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Michael J. Todd Named W&M Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration – W&M News
Michael J. Todd, a creative and inspiring leader in higher education, has been named executive vice president for finance and administration at William & Mary, President Katherine A. Rowe announced today.
Michael J. Todd (Photo courtesy)
Todd, who currently serves as vice president for finance and administration at Lehigh University, brings a wealth of leadership experience in both public and private institutions. He will begin Aug. 1.
“A rising star in higher education, Mike Todd brings the expertise and imagination that William & Mary needs to continue evolving to excel,” said Rowe. “At every step in our quest, he has proven himself to be an adaptable, wise and trusted leader. He will be a fantastic partner to William & Mary’s talented faculty and staff, advancing our inspiring mission of teaching, learning and research through exceptional stewardship of our resources.”
The executive vice president role leads William & Mary’s major financial and operational units, including budget and finance, information technology, human resources, and business affairs (which encompasses key departments ranging from ancillary services to capital projects and real estate).
Todd’s experience in both public and private institutions is an excellent fit with William & Mary’s current priorities, including implementing Workday as an enterprise resource platform, revitalizing housing and dining, strategic and master planning, economic development, building and maintaining public-private partnerships, and adopting instructional models that reflect the university’s commitment to quality, affordability, and efficiency. Additionally, he has experience in Title IX administration, compensation equity, legal affairs, and investment and asset management and strategy.
“My family and I are thrilled to join such a special community,” Todd said. “Throughout the search process, I have been impressed by the commitment and passion of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders I have met with. I am grateful to President Rowe and the search committee, and I look forward to helping shape the future at William & Mary.”
Todd has served as Lehigh’s vice president of finance and administration since 2022. While there, he and his teams launched a master planning process, redesigned the university’s process for ongoing capital maintenance, and drove the construction of an on-site solar farm. He also led the development of a program to make tuition more affordable and accessible to families of all financial backgrounds.
“Mike has provided thoughtful leadership within Lehigh’s Office of Finance and Administration, and has been instrumental to our leadership team during the launch of Lehigh’s new strategic plan,” said Lehigh President Joseph J. Helble. “His broad experience and skill set will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the William & Mary team.”
Prior to Lehigh, Todd served as chief operating officer at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he held a similar position at the University of Virginia School of Engineering. Previously, Todd served as associate vice president for research for the University of North Carolina Systems.
“Mike is a visionary leader who will be instrumental in continuing William & Mary’s path of success and innovation,” said Provost Peggy Agouris, who co-chaired the search committee with Matthew T. Lambert ’99, senior vice president for University Advancement. “His expertise in operational excellence, impressive track record in higher education, and commitment to fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups immediately stood out during the search process. I look forward to working closely with Mike and witnessing the positive impact he will bring to our institution and community.”
Lambert agreed. “The members of our search committee were impressed by Mike’s remarkable track record of managing complex projects in higher education and his focus on operational excellence at highly selective peer institutions,” he said. “In addition, he has the attributes of a great leader who is able to partner effectively with multiple constituencies internally and externally. He is humble and persistently patient, inspiring those around him to work together and achieve more. In short, Mike will be a great fit for William & Mary.”
Todd currently serves on several boards, including the Centennial School Board and the Manufacturers Resource Center. At Franklin & Marshall, he chaired the Shared Services Health Plan, a consortium of eight universities that provides health coverage to approximately 3,000 employees. He was also vice chairman of the University & College Insurance Consortium, a shared risk vehicle that serves 10,000 employees at nearly 20 universities. He has also held board seats for the United Way, the NC Biotechnology Center, and the Center for Design Innovation, among others.
Todd holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a master’s degree in physics from the University of Virginia. He also holds four bachelor’s degrees from the University of Missouri: in economics, mathematics, physics, and Russian.
Todd returns to Williamsburg with his wife, Nicole, and two children. He lived in Williamsburg prior to his career in higher education.
Cortney WillAssociate Director of Leadership and Internal Communications