Benson announces leadership transition for University Advancement
System-level University Advancement is making adjustments after Vice President for University Advancement Johnnie Ray announced he will retire at the end of December.
President Bruce D. Benson announced that CU Foundation President and CEO Jack Finlaw will serve as special adviser to the president for advancement, taking on most of Ray’s duties, effective Dec. 1. Finlaw will continue his duties with the CU Foundation.
“This will allow us to maintain momentum and continuity in our advancement operations,” Benson said. “Jack is a valued member of our team and his work as president and CEO of the CU Foundation has earned him the respect and confidence of everyone he deals with.”
Finlaw’s advancement role will include coordinating the activities of the system advancement team, convening the campus vice chancellors for advancement and working as advancement liaison to the president, his executive team, the chancellors and advancement vice chancellors.
There will be no structural changes to advancement operations. The system advancement office will continue to reside in the President’s Office.
Additionally, minor changes have been made to the advancement operations team that reflect increased responsibility. Jason Hunter will move from an assistant vice president to associate vice president for data and technology. Annie Konegni will move from assistant vice president to associate vice president for development and business operations.
Benson lauded Ray’s accomplishments and contributions to the organization.
“Johnnie has great experience at some top-notch universities and his expertise helped us professionalize our advancement operations, provided first-rate service to our fundraisers and has been an integral part of CU having its most productive fundraising years in our history,” Benson said.