The University of New Mexico is launching a national search for the school’s next controller to succeed Norma Allen, who recently announced her retirement.

The controller position reports directly to the executive vice president for Finance and Administration (EVPFA) and will oversee a team of 176 which includes budget management, treasury functions, and audit compliance, while developing and implementing creative financial strategies that align with UNM’s mission and strategic goals.

The controller will work closely with senior leaders, including the president and the Board of Regents, providing strategic financial insights and fostering a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will bring a forward-thinking approach to financial management, leveraging new technologies and data-driven strategies to enhance financial operations and outcomes.

The essential functions of the position include support of UNM’s 2040 One University Goal; overall mission and goals; policy and standards; organizational structure; strategic financial issues; contractual obligations; leadership and direction; system development projects; asset and fund management; institutional planning; legislative representation and branch campus oversight.

Expectations for the position include providing innovative leadership to strategically align the division with the University’s strategic plan, building and nurturing effective communication, collaborating with multiple partners across campus, leveraging technology, and supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and equitable opportunities. Prospective candidates can review the Leadership Profile.

UNM’s search committee, announced recently, will be chaired by Health & Health Sciences Vice President for Finance and Administration Rebecca Napier. The search committee is charged with recruiting, evaluating and referring candidates who are exceptionally talented and diverse. The position will be widely advertised with the goal of generating a diverse pool of strong leaders with varied backgrounds. WittKieffer will assist UNM in the search.

Applications must include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. In their cover letter, candidates are encouraged to showcase their strong dedication to UNM’s mission, values, institution, and state. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. To ensure full consideration, candidate materials should be received by Aug. 4, 2025.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Werner Boel, LL.M. or Ashlee Musser at UNMController@wittkieffer.com

For more information, visit UNM’s Executive Search website under University Controller.