UConn appoints new CFO

By: Lindsay Fetzner

Posted: 9/3/08

The advent of a new semester brings feelings of excitement, many new opportunities and a sense of renewal. One particular UConn graduate faces another kind of beginning, complete with its fair share of responsibilities. Richard Gray is taking over for Lorraine Aronson as the new vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) at UConn.

The University contacted Korn/Ferry, a search firm, to help with the nationwide search for the best candidate, according to University President Michael Hogan. From there, the applicants were narrowed down based on a number of necessary qualifications pertinent to the position. Richard Gray proved, throughout the search, to be the right candidate for the job.

"There are not too many individuals out there with the kind of experience and skills required for this position," Hogan said. "I was thrilled that Rich Gray expressed an interest in the position and was recruited by the search committee."

One of the most substantial roles that the vice president and CFO performs is being in charge of the UConn Health Center. With experience in the field, Gray became a promising contender for the position, according to UConn spokeswoman Karen Grava.

"He was an especially attractive candidate because of his experience, especially with hospital and public budgets," Grava said.

Public higher education and various aspects of health care finance are among some of the other areas that the vice president must oversee during his term.

Gray has served the state of Connecticut for a number of years as director of the Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA), where he gained experience that he can draw upon as he assumes the role of vice president. He has a wealth of knowledge on the intricacies of finance in public agencies as well, Hogan said.

"I'm delighted to welcome Rich to our administrative team and am confident that his experience and skills are exactly what we need to help take us to the next level of excellence as one of the nation's premiere public research universities," Hogan said.

Gray will take over for Aronson, who has held her position for more than 10 years.

"She has provided her talents for many years," Hogan said. "I'm grateful she

was in this role in my first year. I deeply value her expertise and friendship. Replacing Lorraine was a daunting prospect."

Aronson originally came to UConn in 1995. As graduate of Harvard University and Boston University School of Law, she centered her past experience as vice president and CFO on budgeting, strategic planning and facility planning, according to the University's Web site on the position.

Additionally, Aronson worked as the state's deputy commissioner of education under Governors O'Neill, Weicker and Rowland in the past. Some of her other positions include commissioner of the Department of Social Services and deputy secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, according to UConn's VP/CFO Web site.