Springfield, OH – Michael DeWees, senior director of finance and business services and interim chief financial officer at the Central Ohio Transit Authority, has been named Wittenberg’s new vice president for finance and administration, President Christian M. M. Brady announced today. DeWees is expected to begin his new responsibilities on January 29, 2026.
“The depth and breadth of Michael’s experience, both in higher education and across industry sectors, align beautifully with our future direction and forward momentum,” Brady said. “I am excited to have Michael join us later this month when he will partner with us in driving operational efficiency, growth, strategic planning, and fiscal excellence at Wittenberg.”
During his time at the Central Ohio Transit Authority in Columbus, Ohio, DeWees managed over $400 million in annual resources and led strategic financial planning, budget preparation, and grant management to support the authority’s mission of providing accessible transportation for Central Ohio. Prior to this role, DeWees served as associate dean for strategic initiatives, finance, and administration in the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, overseeing $115 million in financial resources across 26 reporting units. Additionally, he led the development of new investments in facilities and capital infrastructure to advance the college’s research and educational goals. He also held several leadership roles at The Ohio State University, both at the department, college, and institutional level.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve in this role at Wittenberg, and I thank Dr. Brady for placing his trust in my leadership of the finance and administration operation,” DeWees said. “Actively and consistently supporting the needs and goals of students, faculty, and staff, will be a top priority as I join the University’s wonderful community.”
DeWees earned his B.S. in accounting from Franklin University in 1989 and his M.A. in business education from The Ohio State University in 1991.
Other notable accomplishments include leading the development of a $10-million renovation of the biology laboratories at Case Western, creating a financial operation plan for a new interdisciplinary research facility on Ohio State’s West Campus Innovation District, and operationalizing the financial model for the LinkUS transportation initiative.
