Cornell Administrator Warren Petrofsky Named FAS Finance Dean | News

February 28, 2026 - 10:27

Harvard University has announced the appointment of Warren Petrofsky as the new Dean of Finance for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). Petrofsky joins Harvard from Cornell University, where he served as Associate Vice President for Finance and Treasurer, overseeing a broad portfolio including treasury operations, capital planning, and risk management.

In his new role at Harvard, Petrofsky will be responsible for the financial strategy and budgetary planning of the FAS, the university's largest academic division. He will manage a complex budget and work closely with academic and administrative leaders to align financial resources with the faculty's educational and research missions. University officials expressed confidence that his extensive experience in higher education finance and strategic planning will be a significant asset.

Petrofsky's career in university finance spans over two decades, with previous leadership positions at both Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania. He is recognized for his collaborative approach and expertise in navigating the financial challenges and opportunities within major academic institutions. His appointment is seen as a key step in strengthening the administrative leadership supporting Harvard's core academic enterprise. He is expected to begin his new position later this summer.