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Dear AU Community,
As we build on the university’s momentum, work through the financial challenges from COVID-19, and prepare for the next two-year budget cycle, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Brontè Burleigh-Jones as American University’s new chief financial officer (CFO), vice president, and treasurer. Brontè will join us on October 4.
Brontè comes to AU at an important moment of opportunity as we continue major university initiatives including the ongoing implementation of the Changemakers for a Changing World strategic plan, launch of our newly approved Campus Plan (following final action by the DC Zoning Commission), and advancement of the Change Can’t Wait comprehensive campaign. As the principal steward of our finances and leader of our campus facilities and operations, Brontè will play a vital role in supporting our students and building the AU community of the future.
A double Eagle (Kogod/BS ’91, Kogod/MBA ’93) and a seasoned financial executive, Brontè served as the vice president of finance and administration at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania for the past eight years. In this role, she led a college-wide financial task force to create a plan for revenue enhancements and operational efficiencies, developed a multi-year facilities management framework that included LEED-certified new construction, and implemented an institutional operating reserve policy.
Previously, Brontè was the treasurer at St. John’s College and vice president for finance and administration (among other roles) at Huston Tillotson University. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Texas and served as chair of the Higher Education Resource Services Board of Trustees and as a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. During her education at AU, Brontè was a Frederick Douglass Scholar and an active member of the Black Student Alliance and the Nu Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Brontè succeeds Doug Kudravetz, who served the AU community for more than 35 years. I want to thank Doug for his dedication and his outstanding financial work that helped prepare the university for the economic challenges of COVID-19, navigate the past 18 months, and limit the financial impact on our community. Doug is a true friend, and we wish him all the best in retirement. I also want to thank the search committee who vetted our strong group of candidates, the diverse collection of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who participated in the search process, and the Human Resources team who supported this effort.
Please join me in congratulating Brontè and welcoming her back to American University.
Sylvia