Following a national search, Southwestern University appoints Ainsley A. Goulbourne as Vice President for Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

Goulbourne brings to Southwestern a distinguished record of leadership across higher education, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare, with deep experience in financial management, operational strategy, and organizational transformation. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating and Administrative Officer at the New York Academy of Sciences, where he led global operations and membership spanning more than 100 countries. During his tenure, he enhanced operational efficiency, significantly reduced costs, and achieved an unprecedented decline in staff turnover.

Prior to that, Goulbourne spent a decade at NYU Langone Health, most notably in the Office of the Chief of Staff and CFO. There, he managed multimillion-dollar operations and research budgets, helped launch the Institute for Health Equity, and advanced strategic initiatives that strengthened collaboration among academic, clinical, and research partners.

“Ainsley joins Southwestern at an exciting time in our growth,” said President Laura Skandera Trombley. “His deep financial expertise, strategic mindset, and inclusive approach to leadership will help ensure the University’s resources are aligned to support our mission and sustain our momentum for years to come.”

Goulbourne holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Organizational Management from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in Quantitative Methods and Modeling, and a Master of Science in Accounting from Baruch College, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Pace University. He also earned an Advanced Professional Certificate in Leadership and Management from The Wharton School and is a professional member of the Academy of Management. His academic research centers on inclusive leadership practices within higher education and nonprofit institutions.

Beginning November 3, 2025, Goulbourne will oversee the University’s financial operations, human resources, information technology, and facilities management. Southwestern University welcomes him to the Pirate community and looks forward to his leadership in advancing the institution’s continued growth and success.