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Top University of Michigan executive leaving for role at Yale University

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 16:25 GMT by Detroit News
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University of Michigan Names Yale‑Alumnus Shannon Chata as New Chief Financial Officer

The University of Michigan (U‑M) has announced the appointment of Shannon Chata, a distinguished Yale University alumna, as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The announcement, made on Tuesday at a press conference held in the university’s Administration Building, came with a wave of optimism from faculty, administrators, and alumni alike. Chata’s arrival follows the retirement of long‑time CFO David G. Marlowe, who stepped down after 15 years of stewardship. The new CFO will take the helm on July 1, 2025, and will be responsible for overseeing the university’s finances, capital projects, pension obligations, and endowment strategy.

A Yale‑Born Trailblazer

Chata earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics from Yale College in 2010 and later completed an MBA in Finance at Yale School of Management in 2014. “Yale was where I learned the fundamentals of responsible stewardship,” she said in the press briefing. “I carried those lessons with me throughout my career, and I’m thrilled to bring that experience back to the Midwest.”

After Yale, Chata spent ten years at the University of Texas at Austin, first as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis and later as the Chief Operating Officer of the university’s Office of the CFO. In 2022, she joined Yale University’s Office of the CFO, where she led a team of 35 analysts and served as the chief liaison between Yale’s endowment managers and the university’s investment office. Her tenure at Yale has been highlighted in a 2023 New York Times profile, which noted her role in negotiating a new $500‑million endowment fund partnership with a private investment firm.

Steering the Big Picture

U‑M’s finance team is tasked with managing a $4.5‑billion operating budget, a $2.1‑billion capital budget, and a $9‑billion pension obligation. “Shannon brings a blend of strategic vision and operational rigor that is essential for U‑M’s next decade,” said Provost Dr. Angela C. Williams. “We’re excited to have someone who has proven success in both private and public higher‑education finance.”

Chata’s inaugural agenda focuses on three pillars:

1. Fiscal Sustainability
   - Debt Management: A detailed review of the university’s $1.3‑billion bond portfolio is slated for Q3 2025. Chata plans to renegotiate maturity dates to align with projected revenue streams, aiming to reduce interest costs by an estimated 1.5% annually.
   - Expense Control: By introducing a zero‑based budgeting approach, Chata intends to scrutinize each expense line item, ensuring that capital investments directly contribute to core mission outcomes.

2. Pension & Endowment Health
   - Pension Reform: U‑M’s public pension fund currently carries a 22% unfunded liability. Chata will work with the Board of Regents to explore a blended pension plan that balances actuarial fairness with fiscal prudence.
   - Endowment Growth: The university’s $9‑billion endowment has underperformed against its peers by 3% over the past two years. Leveraging her Yale experience, Chata will expand the asset‑allocation strategy to include a 10% allocation to alternative investments, potentially boosting yields while maintaining acceptable risk levels.

3. Capital Projects & Infrastructure
   - Research Infrastructure: A $500‑million investment in a new nanoscience facility is on the calendar, with a projected completion date of 2028. Chata will coordinate with the Office of Planning and the Board’s Capital Projects Committee to ensure financial oversight.
   - Sustainability Initiatives: The university’s 2030 sustainability plan calls for 30% renewable energy generation. Chata’s finance team will evaluate solar and wind projects, targeting a 15% cost reduction in campus energy bills over the next five years.

Stakeholder Perspectives

When asked about the broader implications of her appointment, Chata emphasized the need for transparency. “The university community is counting on us to be accountable. We’ll publish a quarterly financial health report, open a digital dashboard, and hold town‑hall sessions with faculty and students,” she stated.

Faculty representatives have welcomed the change. Dr. Maya Patel, Chair of the Engineering Faculty Senate, said, “Shannon’s record at Yale shows she knows how to align finance with research goals. That alignment is critical as we seek to attract top talent and secure grant funding.”

Alumni, too, have expressed confidence. “I’m proud to see a Michigan alumna of mine, or in this case an alumna of Yale, returning to Michigan with a wealth of experience,” said alumni association president John M. Harper. “The financial health of the university directly affects the quality of education and research we’re proud to champion.”

Looking Ahead

The transition is slated to be smooth, with Marlowe serving as interim CFO until Chata’s formal start date. The CFO’s office will also be expanding, adding five new staff members to support analytical work and stakeholder outreach. In addition to her financial responsibilities, Chata will serve on the university’s Executive Committee, participating in strategic decisions across the institution.

While the job is undeniably challenging, Chata is poised to bring her Yale‑shaped analytical acumen and a track record of fiscal innovation to the U‑M community. “Michigan has always been about excellence, curiosity, and resilience,” she concluded. “I am honored to help keep the university on a path of responsible growth.”

With the appointment of Shannon Chata, the University of Michigan is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of modern higher education finance with confidence and clarity, ensuring that its legacy of academic and research excellence continues to thrive in the decades to come.