By Laurel White
Andrew Johnson has been named the UW–Madison School of Education’s next chief financial officer (CFO). Johnson, who is currently the budget and finance director for the School, will begin the new role on June 28.
As CFO, Johnson will hold significant budgetary responsibility for the more than 20 academic departments, units, and centers across the School. His work will include leading strategic planning and ensuring the appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources. The School’s annual budget is $240 million.
Johnson has served as the School’s budget and finance director since 2022. In that role, he has directed overall financial operations, leading annual budget development, financial forecasting, and the continuous monitoring of funds to ensure alignment with strategic priorities. He says he looks forward to continuing to serve the School of Education community in his new role.
“The years I have spent working in the School of Education have been the most rewarding of my career,” he says. “I’m excited about the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with the strong group of leaders across our School and the broader campus community.”
Dean Marcelle Haddix says Johnson will play a vital role in helping the School navigate changing budget environments in higher education and on campus.
“I’m confident Andrew’s expertise and experience will ensure our School is able to successfully navigate the current fiscal climate,” Haddix says. “I look forward to continuing to work with Andrew in his new role as we lay a strong foundation for the continued success and excellence of our School.”
Prior to joining the School of Education, Johnson worked as interim budget director for the UW–Madison vice chancellor for finance and administration. In that role, he advised senior campus leaders on fiscal cost and revenue estimates and deployed resources to meet leadership’s priorities. He was elevated into that role after seven years as a budget planner in the same office, where he collaborated with colleagues on the development of UW–Madison’s campuswide budget.
Johnson has spent his entire career at UW–Madison, beginning his work on campus in 2010 as an accountant for Facilities Planning & Management. He graduated from UW–Madison in 2010 with a degree in business administration.
Johnson will succeed outgoing interim CFO Sheryl Van Gruensven, who has held the role since May 2024.