The email below was sent to the Bryn Mawr community on Sept. 18, 2023.
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:
I write with the news that Kari Fazio, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, will be leaving the College on January 2nd. Kari has served the College so well in these roles since she joined us in October 2014. What many might not know is that Kari’s professional life has been varied and has included many careers. She has worked in non-profits, served in the Peace Corps for several years, and worked in investment banking. After 15 years in higher education, Kari has decided that it is time for her next adventure and plans to leave higher education for another sector. In keeping with Kari’s deep care for the health of the College, she has given us plenty of notice to ensure a smooth transition.
I am pleased to share that Tijana Stefanovic has agreed to assume the roles of Interim Chief Administrative Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer in early January. This appointment will provide our next president with the space and time to make their own choice for this vital role. I am grateful that Tijana has agreed to serve the College in this way, and I know that Kari is leaving the office with capable and talented leadership.
Under Kari’s leadership and with the cooperation of the community, the College has achieved positive operating performance in each fiscal year since her arrival, which has strengthened the institution’s financial position and allowed us to complete some major capital projects, including the expansion and renovation of the Park Science complex and the construction of the Student Life and Wellness building. This strength has also allowed us to make significant investments in financial aid and furthered our ability to provide competitive wages. Our improved financial position was recognized by external entities that have upgraded the College’s credit rating. The financial and budget flexibility that has been created during Kari’s tenure has enabled and will enable the College to implement new strategic initiatives well into the future.
It has been a pleasure to work with Kari. In addition to the many ways that she has supported the financial success of the College, she cares deeply about students, faculty, and staff. From holding sessions for faculty, staff, and students on both the College’s budget and personal finance to mentoring individual students, Kari has shared her knowledge and her life experience in the service of helping others. She has an amazing ability to make the most complicated of subjects accessible. Kari has always been willing to step up and do whatever it is that needed to be done – from helping in the dining halls during big events to assisting in finding plane tickets and funding when we needed to get students home during the COVID shutdown. When the office was short-staffed, Kari assumed many responsibilities that were not in her job description for sure! Kari’s warm smile, sense of humor, and fundamental kindness have helped us through some difficult moments. The senior staff and I will greatly miss working with her. While I am sad that Kari is leaving, I am excited for this next chapter in her life, knowing that she will help others as she has helped Bryn Mawr.
Sincerely,
Kim Cassidy
President