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Dear Wayne State University community, After a rigorous national search and in consultation with our many university stakeholders, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Bethany Gielczyk as Wayne State University's senior vice president for finance and business affairs, chief financial officer, and treasurer. Bethany came to Wayne State in 2022 and has successfully served in this role on an interim basis since the end of 2023. Her permanent appointment as senior vice president (SVP) was approved by the Board of Governors on Aug. 16 and is effective immediately. Bethany evidenced extensive experience in strategic budgeting and financial leadership, along with an open and approachable leadership style, while serving as the interim SVP. In more than 20 years in the public sector, she formed and maintained relationships with state leaders, staff and other public stakeholders with her ability to skillfully analyze and convey complex fiscal issues. As deputy state budget director, Bethany advised the governor and executive team on the development, implementation and monitoring of a $76 billion state budget. She skillfully aligns budgets to strategic plans, while monitoring trends and ensuring fiscal stability through financial highs and lows. Bethany’s experience, as well as her passion for higher education and Wayne State, helped her forge solid relationships across campus while managing complex decisions and strategically addressing key issues. She has demonstrated both respect for and a clear understanding of our valued tradition of shared governance. During her short tenure, she has already led the implementation of business process improvements that expand our ability to serve the university community, improved budgeting and financial analytical tools, and overhauled facilities service delivery models that will radically improve efficiency and accountability. Throughout the search, including additional stakeholder feedback sessions with multiple campus constituencies, it was clear that Bethany has the respect, support and abilities to succeed as the senior vice president for finance and business affairs, chief financial officer, and treasurer. I thank everyone who participated in this search, with particular gratitude for the substantive effort and diligence of the 12 members of the search committee that included faculty as well as academic and administrative leaders. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo chaired the committee and was instrumental in leading this search to a successful conclusion. Please join me in welcoming Bethany to this position! Sincerely, Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy |
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