Northern Kentucky University’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeremy Alltop, has resigned from his position effective Jan. 2, 2024, according to an email university president Cady Short-Thompson sent to staff.
According to the email from Oct. 30, Alltop is leaving higher education altogether to pursue new opportunities. Alltop came to NKU in July 2022 and was part of helping discover the university budget deficit.
“On behalf of NKU, I thank Jeremy for helping to lead the institution through the discovery of the deficit as well as help to manage its reduction by more than $15 million in a short timeframe,” Short-Thompson said in the email. “Without question, his financial acumen has been instrumental during this difficult time, and Jeremy has had an impact on NKU.”
NKU announced in June that it had reduced its budget deficit from $24.2 million to $9.6 million.
“I appreciate Jeremy’s time here for finding the issue so quickly and helping guide us through the process of getting closer to a balanced budget,” NKU Faculty Senate President John Farrar told LINK nky.
Short-Thompson appointed Karen Mefford, who works in the NKU Office of the Comptroller, to serve as interim chief financial officer. Short-Thompson said Mefford will bring her experience and knowledge to manage the current budget, lead the formulation of the upcoming budget, and manage shared services.
Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Bonita Brown, the former interim president, will serve as the chair of the search committee for the next chief financial officer. She said Brown would immediately convene a multi-constituent committee with financial knowledge and experience to “swiftly recruit, interview, and recommend candidates.”
Short-Thompson said university colleagues would have the opportunity to meet with, interview, and provide feedback on the finalists in an open process.
In addition, she appointed NKU alumnus Barry Kienzle to serve as Interim Vice President of Administration and Finance to lead and provide oversight of the chief financial officer and leaders in human resources, information technology, facilities, and police.
“Barry is the retired CFO of Paul Hemmer Companies and former President of the NKU Foundation,” Short-Thompson said. “He will begin his transition into his interim role immediately.”
Director of Business Operations Andy Meeks has agreed to serve as Interim Assistant Vice President of Business Operations and assume leadership of the recreation center and housing, according to Short-Thompson.
“Please know that Jeremy’s departure does not signal a change from the current course toward our financial health,” Short-Thompson said. “We are trending in the right direction and will continue to do so with everyone’s prudence and support.”
