The Missouri State University Board of Governors yesterday approved the appointment of Steve Foucart as chief financial officer, effective April 1.
Foucart, who was selected to serve as interim CFO after the 2011 retirement of Nila Hayes, was recommended for the permanent position by MSU President Clif Smart after the completion of a national search, according to a news release.
“As interim, Steve essentially had a year-long interview, and he impressed us all," Smart said in the release. “His knowledge of budgets, his ability to present meaningful data and comparisons, and his experience in negotiating partnerships helped set him apart.
"Given the financial climate we live in, this is a crucial position for the university, and I am confident Steve will add value for many years to come.”
Board members gave approval to the appointment during its March 20 meeting, and the full board is scheduled to ratify the selection May 16.
Foucart, whose starting salary is $128,000, is tasked with advising the university president on a number of matters, including the management and operation of accounting, budget control and preparation, credit management, fiscal planning, investing, payroll, purchasing and real estate, the release said.
“It is a privilege to serve Missouri State University, the board, students, faculty, staff and alumni,” Foucart said in the release. “I am devoted to our purpose of developing educated persons and will always take great pride in being a Bear.”
MSU hired Foucart as its controller in 2008. Prior to joining the university, Foucart served as CFO of Willow Brook Foods from 1985 until the business was purchased in March 2008 by Wichita-based Cargill Meat Solutions, which closed the Springfield operation. MSU bought the former Willow Brook Foods downtown building in 2009, transforming it into the recently opened Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development.[[In-content Ad]]
