Mary Corcoran

Assistant Dean - Finance & CFO

Professional Overview
Mary Corcoran is an accomplished finance executive with extensive experience in academic medicine and higher education administration. As the Assistant Dean - Finance & CFO at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, she oversees all financial operations and strategic planning for the institution.

Experience Summary

Current Role
In her current role as Assistant Dean - Finance & CFO, Mary is responsible for managing the school's $1.2 billion annual budget and leading a team of 45 finance professionals. She has played a pivotal role in streamlining financial processes, implementing data-driven decision-making, and aligning the school's financial strategy with its overarching academic and research goals. Under her leadership, the finance department has achieved consistently positive budget variances and secured favorable financing arrangements to support the school's capital investment initiatives.

Career Progression
Prior to joining Washington University, Mary served as the Associate Chair and Executive Director of Finance and Administration for the Department of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. In this role, she was instrumental in improving financial reporting, enhancing cost management practices, and securing external grant funding to support the department's research and clinical programs. Her ability to bridge the gap between finance and academia has been a hallmark of her career progression.

Academic Background
Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Missouri and a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed the Executive Education program at the Harvard Business School.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial planning and management

• Strategic budgeting and resource allocation

• Financial reporting and internal controls

• Grants and contract administration

• Organizational change management

• Collaborative leadership and team development

Professional Impact
During her tenure at the Washington University School of Medicine, Mary has played a pivotal role in securing funding for several major capital projects, including the construction of a new $175 million research facility and the expansion of the school's clinical care network. Her innovative approaches to financial management and data-driven decision-making have earned her recognition within the academic medicine community, and she has been invited to speak at numerous industry conferences and events.

Conclusion
With over 15 years of experience in academic finance and administration, Mary Corcoran has established herself as a respected leader in the field of higher education. Her strategic vision, financial acumen, and collaborative approach have been instrumental in supporting the Washington University School of Medicine's mission of excellence in research, education, and patient care.