Our People
Technology is critical to The Ohio State University's mission. Our teams focus on opportunities to increase institutional collaboration, efficiency and data-driven solutions.
Whether you work in our newly-renovated offices or spend your time assisting customers at locations across the university, your work contributes to our vision to promote student success; support academics, research and outreach; and strengthen access and connectivity. Take a few minutes to explore our staff profiles and learn more about the team members who are making this vision a reality.
Get to know Aaron Minnick! Since joining Ohio State in 2007 as part of the original Student Information System (SIS) implementation team, Aaron has played a key role in major university initiatives—from launching Buckeye Link to supporting SIS integrations with Workday. As a Business Analyst, Aaron thrives at the intersection of people and technology, solving problems and supporting students and staff every day. A lifelong learner with roots in rural Indiana, Aaron holds degrees from both Northwestern and Ohio State. When he’s off the clock, you can find Aaron making music with one of several local bands, exploring the great outdoors, or enjoying tapas at Barcelona, his favorite restaurant in Columbus.Learn more
This month the spotlight shines on Randi Honkonen. From helping instructors navigate teaching tools to dancing her heart out in local theater productions, this Marketing Communications Lead brings energy, creativity and heart to everything she does. With 12 years at Ohio State and a career path that took a detour from childhood vet dreams to marketing strategy, she now helps bridge the gap between tech and teaching. Whether she’s battling her fiancé in one of their 328 board games, cross stitching sassy quotes, or wrangling her very opinionated (and photogenic) rescue dog, Rax, she’s doing it all with smarts, quirk and a whole lot of passion.Learn more
Meet Neha Khanna, a Senior Business Analyst on the Enterprise Business Solutions (EBS) team and a passionate problem-solver who thrives in OTDI’s collaborative and supportive culture. Originally from Kanpur, India, Neha’s impressive academic journey took her from earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s in India to completing an MBA at the University of North Dakota. When she’s not tackling projects at Ohio State, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, exploring Ohio’s beautiful Metro Parks, or dreaming of her ultimate travel goal—visiting all the Wonders of the World!Learn more
Meet Security Engineer Reg Jackson. This Bobcat turned Buckeye has worked at Ohio State for eight years. He plays a crucial role in cybersecurity education and outreach, helping colleagues navigate the digital world safely. Collaborating with curious, innovative minds is what he enjoys most, likening OTDI to an "amusement park" for ideas. Speaking of which, he recently visited Disney World with his family, and it left such a lasting impression that a return trip is already on the horizon.Learn more
This month the spotlight shines on Ginger Breon. A Nittany Lion turned Buckeye, Ginger is working dual roles for OTDI as the Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer and Executive Director for Research Computing. Since joining the university in 2018, Ginger has led transformational initiatives like advancing research technology infrastructure and implementing enterprise-wide solutions to enhance collaboration and innovation. A proud farmer, lifelong learner and dedicated mother/grandmother, Ginger approaches all aspects of her life with passion, hard work and a collaborative spirit.Learn more
Meet Ajit! Originally from Kangra, India, Ajit Kapoor made his way to Ohio State as a contractor-turned-full-time staff member. Ajit is a Senior Integration Developer on our Enterprise Business Solutions team. This problem-solver has never met a challenge he didn't enjoy solving with research and team collaboration. Ajit had early dreams of being a musician (his favorite band is Journey!), but quickly found that technology was more his jam. When he’s off the clock, Ajit enjoys hiking, gardening, playing sports with family and friends, and baking Indian breads—he can make eight different varieties!Learn more
This month the spotlight shines on Drarelle Blassingame! Drarelle joining OTDI in July 2024 as a Senior Data Engineer for the Enterprise Applications team. Balancing his technical responsibilities and passion for collaboration, he’s truly grateful for the chance to work with his diverse and talented colleagues. This Buckeye for Life is a proud Ohio State alum and jack of all trades, with past accomplishments ranging from “collegiate rugby player” to “first chair violinist.” When he’s not troubleshooting Raspberry Pi projects or moonlighting as a musician, you can find him exploring state parks, spending time with his wife and their fur babies, or planning his dream trip to New Zealand.Learn more
