Ohio University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ohio University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Ohio University fosters a culture of innovation and discovery, shaping future leaders and contributing to societal advancement through research and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Ohio University

  • Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance - Deborah Shaffer
  • Amp Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer - Candice Casto
  • President of OHIO Student Alumni Board and Member of OHIO Alumni Board of Directors - Tracy Kondrit
  • Co-President of Alexander Hamilton Society - Evan Ecos
  • Chief Information Officer - Brian Phillips
  • Chief of Staff - Carly Leatherwood
  • Associate Chief of Staff - Amy Trout
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Edward Carter
  • Chief of Staff To the Executive Vice President and Provost - Cary Frith
  • Chief Financial & Administrative Officer - April Howard
  • Deborah Shaffer - Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance

    Deborah Shaffer, the Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance at Ohio University, oversees all financial operations and administrative functions related to finance. Shaffer directs budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and treasury management for the university. This comprehensive leadership position involves ensuring fiscal responsibility, managing financial risk, and optimizing resource allocation to support Ohio University's academic and research endeavors. Shaffer's oversight extends to financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and the development of long-term financial strategies. The Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance is pivotal in maintaining the financial health and stability of the institution, enabling its continued growth and operational excellence.

    Candice Casto - Amp Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

    Candice Casto, the Amp Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer at Ohio University, directs the university's financial strategy and treasury operations. Casto manages the institution's financial assets, investments, and cash flow, ensuring fiscal health and stability. This critical role involves overseeing financial planning, risk management, and compliance with financial regulations. Candice Casto works to optimize the university's financial resources to support its educational and research missions. The Amp Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer is responsible for safeguarding the financial integrity of Ohio University and driving its long-term financial sustainability through strategic financial management.

    Tracy Kondrit - President of OHIO Student Alumni Board and Member of OHIO Alumni Board of Directors

    Tracy Kondrit, the President of OHIO Student Alumni Board and Member of OHIO Alumni Board of Directors at Ohio University, represents student interests and fosters alumni engagement. Kondrit leads initiatives aimed at strengthening the connection between current students and the university's alumni network. This leadership position involves organizing events, promoting university programs, and advocating for student perspectives within the alumni community. Tracy Kondrit works to build a strong sense of community and support for Ohio University. The President of OHIO Student Alumni Board and Member of OHIO Alumni Board of Directors plays a key role in enhancing student experience and alumni relations.

    Evan Ecos - Co-President of Alexander Hamilton Society

    Evan Ecos, the Co-President of Alexander Hamilton Society at Ohio University, leads a student organization focused on foreign policy and international affairs. Ecos coordinates the society's activities, including discussions, speaker events, and policy analysis, fostering intellectual engagement among members. This role involves developing strategic programming to enhance understanding of global issues and promote leadership development. Evan Ecos works to create a dynamic environment for students interested in international relations and public service. The Co-President of Alexander Hamilton Society contributes to the vibrant academic and extracurricular life at Ohio University.

    Brian Phillips - Chief Information Officer

    Brian Phillips, the Chief Information Officer at Ohio University, directs the institution's technology strategy and infrastructure. Phillips oversees the development and implementation of IT solutions that support academic, research, and administrative functions across the university. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring data integrity, and optimizing network performance to facilitate seamless operations. Phillips collaborates with university leadership to align technology investments with Ohio University's strategic goals, driving digital transformation and enhancing the overall user experience for students, faculty, and staff. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technological resources are leveraged effectively to support the university's mission of education and research.

    Carly Leatherwood - Chief of Staff

    Carly Leatherwood, the Chief of Staff at Ohio University, provides strategic support and operational oversight to the executive leadership. Leatherwood manages key initiatives, facilitates communication across departments, and ensures the efficient execution of university-wide projects. This role involves coordinating with various stakeholders to advance institutional priorities and streamline administrative processes. Leatherwood's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, managing special projects, and serving as a liaison between the President's office and other university units. The Chief of Staff plays a critical part in enhancing operational effectiveness and supporting the strategic direction of Ohio University, ensuring alignment with its educational mission.

    Amy Trout - Associate Chief of Staff

    Amy Trout, the Associate Chief of Staff at Ohio University, supports the Chief of Staff in managing strategic initiatives and enhancing operational efficiency. Trout assists in coordinating projects, facilitating communication, and ensuring the smooth execution of administrative tasks across university leadership. This position involves working closely with various departments to advance institutional goals and address operational challenges. Amy Trout contributes to the strategic planning process and helps implement key university policies and programs. The Associate Chief of Staff provides essential support to the executive office, ensuring that Ohio University's administrative functions operate effectively and align with its overarching mission.

    Edward Carter - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Edward Carter, the Interim Chief Information Officer at Ohio University, provides temporary leadership for the institution's information technology services. Carter focuses on maintaining the stability and security of existing IT systems while supporting ongoing technology projects. This interim role involves overseeing IT operations, managing technology resources, and ensuring that essential digital services remain available to the university community. Edward Carter works to uphold the integrity of the university's technological infrastructure during this transitional period. The Interim Chief Information Officer ensures continuity of IT services and supports strategic technology objectives for Ohio University.

    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, provides dedicated support to the academic leadership. Frith manages key initiatives, facilitates communication between the Provost's office and other university divisions, and ensures the efficient operation of academic administration. This role involves coordinating strategic planning efforts, overseeing special projects, and serving as a key liaison for academic affairs. Cary Frith's responsibilities include preparing reports, managing schedules, and supporting the implementation of academic policies. The Chief of Staff To the Executive Vice President and Provost is essential in advancing the university's academic mission and operational effectiveness.

    April Howard - Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

    April Howard, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at Ohio University, leads the financial and administrative functions critical to the university's operations. Howard oversees budgeting, financial management, human resources, and facilities, ensuring efficient resource allocation and operational excellence. This executive position involves developing and implementing strategies that support Ohio University's mission while maintaining fiscal responsibility. April Howard's leadership ensures that administrative services are aligned with academic goals, fostering a productive environment for students and faculty. The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer plays a vital role in the overall management and strategic direction of the institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ohio University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ohio University?
    Ohio University is led by Deborah Shaffer (Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance), along with executives such as Candice Casto (Amp Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer) and Tracy Kondrit (President of OHIO Student Alumni Board and Member of OHIO Alumni Board of Directors).
    Who is part of Ohio University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ohio University includes leaders such as Deborah Shaffer (Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance), Candice Casto (Amp Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer), Tracy Kondrit (President of OHIO Student Alumni Board and Member of OHIO Alumni Board of Directors) 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 Chief Financial Officer & & Amp Administration Vice President, Finance, Amp Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, President of OHIO Student Alumni Board and Member of OHIO Alumni Board of Directors, Co-President of Alexander Hamilton Society, Chief Information Officer.