UC president appoints new chief of staff
President Neville G. Pinto announced Trisha Smith will join President’s Cabinet
University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto announced yesterday that Trisha Smith has been promoted to chief of staff.
UC Chief of Staff Trisha Smith
The appointment includes a seat on the President’s Cabinet for Smith, who came to UC as deputy chief of staff in 2017. She will also lead the university’s Office of the Board of Trustees.
Since her arrival at UC, Smith has managed the day-to-day operations and engagement of the Office of the President, including overseeing the staff and interfacing with the president’s senior leadership team. She has also provided oversight of key working groups focused on presidential priorities and “Next Lives Here,” the university’s strategic direction.
President Pinto’s organizational changes follow last month’s announcement that Executive Vice President Ryan Hays will assume the role of chief innovation & strategy officer. Hays, who has served as chief of staff at UC since 2012, will also transition to the role of senior advisor to the president and Board of Trustees.
More about Smith
Prior to UC, Smith worked in the Office of the President at the University of Louisville for 20 years serving under five presidents. She gained extensive experience in administrative operations, holding positions as chief of staff, executive director of administrative affairs, boards liaison and director of special events. As chief of staff, she was responsible for the daily operations of the office, managing a staff of 15 employees, and served as the interface with the president and executive leadership. She also served as assistant secretary to the University of Louisville Board of Trustees and University of Louisville Athletics Association.
Trisha is a two-time graduate of the University of Louisville. She received a baccalaureate degree from the College of Education and a master’s degree in administration of higher education.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Local couple uses royalties from children's books to give gifts to kids in need
December 15, 2025
A local couple has found a unique way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Vic and Laura Troha wrote two children's books together, and this year, they are using the proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for Hamilton County foster kids. The couple are both graduates of the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences and met the day they graduated.
The hottest toys this holiday season
December 15, 2025
Local 12 turned to Lindner College of Business associate professor-educator of marketing Roseann Hassey to explain what’s got the trendiest items flying off the shelves.
Leukemia and Drug Development Lab trains the next generation of scientific researchers
December 15, 2025
From undergraduate student workers to members of the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP), trainees in UC's Leukemia and Drug Development Lab shared their experiences of in-depth, hands-on training that contribute to real-world discoveries.