KNOXVILLE — Chris Cimino, assistant vice president for budgeting for the University of Tennessee system, has been named vice chancellor for finance and administration for the Knoxville campus, Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek announced today.
Cimino, 37, has worked for the University of Tennessee for 12 years and has served as assistant vice president and chief budget officer for the UT system for the past two years. He brings extensive knowledge about financial and management operations, policy development, budget planning, internal controls, and the many federal and state laws that govern higher education. He will begin his new role on July 1.
“The economic challenges facing our campus over the next several years will require the strategic vision, hard work and dedication of many people,” said Cheek. “Chris is both well-qualified and sincerely enthusiastic about providing the leadership to advance the work that we’ve already started.”
Cimino began his career as an auditor for the state comptroller’s office before joining UT in 1997. Prior to his current role, he served UT as a financial analyst and assistant director of finance for the Knoxville campus, and assistant director and director of finance for the UT system. A native of Nashville, he holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Samford University and an MBA from UT Chattanooga.
“I am privileged and honored to be selected vice chancellor for finance and administration and to return to the Knoxville campus where I began my UT career,” says Cimino. “This is an exciting time and I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community in contributing to the Knoxville campus’ continued success.”
In his current role, Cimino has been the main point of contact with all campus business officers, providing direction, and interpretation of policy and procedures, as well as guidance on fiscal matters. He has analyzed and monitored student fee structures and played a key role in UT’s annual appropriation request to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the UT Board of Trustees. He has also provided staff support and serves as chair of the internal task force for the Effectiveness and Efficiency for the Future Committee, a Board of Trustees finance and administration subcommittee. He is a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers.
Cheek also extended his appreciation to Jeff Maples, senior associate vice chancellor for finance and administration, who has served as vice chancellor on an interim basis since February. Denise Barlow, who served as vice chancellor for finance and administration since 2004, retired Jan. 31, 2009, after more than 30 years with UT.
C O N T A C T :
Karen Collins (865-974-5186, karen.collins@tennessee.edu)