Concurrent Sessions VIII | April 25 | 3:30 PM – 4:20 PM
Session 8A: Managing Athletics in Turbulent Times
Description
The field of intercollegiate athletics has evolved dramatically in recent years, from pandemic-related impacts to decisions from the courts allowing student-athletes to benefit financially from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) to questions of governance and anti-trust, and most recently conference realignment. This session will explore how institutions are responding to operational and financial challenges associated with these many changes and providing the resources necessary to support the competitiveness of their programs in this dynamic environment.
Learning Objectives
1. Attendees will better understand the financial realties associated with intercollegiate athletics.
2. Attendees with better understand the current forces acting upon the intercollegiate athletics industry (e.g. NIL, realignment, transfer portal)
3. Attendees will better understand how to effectively partner with and support their colleagues in athletics
Speakers
Tim Walsh, Huron Consulting, Managing Director
For over 25 years, Tim Walsh has helped higher education institutions and academic medical centers innovate to achieve financial and administrative excellence. He has managed large administrative functions at top research universities, including serving as the vice president of finance and treasurer of Duke University for over a decade. Tim specializes in financial and strategic planning, operational and technology-enabled efficiency, the administration of research, and intercollegiate athletics – having worked in or closely with the athletics departments at Duke, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Tulane, Missouri, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Rice, the University of North Carolina Asheville, Toledo, and Creighton.
 Ryan Varley, University of Pittsburgh, Senior Associate Athletic Director and Athletics CFO
Ryan Varley joined the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department in October 2007 as an undergraduate student intern and currently serves as the Senior Associate Athletic Director, CFO, a position to which he was promoted in April 2022. In his current position, Varley is directly responsible for overseeing the Athletic Department’s day-to-day business operations, financial planning efforts, revenue generation strategies, and travel management, analytics, and information technology functions. Varley is also the department’s primary liaison to the University’s CFO and works extensively with the Office of University Counsel, Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement, Internal Audit, Purchasing, Payment Processing, Auxiliary Services, Pitt IT, Strategic Sourcing, and the Office of the Treasurer.
Prior to being named to his current position, Varley served the Athletic Department as the Associate Athletic Director of Business Services from 2016-2022, Assistant Athletic Director for Business and Finance from 2014-2016, Director of Business Operations from 2011-2014, and Coordinator of Business Operations and Insurance from 2009-2011. During this time, he has either worked in or overseen each of the functions within the Athletic Department’s Business Office. This includes areas such as budget development, financial reporting, accounts payable, purchasing, student-athlete medical administration, and contract management.
Throughout his career, Varley has been heavily involved in several other areas of the department, most notably human resources, camps and clinics, strategic and capital planning, game day operations, and post-season planning. He has also served as the point person on a number of initiatives aimed at streamlining or enhancing operations within the department. These projects include the transition to Anthony Travel for on-site travel management services as well as the implementation of electronic vendor payment, purchasing, and expense reimbursement systems. Additionally, Varley was appointed to lead all operational aspects of the Athletic Department’s color change transition efforts, an initiative that successfully culminated in April 2019 with the reveal of a series of new logos, marks, and colors.
A native of Bethel Park, PA, Varley is married to the former Molly Beachler and currently resides in Bridgeville, PA with his two children, Conor (2 years old) and Reilly (8 months old). He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Pittsburgh in April 2009 and passed all four parts of the Uniform CPA Examination in 2009-2010. He was admitted to the Sports Management Institute in 2016-2017 and is a member of the College Athletic Business Manager Association (CABMA).
 Mitch Moser, Duke University, Deputy Director of Athletics for Resource Development and Management and Athletics Chief Financial Officer
Mitch Moser has over 30 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics administration. He began his career at Rice University in Houston Texas in 1992 where he served in multiple administrative capacities – primarily as the Director of Ticket Operations. Moser came to Duke from Rice University in the Spring of 1997 and currently serves as Deputy Director of Athletics for Resource Development and Management and Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Moser primarily serves as the CFO for Duke Athletics, the Department of Campus Rec and Physical Education and the Duke University Golf Course. In addition, Moser serves in a secondary role as the Chief Revenue Officer for Duke Athletics and has administrative engagement with the department’s day-to-day business operations, resource development/hospitality and premium services, athletic facilities and game operations, capital projects, travel operations, post-season participation operations, information technology and spirit squads.
