Following a national search, Richard “Rich” Madonna has joined Southwestern University as Vice President for Finance and Administration. With an accomplished career spanning over two decades in higher education, cultural institutions, and public finance leadership, Madonna brings extensive expertise in financial management, campus operations, human resources, information technology, and long-term financial planning.

Madonna most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at the American Museum of Natural History, where he managed a $200 million annual budget, a $700 million endowment, and financial operations for a world-renowned institution spanning 25 buildings across four blocks of Manhattan. During his tenure, he enhanced internal financial reporting, implemented long-term financial models, modernized financial operations, and led business transformation initiatives that improved efficiency and service. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the museum’s financial recovery from the pandemic and securing sustainable funding for critical infrastructure.

Prior to his role at the museum, Madonna served as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Connecticut College, a top 50 U.S. News & World Report Liberal Arts College, overseeing the college’s financial, administrative, and campus operations. He chaired the Master Plan Steering Committee, which developed a 20-year campus expansion framework, including over $100 million in campaign-funded capital projects. Under his leadership, the college successfully restructured its financial operations, achieving significant cost savings, debt restructuring, and enhanced long-term budgeting strategies. His work on institutional efficiencies, new revenue streams, and student-focused initiatives reinforced the college’s financial health and mission-driven priorities.

Madonna has also held leadership positions at Union Theological Seminary and Yale University, where he played a key role in financial strategy, campus master planning, and operational transformation. At Yale, he co-founded the Yale Entrepreneurial Institute, fostering student innovation and business development.

“Rich’s extensive financial expertise and strategic leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Southwestern’s financial foundation and long-term sustainability,” said Southwestern University President Laura Skandera Trombley. “His track record of financial stewardship, institutional planning, and operational excellence will support our commitment to advancing the University’s mission.”

Madonna holds a B.S. in Accounting, magna cum laude, from Quinnipiac University, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Madonna will begin his role on March 24.