Franklin’s Executive Leadership Team

Marv Briskey joined Franklin University as Chief Financial Officer in 2006. Dr. Briskey was promoted to Vice President & Chief Financial Officer in 2011, and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer in 2014. Under his leadership, the Chief Financial Office focuses on providing both strategic operational and programmatic support to the University. The Chief Financial Office establishes and communicates both fiscal and safety and security policies and procedures; oversees $111 million in net assets, and a $90 million investment pool; and reviews and establishes internal control procedures to safeguard financial and human capital assets. Dr. Briskey holds a Bachelor of Art in Accounting from Hillsdale College, a Master of Business Administration from Capital University, and a Doctor of Business Administration from Baker College.

In her role as Franklin University’s chief of staff and senior vice president for administration, Christi Cabungcal is a member of the president’s cabinet and key administrative leader. She works to support the achievement of organizational goals by aligning Franklin’s human capital and infrastructure strategies with the University’s mission and strategic plan. In her role, Christi partners with University leadership to promote a culture of collaboration, empowerment and achievement.
Christi earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology as well as an MBA from Otterbein College. She supports her community as a member of the board of directors for Goodwill Columbus.

Bill Chan joined Franklin University in 2002. In his years at Franklin, Bill has focused on expanding and strengthening the University’s partnerships with community colleges, businesses and high schools across the country. He has addressed the need to increase student transfer and reduce the cost of higher education through 3+1 articulation agreements with community colleges. Under Bill’s leadership, FranklinWORKS has formed partnerships with a number of Fortune 100 companies and organizations to address workforce development and training as well as oversee the University’s College Credit Plus program with Ohio high schools. Bill earned his M.B.A. from Franklin University and holds a B.A from Kent State University and B.S. from Hiram College.

As senior vice president for global programs and strategic initiatives, Dr. Mendes has guided Franklin University’s expansion of educational opportunities around the world. He has led negotiations resulting in partnership agreements for learning through online and hybrid formats enabling greater global awareness of faculty and students alike. Dr. Mendes’ educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Warner College, MBA from Webster University, a master’s in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix, and a master of science in management from the University of Illinois - Urbana, Champaign. In addition, he has a Ph.D. in organizational management and international business from Capella University.

Lynnette A. Rouzer joined Franklin in 2011 and currently serves as the senior vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. She works to support the proactive recruitment and retention of students at all levels as they matriculate to Franklin and our Urbana branch campus. Lynne is passionate about student success as she and her teams focus on the university’s student-centered efforts. Lynne earned her B.S. and M.Ed. from Ohio University and her Ph.D. in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University. She serves on the board of the Columbus Council for World Affairs.

For more than 30 years, Linda Steele has served in a leadership capacity at Franklin University. In her current role as Vice President of Marketing she has focused on expanding the University’s reach by establishing and elevating its brand position and reputation; developing, integrating, and implementing a broad range of marketing and public relations strategies; and advancing the University’s ability to serve the needs of students in central Ohio, across the United States and around the world. Steele earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and holds a M.A from The Ohio State University.

Richard G. Sunderman serves as Sr. Vice President, Information Services and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Franklin University. Sunderman joined Franklin University as CIO In July 2011, bringing over 25 years of experience in technology management. In this role, he is responsible for the university’s Information Technology, Institutional Effectiveness (IE), Financial Aid, and Registrar operations. Prior to joining the University in 2011, Sunderman provided technology consulting services with Dublin Technologies, and also served as Vice President, Information Systems at Qwest Communications. A graduate of the Ohio State University, Sunderman serves on the Operations Committee of Junior Achievement of Central Ohio.

Christopher L. Washington serves Provost and Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs of Franklin University. He joined Franklin University in 1999 as a faculty member in the MBA program. He has served as the chief academic officer of the University from 2005-2018. Dr. Washington supervised the introduction of new academic programs at the Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degree levels, supported the implementation of Franklin degree programs abroad, and coordinated a three-college structure within the University. Dr. Washington holds a B.A. and M.S. from Western Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.