George Middlemist
Vice President of Administration and Finance/Chief Financial Officer
Denver, Colorado, United States
Professional Overview
George Middlemist is an accomplished finance and administration executive with a strong track record in higher education. As the Vice President of Administration and Finance/Chief Financial Officer at Northern Illinois University, he oversees all financial, operational, and administrative functions, ensuring the institution's fiscal stability and strategic growth.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his current role at Northern Illinois University, George is responsible for the oversight of the university's $500 million annual budget, treasury management, financial reporting, and strategic planning. He collaborates closely with university leadership to identify and implement cost-saving initiatives, enhance resource allocation, and drive operational efficiencies. Under his financial stewardship, the university has maintained a strong credit rating and expanded its investment portfolio, enabling increased support for student success programs and campus infrastructure improvements.
Career Progression
Prior to his current position, George served as the Associate Vice President/Chief Financial Officer at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he oversaw a $350 million budget and led the institution's financial transformation. During his 15-year tenure, he implemented innovative budgeting practices, streamlined financial processes, and spearheaded the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, resulting in improved financial reporting and enhanced decision-making capabilities.
George's earlier career includes roles as the Controller and Interim Vice President of Information Technology at Metropolitan State University of Denver, as well as positions at the Colorado State Auditor's Office and Omni Properties. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, drive operational excellence, and foster collaborative partnerships to achieve organizational goals.
Academic Background
George holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He is also a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
Areas of Expertise
- Financial management and strategic planning
- Budget development, analysis, and optimization
- Compliance and risk management
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation
- Leadership and team management
- Organizational transformation and process improvement
Professional Impact
Under George's financial leadership, Metropolitan State University of Denver achieved a credit rating upgrade and secured $150 million in bond financing to support campus infrastructure projects. At Northern Illinois University, he has spearheaded the implementation of a new budget model, resulting in a 10% reduction in administrative expenses and the reallocation of resources to priority initiatives.
George's expertise and strategic vision have positioned him as a respected leader in the higher education finance community. He has served on the board of directors for the Colorado Higher Education Accounting Standards Board and frequently speaks at NACUBO conferences, sharing best practices and innovative approaches to financial management.
Conclusion
With over 25 years of experience in finance and administration, George Middlemist is a seasoned executive who has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex challenges, drive organizational transformation, and deliver measurable results. As the Vice President of Administration and Finance/Chief Financial Officer at Northern Illinois University, he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the institution's financial strategy and supporting its long-term success.
