Dear Pitt community,
I write to you with bittersweet news regarding Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer Hari Sastry. After an impactful five-year tenure at the University of Pittsburgh, Hari will be departing Pitt to become the CFO at Georgetown University, his alma mater.
During his tenure at Pitt, Hari has played a pivotal role in guiding our financial strategies. His expertise, dedication and leadership have contributed significantly to ensuring the fiscal health of our institution. Amid state funding challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, Hari’s leadership has ensured strong financial performance. Collaborating with the provost, he crafted the Budget ReSTART model, providing a strategic framework for fiscal resilience. His tenure has seen an exceptional increase of nearly $350 million in research funding, propelling the University past the $1 billion mark. Additionally, he spearheaded the development of an Enterprise Risk Management program, fortifying the University against potential risks. Hari’s initiatives, including the Strategic Advancement Fund, have aligned strategic endeavors with the University’s mission, vision and brand.
Hari has been a great partner to me during my transition and in these initial months as chancellor, and I, like so many across the Pitt community, will miss his strategic counsel and unyielding commitment to rise to the occasion when called upon. In the days ahead, Hari will be leading a thoughtful and smooth transition plan with Thurman Wingrove, the University’s controller, whom I have asked to serve as acting chief financial officer after Hari’s departure on March 1. And early this spring, we will initiate a national, comprehensive search for a new chief financial officer, affirming our commitment to maintaining financial stability and advancing strategic goals.
Please join me in expressing our community’s appreciation for Hari’s countless contributions to Pitt, and in wishing him every success in his new role.
With warm regards,
Joan Gabel
Chancellor