The Ohio State University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Ohio State University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence and research, The Ohio State University fosters an environment of innovation and discovery, impacting global knowledge and societal advancement through its comprehensive educational programs and extensive research initiatives.

Leadership Roles at The Ohio State University

  • Director, Communications For & Chief Financial Officer - Karina Brown
  • Administrator and Chief Operating Officer - Joyce Martin
  • President - Rick Lisko
  • Chief Information Officer - Robert Lowden
  • Chief of Staff - Jr Blackburn
  • Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Ginger Breon
  • Manager, Human Resources & Chief Information Officer, Office of - Elizabeth Boster
  • Senior Director, Application Services & Chief Information Officer, Business Solutions Office of - Robert Mains
  • Research Chief & Engineer & Chief Information Officer, Office of - Robert Dixon
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Julie Sussi
  • Karina Brown - Director, Communications For & Chief Financial Officer

    Karina Brown, the Director, Communications For & Chief Financial Officer at The Ohio State University, manages the institution's financial strategy and oversees its communication efforts. Brown directs all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management, ensuring the university's financial health and sustainability. Simultaneously, this role involves shaping and executing communication strategies that align with institutional objectives and enhance public perception. By integrating financial acumen with strategic communication, Karina Brown supports the university's mission and operational goals. The Director, Communications For & Chief Financial Officer's leadership is essential for maintaining financial integrity and effectively conveying The Ohio State University's achievements and vision.

    Joyce Martin - Administrator and Chief Operating Officer

    Joyce Martin, the Administrator and Chief Operating Officer at The Ohio State University, directs the university's extensive operational activities and administrative functions. Martin oversees the efficient management of resources, facilities, and support services essential for the university's daily operations. This critical role involves optimizing processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving operational excellence across various departments. By enhancing efficiency and resource allocation, Joyce Martin supports the academic and research missions of the institution. The Administrator and Chief Operating Officer's leadership ensures the seamless functioning of The Ohio State University, enabling faculty and students to focus on their core educational and research pursuits.

    Rick Lisko - President

    Rick Lisko, the President at The Ohio State University, provides the ultimate executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Lisko guides the university's vision, sets institutional priorities, and represents the university in external relations. This paramount role involves fostering academic excellence, driving research innovation, and ensuring the university's financial stability and long-term growth. By championing the university's mission and values, Rick Lisko leads efforts to enhance its national and international standing. The President's leadership is instrumental in shaping the future of The Ohio State University and its impact on higher education and society.

    Robert Lowden - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Lowden, the Chief Information Officer at The Ohio State University, directs the university's comprehensive information technology strategy and operations. Overseeing all aspects of digital infrastructure, Lowden ensures the secure and efficient delivery of technology services supporting academic, research, and administrative functions across the institution. This leadership role involves architecting scalable IT solutions that enhance learning environments and streamline operational processes. By managing cybersecurity initiatives and data governance, Robert Lowden safeguards critical university information and promotes digital transformation. The Chief Information Officer's purview extends to fostering innovation in educational technology and supporting the university's research endeavors through advanced computing resources and data analytics capabilities, directly contributing to The Ohio State University's mission of academic and research excellence.
    Robert Lowden

    Jr Blackburn - Chief of Staff

    Jr Blackburn, the Chief of Staff at The Ohio State University, provides strategic support and operational oversight to the university's executive leadership. Managing key initiatives and facilitating communication across departments, Blackburn ensures alignment with institutional goals and priorities. This role involves coordinating high-level projects, advising on policy development, and enhancing the efficiency of executive decision-making processes. By streamlining operations and fostering collaboration, Jr Blackburn supports the effective execution of the university's strategic vision. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, managing special assignments, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the President's office, thereby playing a crucial part in The Ohio State University's overall administrative effectiveness and strategic advancement.

    Ginger Breon - Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Ginger Breon, the Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer at The Ohio State University, guides the institution's technology direction during a transitional period. Breon oversees the development and implementation of IT strategies that support the university's educational and research objectives. This leadership position involves managing critical technology infrastructure, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures, and driving digital innovation across campus. By focusing on operational efficiency and service delivery, Ginger Breon enhances the technological resources available to students, faculty, and staff. The Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer's role is vital in maintaining continuity and advancing the university's technological capabilities, contributing significantly to The Ohio State University's commitment to cutting-edge education and research.

    Elizabeth Boster - Manager, Human Resources & Chief Information Officer, Office of

    Elizabeth Boster, the Manager, Human Resources & Chief Information Officer, Office of at The Ohio State University, integrates human capital management with information technology leadership. Boster oversees HR functions while also directing IT strategy and operations within her designated office. This dual role requires a comprehensive understanding of both personnel management and technological infrastructure to support departmental objectives. By ensuring effective HR practices and robust IT systems, Elizabeth Boster enhances organizational efficiency and employee support. The Manager, Human Resources & Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include talent acquisition, employee relations, and the strategic deployment of technology solutions, directly contributing to the operational success and administrative effectiveness of her specific office within The Ohio State University.

    Robert Mains - Senior Director, Application Services & Chief Information Officer, Business Solutions Office of

    Robert Mains, the Senior Director, Application Services & Chief Information Officer, Business Solutions Office of at The Ohio State University, leads the development and management of critical business application services. Mains oversees the strategic direction and operational execution of IT solutions designed to support the university's business functions and administrative processes. This role involves ensuring the reliability, scalability, and security of enterprise applications that drive efficiency and productivity. By focusing on application innovation and service delivery, Robert Mains enhances the technological capabilities available to support university operations. The Senior Director, Application Services & Chief Information Officer's expertise is crucial for The Ohio State University's ongoing digital transformation and operational effectiveness.
    Robert Mains

    Robert Dixon - Research Chief & Engineer & Chief Information Officer, Office of

    Robert Dixon, the Research Chief & Engineer & Chief Information Officer, Office of at The Ohio State University, spearheads research initiatives and directs engineering efforts alongside IT strategy for his specific office. Dixon leads advanced research projects, leveraging engineering principles and technological innovation to drive scientific discovery. This multifaceted role involves managing research teams, overseeing project execution, and ensuring the effective deployment of IT infrastructure to support these endeavors. By fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence, Robert Dixon advances the research capabilities within his domain. The Research Chief & Engineer & Chief Information Officer's contributions are vital to The Ohio State University's standing as a leading research institution.

    Julie Sussi - Chief Administrative Officer

    Julie Sussi, the Chief Administrative Officer at The Ohio State University, oversees the comprehensive administrative operations that support the university's extensive academic and research functions. Sussi directs key administrative departments, ensuring efficient resource allocation, policy implementation, and operational compliance across the institution. This leadership position involves optimizing processes to enhance productivity and support the strategic goals of the university. By providing essential administrative oversight, Julie Sussi ensures the smooth functioning of daily operations, enabling faculty and staff to concentrate on their primary educational and research missions. The Chief Administrative Officer's role is fundamental to the effective management and strategic advancement of The Ohio State University.
    Julie Sussi

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Ohio State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Ohio State University?
    The Ohio State University is led by Karina Brown (Director, Communications For & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Joyce Martin (Administrator and Chief Operating Officer) and Rick Lisko (President).
    Who is part of The Ohio State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Ohio State University includes leaders such as Karina Brown (Director, Communications For & Chief Financial Officer), Joyce Martin (Administrator and Chief Operating Officer), Rick Lisko (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Ohio State University have?
    The Ohio State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Ohio State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Ohio State University includes roles such as Director, Communications For & Chief Financial Officer, Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff.