Joanne DeStefano

Cornell University’s Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Joanne M. DeStefano, as custodian of Cornell’s financial records, is responsible for directing business, financial and informational services in support of academic programs. As part of this responsibility, DeStefano has custody and control of the University’s funds and has general responsibility for the maintenance of financial records of the University.Joanne’s vice presidential duties include responsibility for the divisions of Financial Affairs (DFA) and Information Technology (CIT). Units within DFA that report to her are: the University Controller, which includes general accounting, payments, tax, payroll, the university business service center, and financial research administration, (sponsored financial services, cost analysis, and capital assets); Supply Management Services, which includes Cornell business services and the procurement office; and the University Treasurer, which includes cash and debt management, the university bursar, the university policy office, and finance training. Responsibility for CIT includes administrative oversight of the Chief Information Officer, who is responsible for the oversight of information and technology strategies and their investment decisions. Joanne holds a B.S. from Syracuse University (1978, Accounting), and an MBA from Cornell University (1997, Finance). She came to Cornell in 1990 as General Accounting Manager for the contract colleges and has since held a number of progressively responsible roles in the finance division, most recently as Vice President for Financial Affairs. Prior to joining the university, Joanne worked in the corporate sector, as controller for Racemark International, Inc., and as accounting manager for Schlumberger, Inc.Joanne held national Board of Directors positions with the Kuali Foundation and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR). She is also a member of NACUBO, locally serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Challenge Industries, and was the Chair of the Cornell 2008 United Way Campaign.