by Martha I. Fernandez
Staff Writer
Steve Grey has been promoted from controller to chief financial officer, a position that resulted from a reorganization in the department of finance and administration, and will be supervising all financial operations of the University.
The announcement was made after the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees approved the appointment on Tuesday, Nov. 20. Grey said he was asked on several occasions by President Stephen Morgan about taking the position but had declined the possibility.
“My first reaction was no. I had conversations with a couple of other senior management who encouraged me to consider the position,” said Grey. “I had conversations with some of the management in administration and finance, the departments I now manage, and again received a positive reaction.”
As chief financial officer, Grey will have all the responsibilities of the former vice-president of finance and administration. As a result, Brian Worley will now report to the president.
“I had been asked several times why I didn’t apply for the vice-presidency, but I felt I wasn’t exactly ready for the challenge, and with reducing the chief financial officer position I felt that was more in line with the challenge I was ready to take,” said Grey.
Grey is acting as both chief financial officer and controller. The controller position is to be filled by Jan. 15.
“It is a challenge and at this point I am pleased that I made the decision and am still looking forward to it, but it’s hectic because I’m trying to do two jobs,” said Grey.
The reorganization process in the area of finance and administration is still in the tentative process. Grey said he plans to change and add some duties to current roles. The treasurer will probably take on some of the duties of the past controller position and be doing more financial analysis that would include investment and budget analysis.
“The budget analysis wasn’t any one person’s responsibility. During the last 18 months or so the budget has not had the attention that it once did. The budget analysis is something we feel is very important,” said Grey.
At this moment, Grey’s major responsibilities are initiating the 1995-96 budget and contributing to a five-year plan that is being drafted to review all aspects of the University. Grey said this plan will take the University into the year 2000 and will be looking at areas such as finance, enrollment, student services, and buildings and grounds.
As chief financial officer Grey oversees risk management, telecommunication and management information assistants. He will also serve on the Senior Management Team which includes vice-presidents, deans and the president.
Grey is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor of science degree in Accounting. He joined the University in 1988 after being controller at American Baptist Credit Union and accounting manager at CSU Fullerton and Cal Poly Pomona.