In addition, Moser serves as the sport administrator/liaison for the Women’s Volleyball program. Moser has served on several ACC committees and sub-committees and is currently on the boards of the ACE program (Athletics Civic Engagement) at Duke, the Durham Sports Commission, and the Caring House. A 1985 graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota Moser was a three-year letter winner in basketball and team captain and most inspirational player his senior year. Moser went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration & Facility Management from Ohio University in 1990. Moser and his wife, Cathy, reside in Durham NC and have two grown children. Emily is finishing her first year of graduate school at Ohio University and Reid is a senior at Beacon College in Florida.
Session 8B: Hiring an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer
Description
As the chief business officer position becomes increasingly more complex, many colleges and universities are utilizing an outsourced chief investment office model. To make that selection, what should business officers know about the outsourced model, proposal process, and transition timeline? A chief business officer from a small institution, along with the institution’s outsourced chief investment firm, will explore these questions and how to determine the best style of engagement for your board and organization. The discussion will focus on the evolution of the OCIO industry, structure of the request for proposal, process of selecting the outsourced professional, engagement of the board in the transition and ongoing communication dynamics.
Learning Objectives
1. Key organizational attributes to consider and services desired when contemplating engaging an outsourced chief investment office
2. How best to structure the request for proposal and selection criteria/process including gathering information about fee transparency and conflicts of interest
3. Determine a workable timeline for the proposal process and transition, including board engagement before, during and after selection is made
Speakers
 Kim Hadley, John Brown University, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Hadley is Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She provides leadership for accounting, administrative services, auxiliary operations, graduate and online enrollment, human resources, information technology services, investments, university marketing and communications, and the university-owned radio station, KLRC. Kim previously served JBU for thirteen years as Vice President for Finance & Administration. However, she originally joined JBU fulltime in 2004 as the Organizational Management Program Director in the adult degree completion program, after having first served as an adjunct instructor in that program, along with having a career in public accounting and internal audit. She also served JBU as Director of Professional Studies Faculty Development and Learning Assessment and Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee.
Kim holds a DBA in marketing from Anderson University, in Anderson, Indiana, and earned her BSBA in accounting and MBA from the University of Arkansas. Licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy, she is a member of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants. Kim was named the Arkansas Business 2020 Education CFO of the Year. Kim currently serves as vice-chair of the Small Institution Committee for the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO) and previously served on the Small Institution Committee for the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). She also serves on the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) CFO Commission, after having served two terms as chair.
 Courtney Acarregui, JP Morgan, Executive Director & Investment Specialist
Courtney Acarregui is an Executive Director and Investment Specialist with the J.P. Morgan Outsourced Chief Investment Office based in Dallas. In this role, Courtney works to deliver J.P. Morgan’s expertise in specialized investment solutions, fiduciary best practices and governance advice to endowments, foundations, charitable organizations and institutional families across the Southern United States. Originally from Central Oregon, Courtney earned a B.B.A. in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Baylor University at the Hankamer School of Business. During her time at Baylor University she was a member of the NCAA Division I Equestrian team.
Courtney also holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation and the Series 7 & 63 licenses. Outside of the office, Courtney is a Board member of Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, sitting on the finance committee, and volunteers regularly to assist in building houses for those in need in the community. She also serves as the J.P. Morgan representative for Philanthropy Southwest and is a member of the Philanthropy Southwest leadership team on the membership committee
 Kevin Ng, JP Morgan, Managing Director & Investment Specialist
Kevin Ng is a Managing Director and Investment Specialist in the New York City office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. As a member of the Outsourced Chief Investment Office, Kevin serves the sophisticated needs of endowments, foundations and large family offices that seek experienced guidance for investing and preserving assets. He brings a comprehensive outlook to oversee his clients’ complex financial scenarios so that they may focus on their top priorities.
