In a significant career move, Geoffrey Chatas, the University of Michigan’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is set to join Yale University as the Senior Vice President of Operations. Chatas is scheduled to depart from his position at U-M by the end of October.
Starting November 1, Bobby Hewlett, currently the Vice President for Finance, will assume the role of interim Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at U-M.
Leadership Transition at U-M
President Domenico Grasso commended Chatas for his contributions, stating, “Geoff has made numerous meaningful contributions during his tenure, including helping to guide the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, navigating complex federal research funding issues.” Grasso emphasized that Chatas’ leadership has left U-M in a robust financial state, and expressed gratitude for his service.
Since joining U-M in October 2021, Chatas, one of three executive vice presidents, has acted as the primary financial advisor to the university president. His leadership encompassed managing U-M’s business and finance operations, investments, human resources, and facilities.
Achievements and Contributions
Under Chatas’ guidance, the university preserved a strong credit rating, facilitating continuous investments in its academic pursuits despite broader financial challenges. This financial robustness has supported unprecedented levels of student scholarships, faculty appointments, and research initiatives, ensuring the affordability and accessibility of education at U-M.
Chatas was pivotal in promoting the university’s “Look to Michigan” vision and played a key role in the Campus Plan 2050, which outlines strategic campus development and sustainability goals for the next quarter-century.
Prior Experience
Before joining U-M, Chatas held senior financial roles at Georgetown University and Ohio State University. His experience also spans industry positions at JP Morgan Asset Management, Progress Energy Inc., American Electric Power, Banc One Capital Corp., and Citibank. Chatas holds a BA in history and economics from Georgetown University, an MPhil in history from Oxford University, and an MBA from INSEAD.
Interim Leadership
Bobby Hewlett, who has been with U-M for 14 years, will step into the interim role. Appointed as Vice President for Finance in July, Hewlett previously served as interim Associate Vice President for Finance and was a key figure at Michigan Medicine as the controller. Hewlett is an alumnus of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, having earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration and accounting. Before his tenure at U-M, Hewlett worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
President Grasso assured that he will collaborate with Chatas and Hewlett to ensure a seamless transition while sustaining U-M’s financial stability. The process for selecting a permanent executive vice president and CFO will be determined by the future U-M president.
— Brad Whitehouse, Office of the EVPCFO, contributed to this story.
