Dr. Kiehl is a veteran non-profit executive who joined the OHSAA in 2020 as its new Chief Operating Officer after the OHSAA reorganized its operating structure based on extensive analysis and leadership review. In this key leadership role, Dr. Kiehl is responsible for oversight of day-to-day operations, strategic planning and policy making, and for maintaining organizational effectiveness. The COO collaborates with the Executive Director and the Board to refine and implement the Association’s recently adopted strategic plan while ensuring that the budget, staff and priorities are aligned with the Association’s core mission. The COO handles the Executive Director’s duties in his absence.

Dr. Kiehl, who grew up in Corning, NY, was selected after a thorough nationwide search. In making the announcement of Kiehl’s hire, then Board President Jeff Cassella said, “We are excited to have Dr. Kiehl join the OHSAA. She has broad experience and a solid track record of leadership in the operations of non-profit institutions that support an educational purpose. She will serve our members well.” Cassella also noted, “Throughout her career, she has been responsible for everything from program development to revenue growth, membership to janitorial services, volunteer services to building partnerships.”

Dr. Kiehl is an accomplished non-profit leader and former educator. She served as Executive Director of the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center where she led all operations of three early childhood schools located in the Smithsonian museums in the Washington, DC area. She also served two stints with the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, most recently as Senior Vice President of Experience & Operations and was Director of the Museum of Ohio Project at the Ohio History Connection. Dr. Kiehl was a tenured faculty member at The Ohio State University for nearly a decade. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University.

“I am excited to join this group of dedicated professionals to bring rich and rewarding athletic experiences to Ohio’s students.” Kiehl said. “Ohio has a rich history of sports and the work of the OHSAA is a vital part of that history.”

Dr. Kiehl has two adult children, both of whom were high school athletes in Ohio, and three grandchildren.