Kevin helps navigate all aspects of portfolio management—asset allocation, vehicle selection, liquidity management and spending needs—over a long time horizon and in a risk-managed way. He acts as an extension of clients’ advisory teams, communicating strategy and performance results to investment committees, boards and other related stakeholders.
Kevin’s global perspective is derived from roles in London and the United States, covering the European, Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Kevin began his career as a Portfolio Manager at J.P. Morgan before spending 17 years in investment leadership and business development roles at Goldman Sachs, where he last served as an outsourced Chief Investment Officer for institutional clients. His return to the Private Bank is a homecoming to the relationships that launched his career 23 years ago.
Kevin earned an M.B.A. with a specialization in Financial Markets and Strategy from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He has a B.A. in Economics from Tufts University.
Session 8C: How to Implement GASB-96 & Maintain Compliance
Description
Do you have a plan for GASB-96? The new GASB-96 standard requires subscription-based IT arrangements, or SBITAs, to be reported on the face of the financial statements and takes effect for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2022. We invite you to join us for a one-hour session where we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to implement and comply with the new GASB-96 standard.
Learning Objectives
1. Develop a GASB-96 implementation roadmap
2. Gather your Subscriptions
3. Launch internal and external review processes
Speakers
 David Jamison, Appalachian State, University Controller
David Jamison has a diverse professional background in criminal justice, business management, and accounting. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University in 1997 and later completed his Master of Business Administration from the same institution in 2002.
Throughout his career, David has worked in various roles with organizations such as the City of Asheville Police Department, Mast General Store, RBC Centura Bank, and several departments at Appalachian State University. His positions have included Manager/Buyer, Account Manager, Assistant Director, Fixed Assets Officer, and Director of Accounting. Currently, David serves as the University Controller at Appalachian State University, a role he has held since 2012.
David obtained the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation from the Institute of Management Accountants in 2015.
 Louis Stratton, Debtbook, Managing Director
Louis is the Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at DebtBook. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who now works with innovative fintech companies to transform the lives of finance and accounting professionals. In addition to serving public sector clients in his accounting role and holding leadership positions at Blackbaud and Porte Brown, Louis has also served as an adjunct professor of Accounting, Auditing, Finance, and Management.
Session 8D: Preparing for the Digital Transformation
Description
Higher education institutions must have a renewed vision and purpose for technology on their campuses. This involves both a strategy and prioritization of needs, as well as finding ways of right-sizing and funding needs to fit campuses of all sizes and resources. This session will primarily focus on the challenges and benefits to small and medium size private institutions, but there will be pertinent information for all SACUBO institutions.
Learning Objectives
1. An evaluation of the current higher education technology landscape.
2. Developing a strategy that prioritizes your institutions technology needs, and provides a path for supporting and funding these needs.
3. Creating campus support of the technology strategy.
Speakers
 Trey Arrington, Wofford College, AVP for IT and CIO
Trey is the AVP for IT and CIO at Wofford College, overseeing the IT Services Department. Prior to Wofford, Trey was the VP for Operations at Spartanburg Methodist College for 8 years, where he oversaw the Campus Technology Department, In-House Dining Services, and managed the relationship with Barnes and Noble College, piloting their First Day Complete book program. Along with higher education experience, Trey has served in senior leadership positions in the healthcare and manufacturing industries. He serves on several steering committees and boards within higher education, including Board Member-at-Large to the HESS Consortium, member of the Strategic Advisory Board and Technology Category Advisory Board for E&I Cooperative.
