Brian Foss will join Lawrence University as its new vice president for finance and administration, bringing more than 20 years of experience in higher education. He begins his new duties Aug. 4.
Foss has served as chief financial officer and assistant treasurer at Cleveland Institute of Music since 2022. He previously held finance leadership roles with the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brian to Lawrence,” President Laurie A. Carter said. “His experience in higher education and his impactful work across departments position him well to thrive in this important leadership position. He will play a key role in sustainably stewarding the business of the university in a way that allows Lawrence to serve students long into the future.”
At Cleveland Institute of Music, Foss has been responsible for finance, accounting, facilities operations, and information technology functions. He has led the institute through various facility renovation projects.
“I am honored and excited to join President Carter’s talented leadership team at Lawrence University,” Foss said. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and trustees to support talented and engaged students across the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music.”
Foss received a Bachelor of Science in accounting and Master of Business Administration from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
He began working at Case Western Reserve in accounting roles in the University Controller’s Office in 2003, then moved to the School of Medicine, where he worked in finance and planning. He was a part of an administrative team that navigated fiscal pressures and led financial turnarounds. As the assistant dean for finance and planning, he oversaw the medical school’s $500 million budget and financial plan before transitioning to the Cleveland Institute of Music three years ago.
“Brian Foss is one of those uncommon financial executives who successfully balances an integrity-rich commitment to the mission with the financial and institutional strategies necessary for fiscal soundness,” said Paul W. Hogle, president and CEO of Cleveland Institute of Music. “He is a can-do guy, as comfortable in the boardroom as he is in the concert hall. As a result of his leadership and partnership, the Cleveland Institute of Music is an even stronger institution, better prepared to face the headwinds impacting all of higher education. I will miss his counsel and friendship.”
