Joseph Trubacz, a 30-year veteran of higher-education leadership, was hired as UCF’s interim chief financial officer beginning this week.
“Joe is a pragmatic, creative and effective problem solver known for his integrity and ability to tackle large-scale institutional initiatives.”
— Interim President Thad Seymour Jr.
Trubacz has 30 years of experience working in finance, planning and institutional research at higher education institutions in Alaska, Colorado, Florida and Minnesota — where he most recently served as vice president of administration and finance for St. Cloud State University.
“Joe is a pragmatic, creative and effective problem solver known for his integrity and ability to tackle large-scale institutional initiatives,” says UCF Interim President Thad Seymour Jr. “I’m thankful to Joe for stepping in as we undertake several important projects, such as a new university budget model and better systems for making data-driven financial decisions.”
Trubacz will serve until a new CFO is hired by UCF’s next president, who is anticipated to start this summer. Trubacz will replace Dennis Crudele, who was appointed to the temporary position last May. Crudele will remain at UCF on a part-time basis as a senior financial advisor to the president to help with Trubacz’s transition and provide expertise on administrative priorities.
While at the more than 14,000-student St. Cloud State University, Trubacz oversaw the public university’s $200 million operating budget. Some of his campus innovations included reducing energy consumption and enhancing safety.
At the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Trubacz spent five years as regional vice chancellor for administration and finance. While there, he was responsible for the institution’s operating budget, which included building a new residence hall and dining area as well as converting a former Greyhoud Bus operations and maintenance shop into three new research labs.
He previously held chief financial posts at the Colorado School of Mines, the University of Alaska System and the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Before he was in education, he was the finance officer of the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center.
From 1984 to 2006 he served as a medical service corps officer in the Air Force — with five years active duty, five years part-time in the Air National Guard, and 11 years in the Air Force Reserves. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire, and an MBA in accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.
