Financial Affairs Reorganization to Enhance Support, Improve Efficiency

The Department of Financial Affairs implemented several organizational changes this month designed to enable the team to operate more efficiently in alignment with the department's mission to provide outstanding services and solutions for U of A students, faculty and staff.  

"These moves represent the culmination of the reorganization from roughly one year ago when Ann Bordelon created a comprehensive financial affairs team," said Cale Fessler, associate vice chancellor for financial affairs. "Several internal promotions are taking place, which is a testament to the tremendous talent we have within the university. I'm glad we can recognize our people for their hard work and professional growth as they take advantage of new opportunities within financial affairs."  

Ann Gearity, formerly associate controller for the U of A, has been promoted to a new role as assistant vice chancellor for capital and financial planning, reporting to Fessler. In her new position, Gearity is responsible for the university's capital financial plan, debt portfolio, and capital and project accounting functions. She also oversees budgeting, accounting and financial solutions for IT Services, as well as several units at the vice chancellor level. 

Her new team includes Janice Harrison as project accounting director and a new hire that will serve as the chief business officer for IT Services. Lakshmi Thyagarajan has also been named the permanent director of business solutions and support services after serving in the same position in an interim capacity. 

"I'm excited about this new opportunity," Gearity said. "Through my time at the university, I've been fortunate to have knowledgeable colleagues who are enthusiastic to help me learn as an employee. Their support has been instrumental in shaping my professional development, providing guidance that has helped me navigate challenges and identify growth opportunities. I've been able to progress my career through different roles, where I can continue to contribute to our shared mission." 

Other Moves in Financial Affairs 

Desiree Taggard recently joined the department as senior director of procurement. New to her team are Todd Walters as director of eProcurement and Kim Gilbert as director of travel, travel card and reimbursement services. These moves establish a comprehensive procurement unit to support the university. 

Within the Treasury Department, Tonya Williams has been appointed as the permanent director of cash management after previously serving as interim. Reporting to Williams is Rick Carter, who has been promoted to associate director of cash management. Carter credits opportunities for career advancement as a reason he continues to work for the U of A. 

"Prior to coming to the university, my experience was mostly in banking," he said. "My career here has been a journey of transformation. From the treasurer's office - moving from cashiering to collections and into a supervisory role - to Global Campus, where I refined my expertise in revenue reporting, each transition has strengthened my skills. Now in cash management, I feel my career trajectory has prepared me for this role. The encouragement of incredible mentors has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I am ready to embrace this new chapter in financial affairs."  

Additionally, Kevin Lindsey has had the interim designation removed from his role and will serve as the director of accounts payable.  

In the controller's office, property accounting manager Daniel Vondran will assume responsibility for full asset lifecycle management as well as oversight of surplus warehouse operations. Vondran and his team will report to the associate controller once Gearity's former role is filled.  

Tax and foundation compliance functions have moved into the controller's office as well, including Patricia Macke and her foundation compliance team. A search is currently underway for a tax compliance director, and a search for a new director of financial reporting and analysis will begin soon.