Kent State administrator hired for new financial position at UF

October 29, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Matthew Fajack, executive director of financial affairs at Kent State University in Ohio, has been named vice president and chief financial officer at the University of Florida, effective Jan. 1.

Matthew Fajack, 47, will be the first person to fill the newly established position, which will provide strategic leadership, analysis, planning and recommendations related to the university’s fiscal assets and appointments, said UF President Bernie Machen. Fajack will operate as a key partner with the entire administration, including the vice presidents and deans, the board of trustees and the financial offices of UF’s direct service organizations, Machen said.

“The University of Florida is an excellent institution with tremendously talented students, educators, scholars, researchers and administrators,” Fajack said. “I am humbled and, at the same time excited, by this opportunity to work with such a vibrant, high-energy organization. I believe my results-oriented entrepreneurial experience will fit well with the university’s passion for progress.”

Before his position at Kent State, Fajack served as chief financial officer for the Beta Capital Group in Dallas for 14 years. During that time, he also founded and served as chief financial officer for Legend Airlines, a business-class aircraft service based at Dallas Love Field.

Fajack has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota and is licensed as a certified public accountant. The CFO will report directly to Kyle Cavanaugh, senior vice president for administration. Fajack will be paid $200,000 annually.