President Marlene Tromp announced today that the Division of University Affairs will merge with Finance and Administration, a return to an administrative structure that Boise State historically used. This move will create a leaner administrative team, preserving institutional resources for other initiatives.
The new division, Finance and Operations, will be overseen by Alicia Estey, now Chief Financial and Operating Officer and Vice President for Finance and Operations. Jo Ellen DiNucci will serve as Senior AVP for Finance, working closely with Estey on a number of strategic initiatives. The VPFA search committee voted to affirm this course of action after pausing the search in January following the selected, contracted candidate’s decision to withdraw for personal reasons.
Finance and Operations will include the departments currently in University Affairs as well as the Controller’s office, Procurement and Vendor Services, Finance and Leasing, Student Financial Services, and the offices of Information Technology, Continuous Improvement, and Budget and Planning. ExtraMile Arena and the Morrison Center will continue to report to the president.
Estey served as the Senior Associate Vice President of Campus Operations and the university’s Chief Compliance Officer before being named Chief of Staff and Chief Compliance Officer in October 2018, then as Vice President for Compliance, Legal and Audit as of January 2020. Most recently, Estey served as Vice President for University Affairs, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff.
“I am grateful for Vice President Estey’s willingness to step into this vital role at a critical time in the life of our university. No one better understands Boise State, and her experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, president.
She first joined Boise State in 2006 as the special assistant to then-Vice President for Finance and Administration Stacy Pearson. Thereafter she served in various roles in Finance and Administration including policy analyst, regulatory compliance officer and director of tax. Before her time at Boise State, Estey worked in the tax department at the J.R. Simplot Company. She holds a bachelor’s of business administration in accountancy, a master’s in public health, and a juris doctor.
“I look forward to working with the Finance and Operations team to support the incredible work happening across campus,” said Estey. “Our team will continue to focus on ensuring we have the financial resources and operational support necessary to achieve the university’s Blueprint for Success goals.”
Estey will begin her new role immediately and will continue to serve as a chief advisor to the president. Erika Anderson will assume the role of chief of staff to the president.