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Carlos Rodriguez Starts As Western Michigan CFO

Former Michigan Tech financial chief transition to Western Michigan University took effect on October 1, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Corporate Finance

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an academic bell tower, representing the institutional transition at Western Michigan University.
Carlos Rodriguez assumed the role of chief financial officer at Western Michigan University on October 1, 2026, departing Michigan Tech. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Carlos Rodriguez transitioned from his role as chief financial officer at Michigan Tech to become the CFO of Western Michigan University on October 1, 2026. This move marks a change in leadership at both institutions as Michigan Tech searches for a successor.

Why it matters

The chief financial officer position is critical for managing institutional health, including budgeting, information technology, and human resources. Leadership stability in these roles is vital for universities to maintain financial planning and operational oversight.

Carlos Rodriguez served as the Michigan Tech CFO for approximately 17 months before departing. Michigan Tech has seen three individuals hold the CFO role since 2019.

The players

Carlos Rodriguez

He is the former chief financial officer and vice president for administration at Michigan Tech who transitioned to a new CFO role at Western Michigan University.

Michigan Tech

This public research university in Michigan is currently seeking a new executive to oversee its financial health and administrative operations.

Western Michigan University

This public research university in Michigan appointed Carlos Rodriguez as its new chief financial officer in October 2026.

Nicholas Stevens

He previously served as the chief financial officer at Michigan Tech from 2023 to early 2025 and assumed the role of Vice President for Finance in September 2026.

The details

At Michigan Tech, the CFO oversees wide-reaching operations including facilities management, information technology, and human resources. These departments depend on the executive for financial planning and spending strategy.

Timeline

  1. 2014: Daniel Greenlee retired as CFO.

  2. June 2019 to June 2022: Sue Kerry served as CFO.

  3. 2023 to early 2025: Nicholas Stevens served as CFO.

  4. May 1, 2025: Carlos Rodriguez began his tenure at Michigan Tech.

  5. October 1, 2026: Carlos Rodriguez began his new role at Western Michigan University.

Market Landscape

The current rate of leadership turnover at Michigan Tech highlights a departure from the long-term administrative stability seen in previous decades. This trend contrasts with the institution's historical 14-year CFO tenure that concluded in 2014.

As universities adjust their financial leadership, students and staff may notice shifts in how departmental budgets and resources like information technology are allocated. These executive changes often signal new priorities in institutional spending and administrative policy.

The takeaway

Leadership changes at the CFO level often lead to re-evaluations of university administrative and financial priorities. Stakeholders should monitor forthcoming announcements regarding long-term budget planning at Michigan Tech.

Further reading

For more on financial leadership shifts, visit the Michigan Corporate Finance section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lode - The Student News Site of Michigan Technological University.

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