University of Utah Chief Financial Officer Cathy Anderson has announced she plans to step down from the position next summer, following the U’s budget cycle and a national search for her replacement. Anderson will remain at the university as a special advisor to President Taylor Randall. She joined the university’s staff in 2002.

Anderson was named as the inaugural campus-wide CFO in 2019 with responsibility for ensuring efficient and effective use of institutional resources. As chief financial officer, Anderson has worked in close partnership with university presidents and senior vice presidents on the overall university budget and advised on strategies and actions that enable sound financial management and advancement of the entire institution’s mission.

“Cathy has been an exemplary steward of the University of Utah’s finances, guiding us with care and insight,” said Randall. “Throughout her tenure at both U of U Health and on the main campus, Cathy has masterfully navigated the complexities of our financial landscape. Her strategic vision and deep fiduciary expertise have been instrumental in securing the university’s long-term financial stability and growth.”

Anderson’s previous positions at the U have included serving as chief financial officer for main campus, associate vice president for budget and planning, and associate dean for finance and administration in the School of Medicine. She was the chief financial officer for Cimarron Software before joining the U. Anderson has a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the University of Utah.

The search for a new CFO will be led by Jeff Labrum, the U’s chief operating officer.