Geoffrey Chatas to Depart UM for Yale University
ANN ARBOR, MI — The University of Michigan’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, Geoffrey Chatas, is preparing to leave the institution at the end of October for a new leadership role at Yale University. According to an announcement from the University Record dated October 8, Chatas will assume the position of senior vice president of operations at Yale.
Chatas, who joined UM in October 2021, has been instrumental in guiding the university through major financial and operational challenges. His departure marks a significant transition within the university’s leadership team.
UM’s Interim CFO Announced
Effective November 1, Bobby Hewlett, UM’s current vice president for finance, will step in as interim executive vice president and chief financial officer. Hewlett has been with the university for 14 years and was appointed vice president for finance in July. His previous roles include serving as interim associate vice president for finance and controller at Michigan Medicine.
UM President Domenico Grasso acknowledged Chatas’ 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. Thanks to his steady leadership, he leaves the university in a strong financial position, and we are deeply grateful for his dedicated service.”
Chatas’ Tenure and Achievements at UM
As CFO, Chatas was responsible for overseeing the university’s financial strategy and advising the president on critical fiscal matters. His portfolio included investments, facilities and operations, and human resources. He played a pivotal role in ensuring the university maintained its strong credit rating and financial health throughout his term.
Chatas was also a key architect of the university’s ambitious fundraising campaign, Look to Michigan, which aims to raise $7 billion. His efforts supported scholarships, faculty endowments, research, and clinical care across the university, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
In addition, Chatas co-led the planning and execution of Campus Plan 2050, a long-term development initiative focused on issues like mobility, energy sustainability, land use, and infrastructure improvements for the next 25 years on the Ann Arbor campus.
Chatas’ Previous Experience
Before joining the University of Michigan, Chatas held significant roles at other prestigious academic institutions. He served as senior vice president and chief operating officer at Georgetown University and previously as senior vice president for business and finance and CFO at Ohio State University. His extensive experience in higher education finance and operations made him a valuable asset to UM during a critical period of change and growth.
Bobby Hewlett’s Background
Hewlett brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and financial experience to his interim role. A graduate of the UM Stephen M. Ross School of Business, he holds both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting. Prior to his tenure at UM, Hewlett worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers, further strengthening his credentials in financial oversight and strategic planning.
Grasso emphasized a smooth leadership handoff, stating that he will collaborate closely with both Chatas and Hewlett during the transition. “We are confident that the university’s financial direction will remain strong under Bobby’s guidance,” he noted.
Next Steps for UM Leadership
The search for a permanent executive vice president and CFO will begin under the direction of the next university president. The leadership team is expected to outline the search process in the coming months. In the meantime, Hewlett will help maintain financial continuity and lead the finance division during this transitional period.
Chatas’ departure comes as UM continues to navigate evolving financial landscapes, including changes in federal research funding and ongoing infrastructure improvements. His leadership has left a lasting impact, particularly in strategic planning and financial stewardship.
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