For Donna McMonagle, who joined Saint John University As the new vice president for business affairs, chief financial officer and treasurer, effective Jan. 13, a career overseeing the finances of a Catholic institution seemed like her destiny, even from a young age.
“My first job after school was helping in the office at our parish rectory. I was responsible for helping with the parish books and records,” she recalls.
A product of Catholic education throughout her educational experience, Ms. McMonagle graduated from University of Scranton graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in commerce after attending Saint Dominic Academy in his hometown of Jersey City, New Jersey.
Initially drawn to a career in journalism and communications, she gravitated toward the liberal arts, which proved instrumental when banks and financial firms recruited on campus. She faced a competitive interview for a career development program in the banking sector.
“Any good liberal arts major knows a library and knows how to do research, and I was fully prepared for this interview because I had done my research and knew the latest trends and issues facing the banking industry,” said -she explained. “I share this anecdote because it demonstrates how opportunities are never limited; you can always pivot and do different things if you do your research and work hard. These are important skills to learn and develop, especially in college.
Experienced in higher education and fiscal management at public and private institutions, and as a mother of two teenage high school girls, she is acutely aware of the current and future financial challenges facing colleges and the students they serve . A proud Federal Pell Grant beneficiary, she is committed to the principles of access and affordability and is fully aware of the implications of institutional financial decision-making.
As she assumes her new role, Ms. McMonagle is committed to fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. “Maybe it’s my liberal arts background, but I tend to want to explain things,” she said. “Let’s get to a point where we have a mutual understanding of the facts and move forward together from there.” »
She plans to work closely with students, faculty, administrators and staff to ensure the University’s financial strategies align with its goals. assignment and objectives. His collaborative and team-building vision includes promoting financial sustainability across the University while continuing to invest in strategic initiatives and innovative academic programs.
As vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, she is the principal financial advisor to the President’s Office and a senior management team, providing strategic advice, oversight and management of the University’s financial operations. As a direct report to Rev. Brian J. Shanley, OPPresident, she is a member of Senior Management Group and an administrative officer.
Mrs. McMonagle arrives in St. John’s from Seton Hall Universitywhere she most recently served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. At Seton Hall, she was responsible for finance and information technology (IT), leading teams focused on budgeting, financial analysis, accounting, debt management, investments and endowment monitoring, as well as IT systems/infrastructure, teaching, learning and technology. .
Before joining Seton Hall, she served as vice president and treasurer of Montclair State Universitythe second largest public university in New Jersey. She oversaw a team of 60 professionals who helped manage an annual operating budget of more than $400 million and a debt portfolio of $385 million.
Prior to entering the higher education sector, Ms. McMonagle spent over three years as a senior member of the corporate finance team at NRG Energya diversified, publicly traded energy company. Earlier in her professional career, she held positions of increasing responsibility for 13 years at Fitch Ratingsthe international bond rating agency. She started her professional financial career working in the banking sector.
His decision to transition into the education sector was driven by one of his deeply held beliefs. “I have always been passionate about the transformative power of education and its ability to change lives,” she shared. “Joining St. John’s is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven institution that values academic excellence and student success.
Ms. McMonagle demonstrates awareness and appreciation for the mission of St. John’s. In her professional career and personal interests, she is committed to advancing Catholic ideals and education. An active parishioner Sainte-Marie Parish in Nutley, New Jersey, she volunteers on the parish finance committee and the religious education ministry.
When she’s not working or crunching numbers, McMonagle spends family time with her daughters and her husband, Kevin, a retired fire captain. Her passions include cooking, traveling, experiencing the outdoors, rooting New York Metsand exposing her teenage daughters to concerts and the classic sounds of Bruce Springsteen And Pearl jam. The whole family can’t wait to cheer on the Red Storm Athletics teams.
As she settles into her new office, McMonagle looks forward to meeting the St. John’s family and beginning work toward a better future for the broader campus community.