Groton School Announces New CFO

Groton School has announced the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Julie Dolan, currently the executive vice president and treasurer of Clark University in Worcester, MA, was selected after an extensive search; she combines deep experience in finance and administration with a commitment both to education and to the mission of Groton School.

 

At Clark, Ms. Dolan has shown strategic leadership in areas including finance, capital projects, and human resources. Prior to working at Clark, she was vice president for finance and treasurer at Fairfield University (CT); associate vice president of fiscal affairs at Dartmouth College; CFO and director of operations at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College; and assistant dean for finance for Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She also held financial positions at Tufts University and University of Pennsylvania.

 

“I am thrilled to be joining the Groton community,” Ms. Dolan said. “It was immediately obvious to me what a special place Groton is. The faculty and staff are deeply committed to developing and bringing out the best in their students. The trustees are passionate about the school and stand behind their commitment in thought, word, and deed.

"And finally, Temba’s bold GRAIN initiative—and the prospect of helping make that vision a reality for generations to come—is an irresistible opportunity for me.” Ms. Dolan was referring to the milestone GRoton Affordability and INclusion (GRAIN) initiative, conceived by Headmaster Temba Maqubela, which froze tuition for three years and ensured that applicants are chosen without regard to their ability to pay.

 

“Diversity and socioeconomic inclusion go hand in glove,” said Mr. Maqubela. “Julie will be embraced by the Groton community as she ably manages the school’s finances while shepherding the sustainability phase of our affordability and inclusion efforts.”

 

Members of the search committee praised various facets of Ms. Dolan’s experience and outlook. “Julie’s extensive experience in finance and education, including initiatives she has worked on to promote affordability for diverse student populations, will be hugely beneficial to Groton in the years ahead,” said James Windels, a Groton trustee and CFO search committee member.

 

Diana Ferguson, treasurer of Groton School’s Board of Trustees and search committee member, agreed, adding, “I was struck by her enormous intellect, high energy, and interpersonal warmth—things that align well with our values around the Circle. I think she’ll be a wonderful addition.”

 

Ms. Dolan holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a bachelor’s in political science from Stanford University. She replaces current CFO Arthur Diaz, who is retiring. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Diaz helped implement the GRAIN initiative.

 

Groton School looks forward to welcoming Ms. Dolan when she joins the Groton Circle on July 1.

Photo courtesy of Clark University