Joyce joined the University in 2023 as a senior financial analyst, where she quickly distinguished herself through her strategic approach to financial planning. Reporting to Jeff Blundell, she will oversee the University’s Operating and Capital Budgets and manage financial planning for University Benefits. She will work closely with divisional finance leaders across the University, coordinate budget development and submissions, and develop final budget documents for the Board of Trustees. Joyce also will develop the annual benefits rate for Federal Research Awards and serve as Budget Director for Division 10.

Joyce holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Liberty University and is both a CPA and CMA. She brings extensive experience in higher education and nonprofit financial management, with a strong track record in developing financial reporting tools and building collaborative relationships across organizations. Throughout her time at the University, Joyce has demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and a commitment to supporting informed decision-making at all levels.

The post Joyce Hazzan Promoted to Director of the Budget Office appeared first on Administration and Finance.

In this role, Sara will provide oversight and management of University-wide central treasury operations, including cash management, debt administration, and liquidity strategies. She  brings over two decades of experience in treasury management and public finance, most recently serving as senior vice president of Public Finance Investment Banking at Hilltop Securities Inc. Previously, Sara served as Cash & Debt manager at the University of Rochester and as manager of Debt/Asset Management at Harvard University, where she oversaw a $5 billion debt portfolio and led a $2.5 billion refinancing effort.

The post Sara Desens Named Assistant Director of Treasury appeared first on Administration and Finance.

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Know of an A&F staff member receiving an award or honor? Contact Alyssa Davis.
Looking to show appreciation for a colleague? Celebrate their achievements as part of the UR Stars program.

Carolyn Patterson

Carolyn Patterson, an environmental services worker with the University Facilities and Services department, was selected to receive the 2025 Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Service Award. Established in 2024, the award celebrates women who exemplify exceptional dedication to service and honors individuals who have made enduring contributions to improve and support their communities.

Patterson was recognized for her unwavering commitment to the University at the 2025 Susan B. Anthony Legacy Awards Ceremony in April.

Rachel Stuckey

Rachel Stuckey, Director of Engineering and Commissioning, was honored with the 2025 Benner Award from the Building Commissioning Association (BCA) for exemplary efforts in making building commissioning “business as usual.” The award recognizes her outstanding achievements and leadership to build the commissioning program at the University of Rochester, where she and her team work to improve the value and outcome of construction projects. It also celebrates the collaborative approach that’s been taken to share experiences and processes with other universities through a grassroots cohort developed in the last year.

Stuckey was recognized at the BCA’s annual conference in October.

Yi-Li van den Berg

Yi-Li van den Berg, Purchasing Director, received the Special Appreciation Award from the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council (NYNJ MSDC), one of the most influential and largest supplier diversity organizations in the United States. The award recognizes her unwavering support of supplier diversity, partnership, and community engagement.

van den Berg was honored at the 2025 Upstate New York Supplier Diversity Summit in February and at the annual NYNJ MSDC Partnership Awards Gala in October.

The post Awards and honors highlight A&F staff accomplishments appeared first on Administration and Finance.

“Optimizing how we source, manage and leverage our purchasing power across both academic and clinical operations is increasingly vital to long-term success,” said Senior AVP for Finance Courtney Peplin. “Doug brings three decades of leadership in complex procurement and supply chain management to this role.”

Prior to joining the University, Rees served as AVP of Supply Chain Operations at Vizient, a national provider of healthcare analytics and supply chain solutions. He’s also held senior supply chain leadership positions at MultiCare Health System in Tacoma, Washington, and Providence Health System in Washington. “Doug’s proven track record in managing complex healthcare spend and implementing system transformation will be invaluable to our medical center,” said Carrie P. Fuller Spencer, CFO for Strong Memorial Hospital,  Highland Hospital, and Long Term Care Affiliates and AVP of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Rees earned a Bachelor of Science in business management and a master’s degree in business administration from Western Governors University, in 2017 and 2022, respectively. He holds professional certifications including Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP), CompTIA Project+, and FEMA Healthcare Leadership for Mass Casualty Incidents.

The post Doug Rees Named Associate Vice President of Procurement appeared first on Administration and Finance.

In this role, you’ll lead and shape the compliance culture across our university enterprise, focusing on academic and central administration. You’ll develop and lead a comprehensive compliance program, fostering a culture of compliance and serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and our Board of Trustees. The position offers meaningful growth potential—you’ll build and mentor a compliance team while becoming a strategic partner within the University, working at the intersection of research, education, and patient care.