Meet Jimmy Wade, Systems Engineer extraordinaire on our Learning Systems and Infrastructure team. With over 16 years of experience, Jimmy's knack for troubleshooting tools like CarmenCanvas, Zoom and Mediasite keeps our learning systems running smoothly. When he's not untangling tech issues or writing scripts, he’s keeping up with his two kids, singing in choir, or starting a new hobby that he will absolutely, without a doubt finish this time (*wink*). While botany and zoology might have been an early passion, we’re glad Jimmy found his way to IT and puts his problem-solving skills to use here in OTDI.Learn more
Get to know Mel Sweigart! This Buckeye for Life took their first job in IT during their senior year in college and, luckily for us, they never looked back. Mel keeps the university community connected as an email and Microsoft 365 subject matter expert on the IT Service Desk team. Off the clock, Mel stays busy with a daughter in first grade and hobbies like knitting, crocheting and baking! Mel dreams of traveling to Germany one day to the town where their father emigrated from, so if you have travel tips for Mössingen, let Mel know!Learn more
Meet Ric Hunter, an Ohio State employee for nearly 21 years! Currently, a Senior Communications Strategist, Ric originally came to Ohio State to work on the PeopleSoft Financials 8.4 upgrade project. These days, you’ll find Ric on our MarComm team supporting communications for Workday, Data Services, BuckeyeLearn, and Teams Calling. When not at work, you’ll find Ric spending time with friends, stepping around two playful cats, or dreaming of ways to stretch his concert ticket budget so that he and his husband can see “just one more” Janet Jackson show.Learn more
This month the spotlight shines on Jane Farago, Senior Manager of Customer Experience on the Desktop Support team! Jane and her tight-knit team of techs face new and interesting challenges every day as they provide device support to Ohio State's Columbus campus, including the Office of the President! Jane is a jack of all trades, balancing her full-time job at Ohio State with her other full-time job as a mom and professional chauffeur to two busy teens. When she’s off the clock, she is either traveling with her family or working on projects around the house, so you can add “DIYer” to her list of accolades. Learn more
Meet Kaylee Buzard! While marine biologist and medical examiner were top career contenders, Kaylee found that her creativity and problem-solving skills were put to best use in the Information Security and Risk Management realm. Kaylee is up and at ‘em at 3:30 a.m. (you read that right), hitting the gym, catching up on the news, and enjoying a cup of joe, and snuggling with her pups. Kaylee enjoys keeping her hands and mind busy – from crafting and gardening to studying for the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) exam. We’re lucky to have this go-getter on our team!Learn more
Get to know Travis Elkins! This Buckeye for Life started out as a student employee and later landed a full-time gig within OTDI. Travis provides top-tier service to the students, faculty and staff at Ohio State’s Marion Campus as a Desktop and Educational Support Specialist. Travis’ skills don’t stop there – he is currently working to frame/wire/drywall the basement of his family’s new-build home. Outside of work, you can catch Travis enjoying the great outdoors with his wife, two kiddos and dog. Learn more
Meet Madhuri Marry, this month’s OTDI employee spotlight team member. Madhuri has spent over ten years at Ohio State working to continuously improve and enhance our systems, providing her expertise specifically on the PeopleSoft and Workday projects. Madhuri stays busy outside of work spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors. Her newfound passion for swimming will come in handy at her dream vacation destination—anywhere with a beach! Back on dry land, you can catch Madhuri enjoying fresh meals from some of Columbus' best farm-to-table restaurants.Learn more
This month the spotlight shines on Irina Owens! This student intern turned full-timer has been supporting the business and data integration side of IT for over 11 years at Ohio State. Irina’s work on the so called “Fin-Fam” is rarely the same so she enjoys the new challenges that each project presents. Even though we would have loved to see Irina compete at the Olympics as a professional ice skater (her childhood dream job), we’re very glad she found her calling in OTDI. When she’s not at work, Irina and her husband have their hands full with a dog (who thinks he’s their child) and three-year-old son (who thinks he’s their boss). Learn more
Get to know Tom Marker! This Buckeye for Life started as a student employee and never left (the tuition benefit was a nice motivator)! He enjoys that his job allows him to solve complex puzzles for customers across the university, with the end goal of providing secure solutions. This former woodworker and Blizzard spinner originally planned to go into psychology, but his love of computers steered him into IT. If you catch Tom on Teams, be sure to ask him to play Cruel Summer on ukelele!Learn more
