Curtis Kowaleski
Curtis J. Kowaleski, MBA, CPA, has been named the next Vice President for Finance, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer at Gustavus Adolphus College, President Rebecca M. Bergman announced today. Kowaleski, who joins the Gustavus community after serving as the Director of Finance at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, will begin his duties on February 4, 2019.
“Curt’s broad financial knowledge and demonstrated success at a mission-driven institution make him a natural fit as the College’s next vice president for finance,” Bergman said. “He is a collaborative and people-oriented leader with a careful eye for detail, and I look forward to welcoming him to the President’s Cabinet at Gustavus.”
Kowaleski has led all phases of financial operations at St. Norbert College for the past 11 years, where his portfolio includes leading the campus-wide budget development process, ensuring tax compliance, budgeting and tracking over $150 million in capital improvements, and overall responsibility for the finance, bursar, payroll and risk management offices. During his time at St. Norbert, he also served as a member of the college’s strategic plan development and stewardship teams, spearheaded the college’s efforts to analyze and develop a master’s of business administration (MBA) program, and facilitated the launch of a new adult professional development program. Prior to his time at St. Norbert, Kowaleski enjoyed a 20-year career in public accounting and corporate finance with roles in compliance, billing, audit, control, and information management. A Certified Public Accountant, he received a bachelor’s degree in managerial accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and his MBA from St. Norbert College.
“I am intrigued by the momentum behind the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan and struck by the warmth of the people on campus,” Kowaleski said. “I am fascinated about the opportunity to work with President Bergman and the rest of the Gustavus community to advance the mission of the College and the betterment of its students.”
As the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer and the chief financial officer of the College, Kowaleski will work closely with President Bergman and her senior leadership team to advance Gustavus as one of the nation’s elite private liberal arts colleges. He will serve as an officer of the College and direct the College’s strategic financial planning, financial operations, physical plant, and auxiliary services.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510