Session 8E: Current Views on Debt Financing - The Rating Agency Perspective
Description
This session will cover the current rating agency outlook on capital markets and bond financing in higher education, with highlights from institutions that have completed recent rated debt transactions. We will discuss the key components of the bond rating process, including how and when to involve the rating agency, how to best utilize rating agencies when navigating different financing structures (501©3, PPP, traditional bond, bank debt, etc), and examples of best practices related to engagement and disclosure; both required and voluntary. Current sector trends in capital markets and bond financing will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives
1. Rating agency outlook on the sector, including trends and areas of risk and opportunity.
2. When and how to engage the rating agency as you proceed with a bond transaction
3. Real-world examples of best practices in transparency and disclosure, both voluntary and required
Speakers
 Emily Wadhwani, Fitch Ratings, Senior Director
Emily Wadhwani has been with Fitch Ratings since 2009, and is currently a senior director in Fitch Ratings' public finance sector, serving as sector lead for the U.S. nonprofit higher education rating group. She is responsible for identifying and communicating key credit commentary for the higher education sector, leading a nation-wide team of higher education, nonprofit and charter school credit analysts, developing criteria and rating methodology, and managing Fitch's sector portfolio of rated credits. Prior to Fitch, Emily worked in the healthcare industry for over a decade in various roles, including as a hospitals and health systems strategic master planning consultant, in quality and performance improvement analytics at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, in hospital billing as an account receivables manager, and as a hospital-based physician practice manager.
Emily earned a BS in Health Administration & Policy from Creighton University, and a Master's in Healthcare Administration and Master's in Business Administration from the University of Iowa. She is board certified in healthcare management and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She is also an active member of Women in Public Finance, and is currently serving on the Board of the Chicago Municipal Analyst Society, a chapter of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts.
Chris Cowen, The University of Florida, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Chris Cowen is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at the University of Florida - a comprehensive research and land-grant university. He was appointed to the role in August 2020. In this capacity he has fiscal oversight of the $8 billion University of Florida Enterprise and serves on several boards, including UF Health, the University Athletic Association, the UF Research Foundation, the University of Florida Investment Corporation and the University of Florida Foundation. He is also a member of the Treasury Institute for Higher Education Leadership Group and CFO Roundtable, and a member of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officer's advisory committee for research universities.
Prior to joining the University, Mr. Cowen had a 30 year career in investment banking, most recently serving as Managing Director and head of the higher education finance groups at Bank of America and Goldman Sachs. His clients have included many of the nation's comprehensive research universities, private colleges and not-for-profit organizations. He regularly speaks and writes about issues pertaining to higher education finance. Mr. Cowen received his undergraduate degree in finance and public policy from the Wharton School and in history from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania and his MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
 Steve Hass, PFM, Managing Director
Steve Hass has over 22 years of experience in the field of public and not-for-profit finance and is a managing director at PFM's New York City office. He specializes in providing financial advisory services to higher education and non-profit clients nationally, including public and private universities, academic medical centers, independent schools, and cultural institutions. His expertise includes capital planning, finance plan development, credit analysis, rating agency strategy, governance, policy development, and transaction advisory work, among other areas. He also specializes in state and local governments.
Prior to joining PFM in 2012, Steve was a vice president in Morgan Stanley's higher education group and previously worked at another financial advisory firm where he advised a wide range of higher education clients on financings, capital planning, debt management, financial forecasting, governance, and other areas. Steve also has more than five years of experience in corporate strategy at Bain & Co. and Organic Inc. He studied government at Harvard College before attaining a Master of Business Administration at Harvard Business School.
 Alyson Silva, Nova Southeastern University, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Alyson Silva, MAC, CPA, is the Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Nova Southeastern University, Florida's largest private research university and one of just four universities in the country with both an MD and a DO College. In her role she oversees the financial operations of the University, including Budget Administration, Treasury Operations, Risk Management, and the Controller's Office. Together with her staff, she is responsible for preparing financial reports for appropriate institutional officials, the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, and outside agencies.
She was appointed to her role in 2012. She previously served as NSU's Executive Director of Finance. Prior to that, she was the Chief Financial Officer of United Way of Palm Beach County. She began her career in public Accounting having held management positions with Arthur Andersen and Ernst and Young. She holds her Masters of Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. She earned her CPA in 1998.
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