This month, the spotlight shines on Meghan Swisher, who leads the Enterprise Content Services team. She enjoys working with her colleagues in OTDI to update, improve and automate essential university tools. An architect and/or art professor wannabe, she ultimately built a career streamlining cumbersome business processes. She loves to travel, so if you catch her OOO message, she could be in Maine, Glacier National Park, or hopefully Scotland some day.Learn more
This month, AV Installation and Support Specialist Phil Reynolds is in the spotlight. This former golf caddy and radio DJ wannabe found his calling in OTDI troubleshooting tech issues for instructors in classrooms across campus. He loves the work-life balance provided by Ohio State, as well as being able to provide a seamless experience for our customers—even during a global pandemic! If you are out and about in Columbus, you may catch him and his girlfriend at El Arepazo or Cuco’s Taqueria, but if he’s OOO, don’t be surprised if he’s jetting off to Thailand!Learn more
This month, the spotlight shines on Jake Sutter, an app developer in our service management team. He was always interested in technology, from programming math equations on a TI-83 to developing essential applications in OTDI. He started as a student employee and is still growing his career and his knowledge with Ohio State. Outside of work, he’s passionate about video games, photography and music. If you see his OOO reply, he might be jet-setting off to Japan or just picking up some sushi around town.Learn more
Get to know Pierre, your friendly neighborhood web developer! This Québec native knew nothing of Ohio but followed his wife to Columbus—and the rest is history! A wannabe astronaut, he got a master’s in astrophysics but ultimately pivoted to his side-gig of graphic and web design. As a father of 8 (two human, two canine, four feline), it’s unclear how he finds time for his hobbies! If you are planning a trip to Québec City, be sure to ask Pierre about the must-eat poutine places.Learn more
This month we’re shining the spotlight on Portia LaMarr. She started her Ohio State career in the Registrar’s office but then made her way to the Web and Mobile team in OTDI. She loves working with a creative and innovative team and has a passion for DEIJ work. This mother of three doesn’t have many hobbies of her own, besides supporting all of her children’s activities! When she’s off the clock, you can listen to her on the H.E.A.R.D podcast (Higher Education and Real Diversity).Learn more
This month, get to know Ben Hood, a network engineer. From student employee to full-timer, this Buckeye for Life wasn’t sure what he wanted to be when he grew up, but his first position in IT made his career path more clear. And ten years later, he’s sticking with it in OTDI! Off the clock, you are likely to find this husband and father wrangling his one-year old son, or perhaps snagging some tacos at Los Guachos.Learn more
This month, get to know Tracey Richardson. This senior director of the OTDI Service Management Office is a Buckeye For Life—from student, to student employee, to temp employee to full-timer. Her mom encouraged her to “get into computers,” and we’re so glad she took her mom’s advice! This former snow cone scooper enjoys meeting talented people across the university and working with her team to turn ideas into successful services. If Tracey is OOO for an extended period of time, she might be making a return trip to sunny CA or trekking across the world to learn more about her ancestry.Learn more
This month, the spotlight shines on Dietrich Eubank, who is tasked with organizing and prioritizing the OTDI portfolio of projects. He had been working in the IT project management space for years, and after meeting some OTDI colleagues, he knew Ohio State would be a great fit. He was born in Germany, but grew up primarily in Ohio (with a brief stint in Canada). When he’s OOO, he might be visiting family in Norway or checking off bucket list items in Nepal or Bora-Bora. If you need to connect with Dietrich in-person, he won’t turn down a working meeting at Brassica.Learn more
Meet Annie, this month’s spotlight employee. She’s a communicator focused on student success—everything from getting technology kits to students during a pandemic to supporting mental health with the Wellness app and fostering creativity with the Adobe suite. She originally wanted to be a vet, and then a journalist, now a communicator, but perhaps a florist in the future. This trivia pro loves learning new things, especially in the kitchen. When she’s OOO, she may be jet-setting to Italy for handmade pasta or enjoying BIG family time.Learn more
Get to know this month’s spotlight employee, Jordan Keel. On a typical day he is managing access to key systems, providing members of the university the permissions they need to complete their work. This Buckeye for Life graduated from Ohio State and has been working at the university for 10 years. He originally considered a path in dentistry, but after working in the Registrar, his dreams shifted to a career in higher education. Outside of working hours, you may find him rocking out on drums or guitar or enjoying time at home with his wife and fur baby.Learn more