The ideal candidate has strong regulatory knowledge and experience conducting risk assessments, developing data-driven work plans, and ensuring alignment with federal standards. We’re also looking for executive presence, collaborative leadership skills, and a proven track record of driving organizational change through expertise and relationship-building across complex academic and healthcare environments. You’ll join an organization where our Meliora values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability shape how we approach our work.

Download the full position description for more details.

The post Chief Compliance Executive appeared first on Administration and Finance.

This summer, PDC is overseeing construction crews as they advance critical infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of new utility systems and emergency generators to accommodate future growth. These systems are essential to support the expanded Emergency Department, new cardiovascular pavilion, and more than 100 private inpatient rooms planned as part of the project.

The modernization will add over 650,000 square feet of new space, allowing Strong Memorial Hospital to meet the increased demand for its services while remaining at the forefront of healthcare innovation. PDC’s expertise in managing major and complex healthcare construction has been crucial in ensuring that work proceeds efficiently while minimizing disruptions to ongoing hospital operations.

For more information, visit the Strong Expansion Project website. Details on construction updates are also available on the URMC intranet (sign in with University of Rochester credentials to read).

The post PDC team drives major progress on Strong Memorial Hospital expansion appeared first on Administration and Finance.

Jennifer brings 30 years of comprehensive project management experience in construction, renovation and project delivery processes to her interim role. She first joined the University’s Facilities and Services organization in 2012.

The department’s focus remains on three key priorities: maintaining operational continuity, supporting teams, and ensuring minimal disruption and continuation of critical projects. All current construction and renovation projects will continue without interruption, and PDC services remain fully operational during this transition period.

The post Jennifer Rudolfs Named Interim Director of University’s Planning, Design and Construction Team appeared first on Administration and Finance.

McNiff joined the University in 2021 as director of Facilities for River Campus, a position he held for three years before being appointed the AVP of Facilities Operations in February 2024. In his interim position, he will continue to provide strategic leadership to River Campus Facilities Operations, Medical Center Facilities Operations, Offsite Properties, Asset Management, Operations and Maintenance Construction, Grounds, and the Customer Service Center.

Prior to joining the University, he served as the director of facilities for the Penfield School District and worked in the construction management sector on large-scale projects and architectural design. He is a Registered Architect and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional.

The interim leadership appointment is part of broader organizational changes within Administration and Finance aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan. Effective immediately:

• Transportation and Logistics group (previously known as Parking and Transportation) has been reassigned to the Department of Public Safety
• The Business operations team (Staff Administration, Finance and Information Technology) now reports to the Office of the Executive Vice President
• Dining operations have moved to Student Life, aligned with strategic initiatives to enhance student experience

These changes will allow the UF&S organization to focus more on its core mission of maintaining and improving campus infrastructure and facilities while continuing to serve the University community effectively. There are no changes to service delivery or processes as a result of this transition.

McNiff succeeds Michael Chihoski, who left the University in December 2024.

The post McNiff Named Interim SAVP of University Facilities and Services appeared first on Administration and Finance.

The appointment comes at a time when technology is rapidly transforming the responsibilities of university student financial offices, said University Controller Caroline Burnicki.

“As our systems continue to evolve, so does the role of the University Bursar,” she said. “As universities nationwide adapt to evolving financial landscapes and increasing demands for technological integration in student account services, I’m confident Scott’s expertise will help strengthen the University’s financial operations in the coming years.”

Flaherty served as the student financials project expert for the University’s implementation of UR Student (Workday). Prior to joining the University, he worked as senior director of Student Financial Services at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. His experience also includes consulting roles with Attain LLC and Evans Consulting Group, as well as a position as Associate Bursar at St. John Fisher College.

Flaherty holds a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Geneseo.

The post University Appoints New Director of Student Accounts & University Bursar appeared first on Administration and Finance.

Spanning 330,000 sq. ft., the Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center is the largest, most comprehensive orthopaedic facility in the northeastern U.S.  LeChase Construction Services, LLC served as the construction manager for the project, which was completed in phases over a 34-month period. The Ambulatory Surgery Center and Imaging Suite opened in early 2023, followed by the final component, a new four-story outpatient clinic tower which opened in late 2023 on the 19-acre site.

The project will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by ENR in New York City this November.

The post Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center Named as 2024 Best Health Care Project by ENR NY appeared first on Administration and Finance.