Leslie Brunelli will be Washington State University’s new executive vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer.
With more than 25 years of higher education experience, Brunelli comes to WSU from the University of Denver, where she served as Senior Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs. Brunelli’s first day in the new role will be May 1.
Brunelli succeeds Stacy Pearson, who was scheduled to retire from WSU in December 2022. Pearson has since postponed her retirement to February 3 to ensure a successful transition as Brunelli begins the integration process.
“We are thrilled to welcome Leslie to the Cougar community,” said WSU System President Kirk Schulz. “As a seasoned leader with experience in a variety of public and private institutions, Leslie has a unique perspective and deep understanding of financial management and university operations. His guidance will be invaluable as we contemplate the future of WSU.
In the newly expanded role, Brunelli will oversee WSU’s financial and physical assets, including all aspects of the university’s system-wide financial and capital planning, information technology services, compliance and risk management, and the real estate portfolio.
“I am thrilled to join WSU as Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration,” Brunelli said. “I look forward to supporting the statewide company in its mission to provide high-quality, accessible education for all.”
As Senior Vice Chancellor and Treasurer of the University of Denver, Brunelli led the university’s financial activities and generated management policies and practices to support their strategic vision. Since her arrival in 2019, she has guided campus financial response related to the pandemic and revamped financial reporting to provide greater clarity and transparency around university processes.
Prior to her appointment to DU, Brunelli held several positions within the University of South Carolina system with progressively increasing levels of responsibility, culminating in her role as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
Brunelli is a respected and sought after voice in the industry. She has been a frequent panelist and presenter for national organizations, including the Western Association of College and University Business Officers (WACUBO), the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), the College Board, and the Association of Public and Land . -Subsidizing universities (APLU).
Brunelli earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina. She is currently Chair of the University of Denver Retirement Plan Trustee Delegation Committee and an active member of the Colorado Alliance for Research Libraries.