The Ohio State University Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

Leadership Roles at The Ohio State University

  • Chief Executive Officer (Total Health Care Center, FQHC) - Candy Rinehart
  • Administrator and Chief Operating Officer - Joyce Martin
  • President - Arjun Vyas
  • President - OSU Womens Rugby Club - Grace Hein
  • President-Elect - Polly James
  • President's Postdoctoral Scholar - Nikita Makarchev
  • Chief of Staff - Jr Blackburn
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Michael Hofherr
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Michael Veres
  • Senior Advisor To the Director - Benita Katzenellenbogen
  • Candy Rinehart - Chief Executive Officer (Total Health Care Center, FQHC)

    Candy Rinehart, the Chief Executive Officer (Total Health Care Center, FQHC) at The Ohio State University, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the university's Federally Qualified Health Center. Rinehart ensures the delivery of comprehensive primary and preventive healthcare services to underserved communities, aligning with the university's commitment to public health and community engagement. This executive role involves overseeing financial performance, regulatory compliance, and the expansion of healthcare access. The Chief Executive Officer (Total Health Care Center, FQHC) champions initiatives to improve patient outcomes and enhance the patient experience. Candy Rinehart's leadership drives the center's mission to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare, reinforcing The Ohio State University's role in addressing critical health disparities.
    Candy Rinehart

    Joyce Martin - Administrator and Chief Operating Officer

    Joyce Martin, the Administrator and Chief Operating Officer at The Ohio State University, oversees the institution's extensive operational functions and administrative services. Martin directs daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across various departments, including facilities management, human resources, and financial administration. This executive position involves optimizing resource allocation, managing complex projects, and implementing strategic operational improvements. The Administrator and Chief Operating Officer plays a pivotal role in supporting the university's academic and research missions through robust operational support. Joyce Martin's leadership ensures that the university's infrastructure and services are aligned with its strategic objectives, facilitating a productive environment for students, faculty, and staff.

    Arjun Vyas - President

    Arjun Vyas, the President at The Ohio State University, leads the overall strategic vision and executive management of the institution. Vyas directs all major university initiatives, fostering academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and community engagement. This paramount role involves guiding faculty and staff, overseeing financial health, and representing the university on national and international stages. The President is instrumental in setting institutional priorities and ensuring the university's continued growth and impact. Arjun Vyas's leadership is dedicated to advancing The Ohio State University's mission of education, research, and service, solidifying its position as a leading public research university.

    Grace Hein - President - OSU Womens Rugby Club

    Grace Hein, the President - OSU Womens Rugby Club at The Ohio State University, leads the student organization dedicated to women's rugby. Hein manages the club's operations, including team recruitment, practice scheduling, and competition coordination. This leadership role involves fostering team spirit, ensuring adherence to university policies, and promoting athletic development among student-athletes. The President - OSU Womens Rugby Club serves as the primary liaison between the team and university athletic departments. Grace Hein's commitment extends to organizing fundraising events and promoting the sport within the university community, contributing to student life and extracurricular engagement.

    Polly James - President-Elect

    Polly James, the President-Elect at The Ohio State University, prepares to assume leadership responsibilities for a designated university entity or organization. James actively participates in strategic planning and operational oversight, gaining comprehensive understanding of the organization's functions and objectives. This preparatory role involves close collaboration with current leadership to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations. The President-Elect supports key initiatives and contributes to decision-making processes. Polly James's engagement is crucial for maintaining momentum and driving future success, aligning with the university's broader goals for academic and administrative advancement.

    Nikita Makarchev - President's Postdoctoral Scholar

    Nikita Makarchev, the President's Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University, conducts advanced research and contributes to the university's scholarly endeavors. Makarchev engages in cutting-edge research projects, often collaborating with faculty and contributing to academic publications and presentations. This scholarly position involves developing new knowledge and methodologies within a specific field of study. The President's Postdoctoral Scholar plays a role in advancing the university's research profile and fostering intellectual growth. Nikita Makarchev's work supports The Ohio State University's commitment to innovation and academic excellence, contributing to its reputation as a leading research institution.

    Jr Blackburn - Chief of Staff

    Jr Blackburn, the Chief of Staff at The Ohio State University, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across university departments. Blackburn manages key projects, ensuring seamless execution of the President's agenda and fostering interdepartmental collaboration. This role involves advising senior leadership on critical policy matters and driving efficiency in administrative functions. Overseeing the implementation of new university-wide programs, Jr Blackburn ensures adherence to strategic goals and facilitates communication between executive offices and external stakeholders. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities extend to managing special assignments and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the university's leadership team, directly supporting the institution's mission of research and education.

    Michael Hofherr - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Michael Hofherr, the Interim Chief Information Officer at The Ohio State University, guides the institution's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Hofherr oversees the development and implementation of IT solutions that support academic research, student services, and administrative operations. This leadership position involves managing cybersecurity protocols, ensuring data integrity, and driving innovation in educational technology. The Interim Chief Information Officer works to enhance the university's technological capabilities, promoting digital transformation across all campuses. Michael Hofherr's focus includes optimizing network performance, supporting advanced research computing, and ensuring reliable access to essential digital resources for faculty, staff, and students, thereby advancing the university's educational and research objectives.

    Michael Veres - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Michael Veres, the Interim Chief Information Officer at The Ohio State University, directs the university's information technology infrastructure and digital services. Veres is responsible for overseeing the implementation of robust IT systems that support academic endeavors, research activities, and administrative functions. This critical role involves managing cybersecurity measures, ensuring the reliability of network services, and driving technological advancements. The Interim Chief Information Officer collaborates with various university units to align technology solutions with institutional goals. Michael Veres's efforts focus on enhancing digital accessibility, supporting data-driven decision-making, and ensuring the secure and efficient operation of all IT resources, thereby bolstering the university's educational and research missions.

    Benita Katzenellenbogen - Senior Advisor To the Director

    Benita Katzenellenbogen, the Senior Advisor To the Director at The Ohio State University, provides strategic counsel and expert guidance to the Director on critical university matters. Katzenellenbogen supports the Director's initiatives by offering insights derived from extensive experience in higher education administration and policy. This advisory role involves analyzing complex issues, developing recommendations, and facilitating the implementation of strategic objectives. The Senior Advisor To the Director plays a key part in enhancing the effectiveness of leadership decision-making. Benita Katzenellenbogen's contributions are vital for navigating challenges and advancing the university's mission through informed strategic direction.

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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 Candy Rinehart (Chief Executive Officer (Total Health Care Center, FQHC)), along with executives such as Joyce Martin (Administrator and Chief Operating Officer) and Arjun Vyas (President).
    Who is part of The Ohio State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Ohio State University includes leaders such as Candy Rinehart (Chief Executive Officer (Total Health Care Center, FQHC)), Joyce Martin (Administrator and Chief Operating Officer), Arjun Vyas (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 Chief Executive Officer (Total Health Care Center, FQHC), Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, President, President - OSU Womens Rugby Club, President-Elect.