Michael J. Todd named W&M’s executive VP for finance & administration – W&M News

Michael J. Todd, an imaginative and inspiring leader in higher education, has been named William & Mary’s executive vice president for finance & administration, President Katherine A. Rowe announced today.

Todd, who currently serves as vice president for finance & administration at Lehigh University, brings a wealth of leadership experience at both public and private institutions. He will begin Aug. 1. 

“A rising star in higher education, Mike Todd brings the expertise and imagination William & Mary needs to keep evolving to excel,” Rowe said. “At every step in our search, he proved himself an adaptable, wise and trusted leader. He will be a terrific partner to William & Mary’s talented faculty and staff, advancing our inspiring mission of teaching, learning and research via exceptional stewardship of our resources.”

The executive vice president role leads the main finance and operational units at William & Mary, including budgeting and finance, information technology, human resources and business affairs (itself comprising key departments that span from auxiliary services to capital projects and real estate).

Todd’s experience in both public and private institutions are excellent fits with current priorities at William & Mary, including the implementation of Workday as an enterprise resource platform, revitalizing housing and dining, strategic and master planning, economic development, building and maintaining public-private partnerships and adopting tuition models that reflect the university’s commitment to quality, affordability and efficiency. Additionally, he has experience in Title IX administration, compensation equity, legal affairs, investment and asset management and strategy.

“My family and I are excited to join such a special community,” Todd said. “Throughout the search process, I was impressed by the commitment and passion of the faculty, staff and stakeholders with whom I met. I am grateful to President Rowe and the search committee, and I look forward to helping build the future at William & Mary.”

Todd has served as Lehigh’s vice president for finance & administration since 2022. While there, he and his teams launched a master planning process, redesigned the university’s process for ongoing capital maintenance and drove construction of an on-site solar farm. He also led the development of a program to make tuition more affordable and accessible to families from all financial backgrounds. 

“Mike has provided thoughtful leadership within Lehigh’s Finance and Administration office, and was instrumental to our leadership team during the launch of Lehigh’s new strategic plan,” said Lehigh President Joseph J. Helble. “His broad background and skill set will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the team at William & Mary.”

Prior to Lehigh, Todd held the role of chief operating officer at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Before that, he held a similar role in University of Virginia’s School of Engineering. Previously, Todd served as associate vice president for research for  the University of North Carolina systems.

“Mike is a visionary leader who will be instrumental in continuing William & Mary’s path of success and innovation,” said Provost Peggy Agouris, who co-chaired the search committee with Matthew T. Lambert ’99, senior vice president for University Advancement. “His expertise in operational excellence, impressive track record in higher education and commitment to fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups immediately stood out during the search process. I look forward to working closely with Mike and witnessing the positive impact he will bring to our institution and community.”

Lambert agreed. “Our search committee members were struck by Mike’s remarkable record of managing complex projects in higher education and his focus on operational excellence at similar highly selective institutions,” he said. “Additionally, he has the attributes of a great leader able to partner effectively with multiple constituents internally and externally. He is humble and persistently patient, inspiring people around him to work together and reach further. In short, Mike will be a perfect fit for William & Mary.”

Todd currently sits on multiple boards, including the Centennial School Board and the Manufacturers Resource Center. At Franklin & Marshall, he chaired the Shared Services Health Plan, a consortium of eight universities offering health coverage to roughly 3,000 employees. He was also vice chair of the University & College Insurance Consortium, a pooled-risk vehicle serving 10,000 employees in almost 20 universities. He has also held board seats with the United Way, the NC Biotechnology Center and Center for Design Innovation, among others.

Todd holds an MBA from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a master’s degree in physics from University of Virginia. He also holds four bachelor’s degrees from University of Missouri: in economics, mathematics, physics and Russian.

Todd returns to Williamsburg with his wife, Nicole, and two children. He lived in Williamsburg prior to his career in higher education.

Cortney Will, Associate Director of Leadership & Internal Communications