Get to know Sravani from the eLearning Systems Development team. Her group in OTDI supports major teaching and learning tools like CarmenCanvas, CarmenZoom, Mediasite, Top Hat, LabArchives…the list goes on! Sravani started at Ohio State as a toothbrush salesperson while working on her Master’s degree, but found her way to OTDI in 2015. Originally from a “pothole town” in India, she aspired to be a Buckeye—and has now been at the university for over 20 years! Off the clock, you will likely find Sravani at the park with her husband and daughter or hitting up Brassica for a tasty meal.Learn more
This month the spotlight shines on Pat Webster, a support specialist who’s helping out our managed IT partners and onboarding new recruits to the IT Service Desk. This wannabe high school history teacher is still fulfilling his dream of working in academia. He is thrilled that his career path brought him back to his alma mater, solidifying his Buckeye for Life status. Off the clock, you might find this former juggler wrangling his many pets or relaxing with friends around a campfire.Learn more
Meet Radhika, a member of our Access Management team who is regularly onboarding and offboarding users to university systems. She enjoys cross-functional teamwork and working to improve the user experience. Originally from India, this Buckeye is living her dream serving others and working in the education field. After hours, you may find her enjoying her beautiful garden or decorating her house to bring the beauty inside.Learn more
Say hello to Amanda, a technical writer and customer supporter. She loves working in OTDI because she doesn’t feel like just a cog in a machine. This former sailboat steward with culinary and theater degrees cruised into Ohio State as a student employee and has been working for the university full-time for over eight years. Outside Mount and her Zoom window, you might find her grabbing a bite at Lindey’s or diving into a new game or craft.Learn more
This month, the spotlight falls on Will Mills, a relationship manager and culture builder. A former student athlete at THE Ohio State University, Will is always looking for ways to pay it forward to current students. His favorite projects tend to be those that have the biggest impact on young Buckeyes! Will is thankful for the people he has the opportunity to work with, as well as the flexibility the university provides. When he’s not dressed for success on campus, this father of two can be found spending time with family and trying new things.Learn more
Get to know Ashley, a business analyst supporting our friends at COTC in Newark. She loves learning new things every day and she’s not afraid to question what’s possible. This wannabe teacher has always been tech-savvy, so a career in higher education that led to OTDI is a great fit! Ashley chose Ohio State because she wanted to continue to grow and to have an employer that values health and well-being. Speaking of well-being, off the clock you might find her at the nearest waterfall getting her Zen on.Learn more
Say hello to Chris Baker, a lead analyst working on the implementation and continuous improvement of Workday. This former corn detasseler and rockstar-wannabe found his way to Ohio State for work and TBDBITL—and he’s been with us for over two decades! Chris enjoys collaborating with others and thinking outside the box to solve complex problems. When he’s off the clock, you will likely find him spending time with family, if he can pull his son away from Minecraft.Learn more
Meet Rich, the new CISO for The Ohio State University. He’s in charge of security, privacy and digital accessibility at the university. This former paper boy wants to spread the news that he gets to work with a lot of bright Buckeyes. His children are becoming bright young Bucks as well! When Rich is OOO, he and his family are likely off traveling the world or cozying up to enjoy some classic Christmas movies.Learn more
Meet Aimee, who went from student cook to Fiscal Officer in her 16 years at Ohio State. She balances the books as part of the shared services team, allowing her to work with every part of our organization. When she’s not approving purchase and travel requests, she’s likely gaming or enjoying time at home with her husband and furbabies. You might even catch her in Gerlach Hall on a Saturday, working towards her MBA (and avoiding yard work).Learn more
Meet Richelle, a business analyst who enjoys working with her “Fin Fam.” From PeopleSoft to Workday, she’s seen her fair share of major system implementations in her nearly 20 years with Ohio State. When she’s not supporting customers at Ohio State, she enjoys supporting her local community and spending time grilling out with family. This Pittsburgh native is a big Steeler’s fan, but if you need a change of subject, be sure to ask her about her run-in with chicken pox!Learn more
Meet John, a Buckeye for Life that graduated from Ohio State and immediately wanted to come back to start his career. In over a decade with the university, he worked his share of major projects and now manages three different teams. This father of four enjoys working with a variety of people and building relationships with his colleagues. When he’s not on campus or on Zoom, you might catch him spending time with his family on a beach or planning a European excursion.Learn more
