Rebecca Watts, Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the President
wattsr@ohio.edu

Rebecca Watts began her role as the Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the President in August 2008. In this position, she serves as an advisor and key member of the President’s Executive Staff and is responsible for making sure that information flows to and from the Office of the President.

Rebecca works closely with the other members of the Executive Staff, Deans, and Directors to facilitate and ensure the implementation of the University goals and strategic priorities. She also serves as a representative on committees and task forces; aids in the implementation of new policies and procedures; and responds to problems and issues presented by students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Prior to joining Ohio University, Rebecca was the deputy to the President of Murray State University in Kentucky. Before joining Murray State, Rebecca was the public information officer and chief of staff for Illinois State Superintendent of Education Randy Dunn. She holds a master's degree in communication from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and a bachelor of arts in communication from Sangamon State University, also in Springfield.

Jennifer Kirksey joined the Office of the President in August 2005. Jennifer's responsibilities include managing and responding to the President's communications, developing and implementing strategic communication plans, and managing special projects and ongoing programs.

Since joining Ohio University in 2000, Jennifer has worked as a media specialist in University Communications and Marketing. In this role, she handled media relations, managed projects, and created and implemented strategic communication and marketing plans. Her experience also includes an extensive background in written communications.

Prior to her work here, Jennifer was with a financial communications firm in New York, N.Y., where she focused on national media relations. She holds a bachelor of science in journalism from Ohio University.

Kelli Swart began her role as Presidential Assistant in September 2011. In her role, she serves as the executive staff assistant to the President and First Lady of Ohio University. She is responsible for managing President McDavis’ and Mrs. McDavis' calendar, travel, and correspondence, as well as coordination of special events at the President's Residence.

Prior to joining the Office of the President, she served as Administrative Secretary in the Athletics Compliance Office; Administrative Assistant, Student Financial Assistance Office; Admissions Counselor, Admissions Office; and, most recently, Associate Director of Admissions at Marshall University.

Kelli earned a Bachelor of Art in secondary education and Master of Science in adult and technical education at Marshall University.

Barb Mash has been a staff member in the Office of the President since 2006. Her responsibilities include coordinating schedules, records maintenance, communication, and special event planning for Board of Trustees, Government Relations, and the Interlink Alliance. Barb monitors pending state and federal legislation and tracks and responds to inquires related to federal appropriation proposals. She also serves as a liaison to internal and external contacts for the Office of the President.

Barb began her career at Ohio University in 2001 with the Office of Education Abroad. Prior to her appointment in the Office of the President, she worked as Records Management Coordinator in the Office for the Vice President of University Advancement. Barb is taking classes at Ohio University and pursuing a degree through University College.