Salesh Sharma to Join USU as New Chief Audit Executive

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University has hired Salesh Sharma to serve as the university’s chief audit executive.

In this role, Sharma will serve as the senior-most executive responsible for leading the university’s internal audit function. The chief audit executive reports to the chair of the Board of Trustees Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and administratively to the Office of the President, providing strategic guidance to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees, promoting a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.

“Transparency and accountability are essential to USU as we continue our efforts to build trust with our communities all across the state,” said University President Brad Mortensen. “The experience Salesh brings to USU will play a vital role in the years ahead as we evaluate financial, operational, compliance and information systems. It’s a privilege to welcome Salesh to the Aggie family.”

“A culture of accountability and transparency is essential at a public university because we are stewards of public funding and resources entrusted to us by taxpayers, students and the broader community,” Sharma said. “Maintaining that trust requires us to hold ourselves to the highest standards in how we make decisions, manage funds and report outcomes.”

Sharma has more than 20 years of experience as an auditor, with 17 years in higher education. In addition to working for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sharma spent time at Stanford, University of San Diego, and University of California, San Francisco.

With his time in higher ed, Sharma brings valuable knowledge in directing internal audit, risk management, and compliance programs across major research universities.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to bring over 20 years of experience into the chief audit executive role, which offers a unique platform to introduce fresh perspectives and align strategic goals that will support a forward-looking, effective internal audit function,” Sharma said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with individuals who are deeply passionate about the university’s mission, as that kind of shared commitment is essential for driving lasting, positive impact.”