Meet Michael, an OTDI employee who went from student worker to full-timer. His career path immersed him in various IT groups at the university until he made his way to the Active Directory (AD) team. This former lawn care entrepreneur is now helping MITS grow, and he’s currently assisting with the migration from BuckeyeBox to Microsoft 365. This Columbus native loves working in an environment of continuous learning and innovation. Outside of work you might catch him playing sports, delving into DIY or planning a trip around the world.Learn more
Meet Katelyn, an interior designer for classroom spaces around Ohio State. This former ice cream scooper is now shaping the way students and instructors learn and teach through her inspired layouts. She always dreamt of being an interior designer, and an internship with Student Life sparked her interest in a career in higher education. When the weather warms up, you might catch her at a local brewery or jetting off to Ireland to immerse herself in her family’s heritage.Learn more
Say hello to Carmichael, a senior web and mobile developer. This former Target employee traded his red polo for something Scarlet and Gray and has worked for Ohio State for over 10 years now. In nice weather, this father of two can be found hitting the trails with his family. While working from home, he’s also brandishing his barista skills—ask him about his latte art the next time you see him on Zoom!Learn more
Meet Jacob, an application analyst who’s creating new solutions for our MITS partners. Former “food champion” and member of the Geek Squad, he was swayed by other Ohio State employees to join the university. This Mansfield native is a music enthusiast and proud husband and father of two [fur babies]. Outside of work, you might catch him at Rock City, Condado Tacos or escaping to Colorado for some fresh scenery.Learn more
Meet Chitra, a middleware administrator who has supported several major software upgrades and is keeping our systems up to date every day. When she came to Ohio State, she just needed a job, but the amazing people she gets to work with have kept her in our office for 15 years and counting. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to India to visit her parents (and score some tasty mangoes). Here in Ohio, family time is key—even the indecisive times of choosing what to binge next.Learn more
Meet Marvin, a training developer who’s been with our unit for a decade and counting. He originally came to Ohio State’s Department of African American and African Studies Community Extension Center. He knew the university would be a great place to continue to grow and develop his communication, training and technology skills. Family and religion are top priorities, as well as sports and exploring the great outdoors. Outside of Mount Hall, you might find Marvin stopping in at Hyde Park for date night or escaping to an island for a family vacation.Learn more
Meet Lissette, a web app developer who thrives on continuous improvement for our customers. She enjoys the college atmosphere at Ohio State as well as the creative, innovative nature of her work. Originally from Puerto Rico, this mother of two can’t get enough of the outdoors! When she’s not working, you might catch her riding her bike or taking a family walk. Learn more
Meet Bob Muhn, the new CAO working with shared services for OTDI. This ‘design thinking’ innovator likes to be sure human needs lead technology improvements, and he’s thrilled for the opportunity to innovate at Ohio State. Bob isn’t quite sure what he wants to be when he grows up—making a college campus the perfect fit! This former sailing instructor is now an avid golfer and family man. When he’s not in your Zoom meeting, you might find him and his family on a nature walk, or daydreaming about the next time they can hit up The Avenue in Grandview.Learn more
Meet Beth, a support specialist who travels to extension offices in counties across Ohio. She was originally interested in the medical field (ideally for pets), but allergies and her love of computers altered her career plans. Now she enjoys the people she works with at Ohio State and throughout the state. Outside of her mobile office, this mother of two is also an advocate for families with special needs children. If she’s not at one of our county offices, you might find her at a local county fair, enjoying funnel cakes, fries and tractor pulling.Learn more
Meet Mario, a manager of IT Service Desk support staff, aka your friendly neighborhood IT gurus at BuckeyeBar locations and available by phone (614-688-4357). This former lawn-mower had dreams of traveling to the stars, but we’re happy he landed in Buckeye Country. This big family man and original Star Wars fan enjoys the Ohio State culture and knowing he’s making an impact in the world. Outside TNC, you might find him traveling to Orlando with his family or making a trip to Toledo for some Gino’s pizza.Learn more