Universal Technical Institute Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Universal Technical Institute has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and divisional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to workforce development, Universal Technical Institute provides specialized technical training, equipping students with essential skills for high-demand careers and fostering industry partnerships.

Leadership Roles at Universal Technical Institute

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jerome Grant
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bruce Schuman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Todd Hitchcock
  • President (Universal Technical Institute division) - Tracy Lorenz
  • Campus President - Steven McElfresh
  • Campus President - Roger Gomez
  • Campus President - Robert Paganini
  • Division President - Kevin Prehn
  • Campus President - Edward Rito
  • Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Chyrell Miel
  • Jerome Grant - Chief Executive Officer

    Jerome Grant, the Chief Executive Officer at Universal Technical Institute, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Grant's leadership focuses on advancing the company's mission to provide specialized technical education, ensuring alignment with industry demands and student success. Overseeing all major business units, Grant drives initiatives to expand program offerings and enhance the quality of instruction. This executive role involves cultivating key stakeholder relationships, including investors and industry partners, to foster growth and innovation. By championing a culture of continuous improvement, Jerome Grant ensures Universal Technical Institute remains at the forefront of post-secondary technical training, preparing students for successful careers as automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians.
    Jerome Grant

    Bruce Schuman - Chief Financial Officer

    Bruce Schuman, the Chief Financial Officer at Universal Technical Institute, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning. Schuman's role is critical in managing the company's fiscal health, ensuring robust financial controls, and driving profitability through effective resource management. This executive directs budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies, supporting the company's expansion and operational goals in the post-secondary education sector. By analyzing financial performance and identifying opportunities for fiscal optimization, Bruce Schuman provides essential insights to guide corporate decision-making. His leadership ensures the financial stability required to sustain and grow Universal Technical Institute's specialized training programs for automotive, diesel, and other technical careers, reinforcing the company's commitment to student success and shareholder value.
    Bruce Schuman

    Todd Hitchcock - Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Hitchcock, the Chief Operating Officer at Universal Technical Institute, manages the day-to-day operational activities across all campuses. Hitchcock's responsibilities include optimizing educational delivery, streamlining administrative processes, and ensuring a high-quality learning environment for students pursuing careers as technicians. Overseeing campus operations and resource allocation, Hitchcock drives efficiency and effectiveness in program delivery, from automotive and diesel to collision repair and specialized marine training. This leadership position involves collaborating with divisional presidents to implement strategic operational plans and maintain compliance with educational standards. By focusing on operational excellence, Todd Hitchcock supports the company's commitment to providing accessible and impactful post-secondary technical education, directly contributing to student career readiness and the company's market position.
    Todd Hitchcock

    Tracy Lorenz - President (Universal Technical Institute division)

    Tracy Lorenz, the President (Universal Technical Institute division) at Universal Technical Institute, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the core division. Lorenz's leadership focuses on enhancing the educational experience and career outcomes for students pursuing specialized technical training. This executive role involves overseeing curriculum development, campus operations, and student services to ensure the division meets its educational and business objectives. By fostering strong relationships with faculty, staff, and industry partners, Tracy Lorenz drives initiatives that align educational programs with current market demands for skilled technicians. Lorenz's strategic oversight ensures the division's continued success in preparing graduates for fulfilling careers in fields such as automotive, diesel, and collision repair, reinforcing Universal Technical Institute's commitment to excellence in technical education.

    Steven McElfresh - Campus President

    Steven McElfresh, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, directs the comprehensive operations and strategic growth of a specific campus location. McElfresh's leadership ensures the delivery of high-quality technical education and a supportive learning environment for students pursuing automotive, diesel, and other skilled trades. This role involves managing campus resources, overseeing faculty and staff performance, and fostering community engagement to enhance student recruitment and retention. By implementing effective operational strategies and maintaining high academic standards, Steven McElfresh drives the campus's contribution to Universal Technical Institute's overall mission. McElfresh's dedication to student success and operational excellence is paramount in preparing graduates for successful careers in high-demand technical fields.

    Roger Gomez - Campus President

    Roger Gomez, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, leads the strategic vision and operational execution for a designated campus. Gomez's responsibilities encompass ensuring academic excellence, fostering a positive campus culture, and driving student success in specialized technical training programs. This executive role involves managing all campus functions, including admissions, student services, and instructional delivery, to meet both educational and business objectives. By cultivating strong relationships with local industry partners, Roger Gomez ensures that training programs remain relevant and responsive to workforce needs in areas like automotive and diesel technology. Gomez's commitment to operational efficiency and student support directly contributes to Universal Technical Institute's mission of preparing skilled technicians for successful careers.

    Robert Paganini - Campus President

    Robert Paganini, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, oversees the strategic management and operational performance of a key campus facility. Paganini's leadership focuses on delivering exceptional technical education and fostering student achievement in specialized career fields. This executive role involves directing campus-wide initiatives, managing faculty and staff, and ensuring compliance with educational standards and company policies. By optimizing resource allocation and enhancing the student experience, Robert Paganini drives the campus's contribution to Universal Technical Institute's mission of workforce development. Paganini's dedication to operational excellence and student support is crucial in preparing graduates for successful careers as automotive, diesel, and collision repair technicians.

    Kevin Prehn - Division President

    Kevin Prehn, the Division President at Universal Technical Institute, directs the strategic growth and operational effectiveness of a specific division within the company. Prehn's leadership is focused on enhancing program quality and expanding market reach for specialized technical training. This executive role involves overseeing multiple campus operations, driving innovation in curriculum, and ensuring alignment with industry demands for skilled technicians. By fostering collaboration across the division and implementing best practices, Kevin Prehn strengthens Universal Technical Institute's position as a leader in post-secondary education. Prehn's strategic oversight is vital for achieving divisional objectives and supporting the company's overall mission of preparing students for successful careers.

    Edward Rito - Campus President

    Edward Rito, the Campus President at Universal Technical Institute, leads the comprehensive operational and strategic initiatives for a specific campus. Rito's responsibilities include ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical education and fostering a supportive environment for student development. This executive role involves managing campus resources, overseeing faculty and staff, and driving student enrollment and retention efforts. By implementing effective management strategies and maintaining rigorous academic standards, Edward Rito ensures the campus contributes significantly to Universal Technical Institute's mission. Rito's focus on operational excellence and student success is critical in preparing graduates for rewarding careers in the automotive, diesel, and collision repair industries.

    Chyrell Miel - Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer

    Chyrell Miel, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Universal Technical Institute, provides comprehensive administrative and strategic support to the HR leadership. Miel's role is integral to the efficient functioning of the human resources department, facilitating communication and managing critical administrative tasks that support employee relations and organizational development. This position involves coordinating executive schedules, preparing reports, and managing confidential information, ensuring the smooth operation of HR initiatives. By maintaining meticulous organization and proactive problem-solving, Chyrell Miel directly contributes to the effectiveness of HR strategies aimed at attracting, retaining, and developing talent within Universal Technical Institute. Miel's support is vital for the HR team's ability to foster a positive and productive work environment across all company locations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal Technical Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Universal Technical Institute?
    Universal Technical Institute is led by Jerome Grant (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Bruce Schuman (Chief Financial Officer) and Todd Hitchcock (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Universal Technical Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Universal Technical Institute includes leaders such as Jerome Grant (Chief Executive Officer), Bruce Schuman (Chief Financial Officer), Todd Hitchcock (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Universal Technical Institute have?
    Universal Technical Institute has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Universal Technical Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Universal Technical Institute includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President (Universal Technical Institute division), Campus President.