Kelly Sparks

Vice President Finance and Chief Business Officer

Professional Overview
Kelly Sparks is an accomplished finance and operations executive with extensive experience in higher education and the private sector. As the Vice President Finance and Chief Business Officer at the University of Maine, she oversees the institution's financial management, strategic planning, and operational initiatives, driving sustainable growth and institutional excellence.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In her current role at the University of Maine, Kelly is responsible for leading the finance, accounting, budgeting, procurement, and facilities management functions. She has implemented data-driven decision-making processes, optimized resource allocation, and spearheaded innovative cost-saving measures, resulting in improved financial performance and operational efficiency. Under her guidance, the university has secured several high-profile grants and partnerships, furthering its research and academic initiatives.

Career Progression
Prior to joining the University of Maine, Kelly held senior finance and strategy roles at Oregon State University, the University of Oregon School of Law, and Nordstrom. As the Associate Vice President of Finance and Strategic Planning at Oregon State, she played a pivotal role in developing the university's long-term financial strategy and oversaw the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. At the University of Oregon School of Law, she served as the Associate Dean of Finance and Operations, where she streamlined administrative processes and enhanced student services. Kelly's experience also includes a successful tenure as the Executive Director at the Peacock Family Center, where she led the organization's financial and operational transformation.

Academic Background
Kelly holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of California, Berkeley, with a specialization in Finance and Accounting. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, where she graduated cum laude.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial management and reporting

• Strategic planning and budgeting

• Operations optimization and cost-saving initiatives

• Grants and partnership development

• Higher education administration and student services

• Change management and organizational transformation

Professional Impact
During her career, Kelly has spearheaded several high-impact projects and initiatives. At the University of Maine, she has led the implementation of a new budget model that has enabled more transparent and data-driven resource allocation. Additionally, she has overseen the successful integration of several enterprise-wide software systems, streamlining administrative processes and improving operational efficiency. Kelly's leadership has been instrumental in securing several multi-million-dollar grants and partnerships, further strengthening the university's research and academic programs.

Conclusion
With her exceptional financial acumen, strategic vision, and proven track record of operational excellence, Kelly Sparks is a valuable asset to the University of Maine. Her commitment to driving institutional growth and fostering sustainable change positions her as a forward-thinking leader in the higher education sector.