VCU news

By Anne Buckley

David W. Hanson, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, announced today that he will leave the university at the end of the year to become chief financial officer for one of the nation's premier independent schools, Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H.

Hanson was appointed VCU chief financial officer in 2011 and was promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2012, managing the university’s day-to-day nonacademic functions and overseeing finance and administration.

“David has been a very solid leader at VCU, bringing focus, energy and creativity to help the team accomplish very important strategic goals,’ said VCU President Michael Rao. “David is one of the most talented and hard working people I have hired in 25 years. We are all grateful for his dedication, commitment and service to the university, and I will miss him."

During his tenure at VCU, Hanson is credited with developing a holistic, transparent and mission-focused budget system; reframing the investment management platform for VCU and its related entities for improved return on investment, instituting numerous cost-saving initiatives and driving excellence into key student needs, such as safety and transportation.

At Exeter, Hanson will be a member of the senior team and be responsible for the academy’s financial and legal affairs, human resources and various service operations.

Prior to VCU, Hanson served as associate vice president for administration and as special assistant, chief of staff, to the executive vice president at Emory University. Hanson earned a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from Emory University, a master of education from the University of Florida, a law degree from Ohio Northern University and his bachelor’s degree from University of Tampa. Hanson is also a Fulbright alumnus.