the Chief of Staff To the Executive Vice President and Provost ensures that academic priorities remain at the forefront of university decision-making. Cary Frith oversees the implementation of academic initiatives and manages communication between the provost and various college deans. This role involves balancing complex academic demands while maintaining focus on the university's research and teaching goals. Through effective project management, the Chief of Staff To the Executive Vice President and Provost enhances the efficiency of the academic leadership team. Frith drives progress on key academic initiatives, ensuring that all administrative functions support the educational mission of the university.

    Amy Trout - Associate Chief of Staff

    Amy Trout, the Associate Chief of Staff at Ohio University, assists in the management of executive operations and supports the implementation of university-wide strategic initiatives. Trout coordinates administrative tasks and facilitates communication between the president's office and various campus departments. By streamlining executive workflows, the Associate Chief of Staff ensures that leadership priorities are executed effectively. Amy Trout manages special projects and provides analytical support for high-level decision-making processes. This role involves collaborating with other staff members to ensure that administrative functions remain aligned with the mission of the university. Through the coordination of executive activities, the Associate Chief of Staff enhances the overall productivity of the leadership team. Trout drives progress on key initiatives, ensuring that all administrative support remains focused on the long-term goals of the institution and the needs of the university community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ohio University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ohio University?
    Ohio University is led by Candice Casto (The Foundation Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Mark Heil (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) and Deborah Shaffer (Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance).
    Who is part of Ohio University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ohio University includes leaders such as Candice Casto (The Foundation Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer), Mark Heil (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Deborah Shaffer (Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ohio University have?
    Ohio University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ohio University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ohio University includes roles such as The Foundation Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.