Jeff Bolton, vice president for business and planning and chief financial officer since 1998, has resigned from Carnegie Mellon, to become chief financial officer at the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minn. The Mayo Foundation oversees Mayo Clinics in Rochester, Minn., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Jacksonville, Fla., as well as health systems and hospitals throughout the Midwest.
Bolton's resignation ends an 18-year tenure at Carnegie Mellon. He joined the university in 1984 as assistant director of institutional research and began a steady climb through the ranks. He was named director of university planning in 1988 and was promoted to assistant vice president for planning and budget in 1991. Bolton advanced to vice president for planning and budget in 1995 and three years later was named chief financial officer.
During his reign at the university, Bolton has supervised many areas, including Administrative Computing and Information Services, Budget Services, Business Services and Auxiliary Operations, Facilities Management Services, Financial Services, Human Resources, Internal Audit, Planning Services and Institutional Research, Printing and Copy Centers, and the Treasurer's Office.
"It's been a privilege to serve the university and a tremendous pleasure working with the Carnegie Mellon community, faculty, staff and students," Bolton said.
"In my years at Carnegie Mellon, my administration, as well as the deans and department heads, have come to rely on Jeff and his great team," said President Jared Cohon. "Jeff's financial expertise, his vision and his leadership in strategic planning have helped our university grow both fiscally and physically. The evolution of this campus—and the vitality of many educational, research and economic development initiatives—have been profoundly affected by Jeff's dedication and hard work.
"I wish Jeff well in his new role with Mayo and thank him for his many lasting contributions to Carnegie Mellon."
Barbara Smith, assistant vice president for Human Resources, praised Bolton for being a "role model manager" who has led, taught, coached and rewarded others to improve their work.
"Jeff has developed plans, built buildings and balanced our budgets, but what I believe has contributed most to Jeff's success is the relationships he has built with people," Smith said. "Jeff has always made time to listen. What I valued most about working with Jeff is the leadership he has provided."
William Laird, assistant vice president for finance and controller, called Bolton an "outstanding leader who is personable, honest and very smart."
"His ability to think strategically, while at the same time quickly zooming in on the critical issue, was greatly appreciated and admired," he said.
The university has announced an interim plan to oversee business and planning activities until Bolton's successor is named. The interim plan calls for Vice President for Enrollment Bill Elliott to oversee Administrative Computing and Information Systems, Business Services and Auxiliary Operations, Facilities Management Services, Human Resources, Planning Services and Institutional Research, and Printing and Copy Centers. Laird will oversee Budget Services and Internal Audit. President Cohon will oversee Financial Services and the Treasurer's Office.
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Bruce Gerson
(06/21/02)
