Oberlin Appoints Julie Melvin Associate Vice President for Finance

Following a national search process, Julienne (Julie) Melvin has been appointed associate vice president for finance, filling the recently vacated position. She begins on September 7, 2021, reporting to the vice president for finance and administration. 

The associate vice president (AVP) for finance is a key member of the Office of Finance and Administration, which is responsible for leading, directing, monitoring, and providing strategic partnership for all finance functions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, federal/state regulations, college policies and guidelines, and leading business practices. 

The AVP works strategically and collaboratively to enhance and plan for the college's financial strength through analysis, innovative ideas, cost-effective approaches, high-quality budgeting and monitoring, debt management, accurate accounting and tax compliance, and useful reporting for decision-making and benchmarking. The AVP ensures a strong system of institutional internal controls through clear policies and procedures. In this position, Melvin will work closely with the vice president for finance and administration with long-term planning and daily administration of institutional finances and on strategic matters, including support for the Board of Trustees.

The AVP is also responsible for key cross-functional collaborations that support financially sound college policies, planning, and practices across the college.

With more than 25 years of experience in both higher and secondary education finance and administration, Melvin has a keen understanding of the challenges small liberal arts institutions face and is well-positioned to help lead Oberlin’s finance team.

She most recently served as the chief financial officer and vice president of business affairs at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she oversaw all accounting and financial operations. Prior to that appointment, she was the institute’s associate vice president of business operations and financial reporting, with responsibility for budget development and management and financial analysis and reporting.  

While at the institute, Melvin redefined the budget process to engage stakeholders and provide accountability while managing costs. She also led efforts to reduce endowment reliance, and implemented changes to various financial and administrative processes and procedures, resulting in operational efficiencies, cost savings, and increased staff productivity.

Melvin is a certified public accountant and began her career in public accounting at Hausser + Taylor (predecessor to Maloney + Novotny), and has held key leadership positions at both Magnificat High School and Western Reserve Academy.