President's Office Staff

To reach any member of the Office of the President staff, please call 740.593.1804.

Carly Leatherwood

Chief of Staff

Carly Leatherwood joined the Office of the President in August 2022. As the Chief of Staff, Carly is charged with managing the Office of the President, serving as a liaison to students, faculty, staff, and other members of our community, and working with the University community to move strategic initiatives forward.

Prior to her role in the Office of the President, Carly served as the Associate Vice President of Communications in University Communications and Marketing (UCM), where she led media relations and internal communications for the University since 2016.

Before returning to her alma mater, Carly served as a communications consultant for the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio and as marketing director at The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. She has a long history of public service, including holding key roles at the Ohio Department of Insurance and the Ohio Department of Education. She began her career as a producer and anchor at WSYX-TV and WBNS 10-TV in Columbus. 

Carly holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and will complete her Master of Business Administration from OHIO’s College of Business in August of 2023.

Portrait of Carly Leatherwood

Joanna Stoltzfus

Presidential Assistant

Joanna Stoltzfus joined the Office of the President in July of 2019. In her role as the Presidential Assistant, she is responsible for managing the President's calendar, travel and correspondence. She first began working for Ohio University in 2006 as a procurement specialist for Culinary Services She went on to serve as an accounting specialist for the Division of Finance before joining the Division of Student Affairs, where she held multiple positions.

Joanna, who is from the Athens area, enjoys spending time with family and being outdoors.

Portrait of Joanna Stoltzfus

Amy Trout

Presidential Strategic Initiatives and Projects Manager

Amy Trout joined the Office of the President in January 2019.  In this role, she manages special initiatives and supports the Office of the President with the administration of ongoing programs and projects.

Prior to this role, Amy served as the Executive Assistant to three Directors of Athletics at Ohio University, assisting with day-to-day responsibilities, while working on special projects, contracts, and event planning.  She also served as a liaison between the Athletics Director and various entities on and off campus.

Amy has over 20 years of higher education experience, holds a Bachelor of Science in sport science, and a Master of Science in education and sport pedagogy, both from Ohio University.  A native of Watertown, New York, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Portrait of Amy Trout

Nick Claussen

Organizational Communications Specialist

Nick Claussen joined the Office of the President in June 2019 as an Executive Communications Specialist. In December of 2021, his role was expanded and he now serves as an Organizational Communications Specialist. In this role, he works for University Communications and Marketing while continuing to assist the Office of the President with communications.

Nick earned his Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University in 1992 and has 30 years of experience in communications.

Portrait of Nick Claussen