Posted: May 15, 2025

After nine months of service in an interim capacity,  Chris Cook was recently appointed to the position of Vice President of Finance and Administration by President Helble. In addition, a few changes have been made to the F&A organizational structure and reporting lines.

Finance Team Reorganization

Last year Finance and Administration posted an opening for a Chief Financial Officer. At that time, the position was conceived to provide focused leadership of the finance team. After pausing the national search and upon further consideration, F&A modified several organizations and reporting lines in lieu of hiring a CFO. Chris Cook noted, “This approach will result in a more coherent and streamlined organization, net cost savings, and no additional FTEs.”

The organizational changes related to this decision are as follows:

  • Dave Hammer has been promoted to AVP Finance and Treasurer. This role will now oversee Treasury, the Controller's Office, and Purchasing Services (formerly reporting to Auxiliary Services).
     
  • The Budget Office will now be named Office of Budget and Financial Planning. Warren Loller will continue to lead the office; Jim Quinn, Director of Financial Planning, will report to Warren.
     
  • The newly constituted finance team will continue to meet monthly to engage in broad finance topics and outcomes. The team now includes Jane Altemose, Director of Purchasing Services. 
 
Real Estate Strategy

In the period since former Director of Real Estate Erin Kintzer’s departure, F&A leadership reflected on the need for an updated real estate strategy. As a result, Mark Ironside, AVP for Auxiliary Services, will now devote more time to this important area. This approach does not require filling Erin’s position, resulting in further cost savings. The following changes became effective March 1:
 

  • Monika Skuriat Fritz has been promoted to Director of Retail Partnerships and will oversee the Bookstore, Childcare, Printing, Mail Services and Logistics. 

  • Elijah Miller was promoted to the Manager of Real Estate Services.

     

“These changes better align the diverse functions of F&A,” Chris said. “The resulting structure provides more comprehensive oversight of financial planning and greater focus on our substantial real estate holdings.”