Adelphi Announces Jim Perrino as New Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration

Dear Adelphi community,
 
As you may know, after 26 years of service to Adelphi, Tim Burton, our executive vice president of finance and administration (EVPFA), is retiring. I know I speak for everyone when I say we wish Tim nothing but the best as he enjoys this next chapter of his life.

After a thorough and exhaustive search by our selection committee, I am happy to announce that James (Jim) Perrino has been selected to be our next executive vice president of finance and administration.

As we continue to implement our comprehensive strategic plan, Momentum, the need for strong financial and operational planning in support of the institution’s tactical initiatives has become increasingly clear.

Jim will be stepping into a newly formulated role for the EVPFA. The position realigns several existing units—including business services, facilities, public safety, human resources, employee relations and finance—into two divisions: finance and administration. Robert DeCarlo will become our chief financial officer responsible for planning and budgeting, investments, real estate, and business services. Gene Palma will become our chief administrative officer, with areas of responsibility including facilities, public safety, auxiliary services, policy and compliance, and records management. Robert and Gene will report to Jim.

In addition to these functions, Jim will work with Gene to oversee two new councils: the Operational Excellence Council and the Risk Management Council. With Jim’s strong expertise in these two areas, we will implement best practices in cost effectiveness, improve efficiency, engage in risk mitigation, and promote innovation and transparency in all University functions and departments.

Jim will also be working closely with Adelphi’s various external constituencies and partners, as well as with governmental and community organizations, particularly on items related to financial, operational, human resource and capital matters.
 
He brings a wealth of experience to this critically important role. He is a CPA with more than 30 years’ experience working with not-for-profit and higher education organizations in the areas of finance, audit, strategy, operations and technology. Jim comes to Adelphi from CohnReznick LLP, where he was a partner serving in its Not-for-Profit and Education Industry Practice.

His previous clients include UNICEF, The City University of New York, The Rockefeller University, Fordham University, Long Island University, Pratt Institute, Iona College, the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Botanical Garden, among many others.

Earlier in his career, Jim served as senior vice president for finance and administration at St. John’s University. In that role, he was responsible for managing the operations of business affairs, facilities management, enrollment management and internal audit. He was also a partner with KPMG for many years. Jim holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from Boston University. Having grown up on Long Island, he is very familiar with Adelphi.

I am delighted that Jim has agreed to join Adelphi as our new executive vice president of finance and administration. Please join me in welcoming Jim Perrino, who will begin on Thursday, September 14. 

All the best, 

Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D.
President