Search Process

The University of Iowa has launched a search for its next chief financial officer. A committee representing a broad range of campus perspectives has been appointed to guide the process and assist in selecting the university’s next CFO.

How to Apply and Nominating an Individual

Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, has been retained by the University of Iowa to help identify and recruit the new chief financial officer. All inquiries, nominations, and applications (CVs and letters of interest) should be sent electronically and in confidence to IowaCFO@spencerstuart.com.

CFO Search Process Overview

The search for the next chief financial officer (CFO) at the University of Iowa follows a structured and inclusive process designed to ensure transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the selection of a highly qualified leader. Below is a summary of the key phases:

Launch and Planning

Kick-off meeting: The search committee convenes to review the process, establish confidentiality protocols, and align on goals.
Stakeholder engagement: Committee members meet with key university stakeholders to gather input on priorities and desired candidate qualities.
Position Development
Position specification: A detailed description of the CFO role is drafted and finalized, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
Candidate outreach begins: The search firm and committee begin identifying and contacting a pool of potential candidates.
Candidate Review
Initial evaluation (“paper cut” meeting): The committee reviews candidate materials and narrows the pool based on qualifications and alignment.
Round one interviews: Selected candidates are interviewed off-site over a weekend, with structured pre-briefs and debriefs to guide evaluation.
Semi-Finalist Selection and Referencing
Initial referencing: Background and professional references are conducted for semi-finalists to validate credentials and leadership experience.
Campus Engagement
On-campus visits: Semi-finalists visit campus to meet with university leaders, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders for deeper evaluation and community input.
Final Interviews and Selection
Final round interviews: The President and members of senior leadership meet with candidates and select the finalist.
Additional background checks, including references, are conducted.
Announcement and Transition
Public announcement: The selected candidate is announced to the university community.
Transition support: Planning begins to ensure a smooth onboarding and integration into the university’s leadership team.

Chief Financial Officer Search Committee

Pinned

Peter Matthes, Co-chair

Vice president for external relations and senior advisor to the president

Pinned

Edith Parker, Co-chair

Dean, College of Public Health

Nancy Dunkel

Iowa Board of Regents

Beth Goetz

Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics

Brad Haws

Chief executive officer, UI Health Care clinical enterprise, and associate vice president, UI Health Care

Craig Just

Donald E. Bently Professor in Engineering, professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Faculty Senate past president

Ryan Kirkey

Senior director for business and financial administration, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Ashley Peters

Revenue cycle manager, UI Health Care, and vice president/president-elect of Staff Council

Scott Seagren

Business officer, Division of Student Life

CFO Search Support

Keith Becker

Search committee administrator

keith-Becker@uiowa.edu

Spencer Stuart: Executive Search Firm

Spencer Stuart has been retained to lead the search for the next chief financial officer at the University of Iowa.

Spencer Stuart has more than 65 years of experience in leadership consulting and has built a reputation for delivering real impact for clients around the world. They help clients address evolving leadership needs in areas such as senior-level executive searches, board recruitment, board effectiveness, CEO and C-suite succession planning, in-depth senior management assessment, individual and team performance, and many other facets of culture and organizational effectiveness.