David J. Gray has been designated executive vice chancellor for finance and chief financial officer at Washington University in St. Louis, starting April 7, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin has declared.
Gray, who has been fulfilling the position on an interim basis since August 12, has been appointed to the permanent role after a national search conducted by Nichol L. Luoma, executive vice chancellor and chief administrative officer. Prior to this, Gray operated as a senior adviser at the professional services firm Huron Consulting Group.
Gray’s responsibilities encompass WashU’s Financial Services, which includes Treasury and Insurance, Accounting Services, Sponsored Research Accounting, Shared Business Services Hub, Financial Planning and Budgets, and Financial Information Services.
Before this, Gray held the position of senior vice president for finance and business and treasurer at Pennsylvania State University for a span of nine years, retiring in December 2020. In this role, he managed finance and business, strategy, and budgeting across a diverse array of areas such as human resources, facilities, investments, risk management, and business operations. He had also worked in a similar role at the University of Massachusetts.
“David Gray is a knowledgeable leader with extensive experience in higher education administration,” Martin remarked. “Throughout his tenure as interim CFO, he has set himself apart as an exceptionally skilled financial expert and a crucial member of our leadership team. I believe he will maintain his outstanding performance in managing our financial operations, a responsibility that is increasingly vital as the university faces unprecedented challenges.”
At Huron, Gray concentrated on strategic advisory services to higher education establishments and nonprofit entities. He has provided guidance to several universities and nonprofits regarding organizational change, strategic planning, financial governance, and performance metrics.
“I’m thrilled to ‘officially’ become a part of WashU on a more permanent basis,” Gray expressed. “Consistent, strategic, and prudent management of the university’s finances is essential to ensuring that WashU remains a leader both regionally and nationally in fulfilling its core missions of education, research, and patient care. I am eager to collaborate with Chancellor Martin and his leadership team to guarantee that the university is well-prepared to meet its objectives for future generations.”
Apart from his professional commitments, Gray is involved on the boards of directors for the Centre County Airport Authority, Centre Care, a nonprofit skilled nursing organization, and the Mount Nittany Conservancy. He has previously been on the boards of various organizations, including the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Centre County United Way, the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development, and the University Professional and Continuing Education Association.
Gray received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration from Penn State. In 2021, he was honored with the Alumni Fellow Award from the Penn State Alumni Association.
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