University of Findlay’s CFO Tom Lause to Retire

Tom Lause, vice president for Business Affairs, chief financial officer, and treasurer at the University of Findlay, will retire from the University in March 2022.

Lause’s work at the University has been exemplary since he joined in February 2018 and he has maintained an unwavering focus on improving the University’s performance and financial standing.

Lause worked to refinance the University by converting the high-risk variable interest rate short-term debt to public revenue backed bonds with more favorable long-term fixed interest rates. This change has resulted in both cash savings and a more secure financial future for the University. Lause also lead in the development of a revenue projection model for the University that has proven to be an invaluable tool used to establish the University’s annual budget. The Capital Expenditure process implemented in 2019 has improved both the efficiency and effectiveness of the University’s capital expenditures by focusing them on the highest priority needs of the institution.

In addition, Lause has led a number of important capital improvement projects including the addition of the University of Findlay Mazza Museum’s Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center, implementing building safety measures against the spread of COVID-19, and the expansion of and repairs to facilities throughout campus. He has also successfully led a budget-savings plan to reduce the University’s utility consumption and costs.

Prior to coming to the University, Lause retired from Cooper Tire & Rubber Company after a 35-year career characterized by dynamic and innovative leadership. From 2015 to 2018, he served as the multi-billion-dollar corporation’s vice president and treasurer, responsible for overseeing global treasury operations, risk management, and tax.

He began working for Cooper in 1983 and moved his way up to higher leadership positions in Findlay, Arkansas, and Cooper’s European operations. From 2002 to 2014 he served as vice president, finance and global operations controller, successfully leading the global Sarbanes-Oxley Act implementation and the expansion of Cooper’s business into China.

“I deeply appreciate Tom’s time with UF,” said Dr. Katherine Fell, president of the University of Findlay. “He has provided strong leadership in financial forecasting and in supporting new opportunities for us to grow our revenue. I will certainly miss him as a team-member, but I also wish him and his wife, Susan, much joy in the next phase of their life together.”