Dominican Names New VP For Finance and Administration

Dominican University of California President Nicola Pitchford has named Rob Kinnard as the university's new Vice President for Finance and Administration, beginning April 18.

Kinnard returns to Dominican from Holy Names University (HNU), where he served for more than four years as VP for Finance and Administration. Prior to Holy Names, Kinnard was Dominican’s Director of Financial Accounting and Reporting.

“We are delighted to welcome Rob back to the Dominican community to which he has already contributed so much,” President Pitchford says. “We’re impressed by both his enthusiasm and the sophisticated skill set he has honed while working with our colleagues at Holy Names University.”

At Dominican, Kinnard will oversee the divisions of budget and planning, business services, contracts, human resources, information technology, and facilities services.

“I will continue to tailor my leadership style to help empower people on an individual basis and support the overall institutional culture,” Kinnard says. “I like to create an environment in which employees feel challenged and can develop professionally and, at the same time, feel fully appreciated and supported. I try to exhibit kindness, patience, and humor in the workplace.  I’ve always worked hard to help employees be recognized as subject-matter experts because that’s exactly who they are, and they deserve the recognition.”

Kinnard joined HNU in early 2017 as the Associate Vice President for Finance, Controller. Within six months, he was promoted to the VP position. He oversaw the business office, student accounts, human resources, information technology, and institutional research functions. Reporting directly to the President of the University, he served on the President’s Cabinet helping to make key decisions in the strategic focus of the university. He facilitated the Audit, Finance, and Investment committees of the Board of Trustees.

While at Dominican from 2010 to 2017, Kinnard managed the monthly accounting closing process, compiled financial statements, and managed the entire audit process for the Financial Statement, A-133, 403(b), and NCAA audits.

 “I’ve never lost the passion for the 'penguin life' and know that I will be a great asset in assisting President Pitchford and all of Dominican in attaining deep financial sustainability,” Kinnard says of returning to Dominican. “Once a Penguin, always a Penguin.”

Before he began his career in higher education, Kinnard spent more than 20 years working in the world of corporate accounting. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Hayward (now East Bay).