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, along with overseeing the Office of Community Relations, 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. Christi served on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Columbus for nine years and continues to be a strong supporter of their work.

Bill Chan is the current Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances for Franklin University, where he has helped to build and expand the University’s national reach through community college and corporate partnerships since 2002. Bill has been vital to the growth of the university’s Community College Alliance program, where his team has spearheaded the establishment of over 130 community college partnerships across the United States. He has also been instrumental in the establishment of Franklin’s workforce development initiative, FranklinWORKS, which has grown to over 120 partners with Fortune 500 companies, organizations and non-profits. His partners centric focus and creative mindset has developed innovative transfer products such as Pathway Portal for community colleges and no-out of pocket programs such as U-Learn and Earn + Learn for corporate partners. Bill earned his MBA at Franklin University, his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Hiram College, and a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Kent State University.

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 and a Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics from George Washington University.

Lynnette Rouzer serves Franklin University as the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Dr. Rouzer is passionate about innovation and student success while providing the highest degree of service to support students as they strive to achieve their goals. She leads key student-facing teams, including enrollment management, financial aid, and various student affairs functions that support students throughout their Franklin experience. Dr. Rouzer earned her B.S. and M.Ed. from Ohio University and her Ph.D. in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University.

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.