Alan Finn named chief financial officer

President Barry Glassner announced today that Alan Finn will become the new vice president for business and finance and treasurer. He will start on October 1. For nearly a decade, Finn was the associate budget director for the State University of New York, one of the largest comprehensive systems of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the United States.

“I am pleased that Alan is joining us to lead the financial operations of Lewis & Clark. His experience at a range of institutions is impressive and will serve us well in the years ahead. I am grateful to the search committee for their hard work and insights throughout the intensive search process,” said President Glassner.

Currently associate vice president for finance and budget at Portland State University, Finn serves on the board of directors of the Portland-based Latino Network, where he also serves as treasurer. He is a project sponsor for an innovation grant the university received from the Association of Public and Land Grant Institutions and the Gates Foundation.

“Lewis & Clark is an exceptional institution, and it is clear that the faculty, deans, staff, and board are focused on ensuring a rich overall student experience. I am excited to work with President Glassner and all of the dedicated employees to ensure Lewis & Clark continues to provide a world-class education,” said Finn. “Lewis & Clark’s commitment to sustainability and diversity very much aligns with my beliefs, and I’m excited to be joining this community.”

Finn has more than 25 years of financial and managerial experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. He began his career at Coopers & Lybrand and later worked at Omnicare, a Fortune 500 company, before moving to higher education.

He serves on the board of the Oregon Public University Optional Retirement Plan and has recently been a presenter at meetings of the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Society of College and University Planners.

Finn received a masters in public administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.

This appointment concludes a search that began last year under the direction of a seven-member search committee, with assistance from Lapovsky Consulting:

• David Ellis (chair), vice president, secretary, and general counsel of Lewis & Clark
• Kasi Allen, associate professor of education
• George Battistel, associate vice president for finance/controller
• Scott Dubchansky, trustee
• Jim Grant, associate professor of economics and department chair
• Lisa Meyer, dean for enrollment and communications
• Samir Parikh, associate professor of law

Finn will occupy the position currently held by Vice President for Business and Finance Carl Vance. Vance will depart from that role but will remain active in a half-time position as chief investment officer.

“I wish to thank again Carl Vance for his nine years of exemplary service as CFO. I’m pleased that he will remain with Lewis & Clark, and I look forward to working with him in his new role,” said President Glassner.