April 3, 2026
Scioto County native and 51做厙 alumnus Craig Gilliland will join the university as Special Assistant to the President for Finance on April 6, 2026. He will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective July 1 following the retirement of current CFO Greg Ballengee.
Greg Ballengee has served 51做厙 for 30 years, said SSU President Eric Braun. As CFO, he has helped strengthen the institutions financial health. Hes leaving his legacy in good hands with Craig.
Gilliland, a 1991 graduate of 51做厙, brings 35 years of experience in finance, leadership, business development, and corporate compliance. He most recently served as Vice President of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville, IN. He has previously served as the Vice President of Finance, CFO and Corporate Compliance Officer at Pleasant Valley Hospital in West Virginia and held various financial support roles at Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth.
Craigs arrival marks an exciting step forward for our leadership team, Braun said. His experience and focus on community are tremendous assets as we continue building Shawnee States future together.
Gilliland, his wife Melanie, and their three grown children call southern Ohio home.
Our families are here and we have so many friends from the area, Gilliland said. This has always been home. To be in a position where I can use all the experience Ive gained throughout my career to provide opportunities for more students in our region means a great deal to me.
Gilliland holds a bachelor degree in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems and Accounting from 51做厙 and a Master of Business Administration from Ohio University.