Colleagues:

Please see the message below from Kimberly Lewis, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

Members of the Administrative Council:

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Henry X. Velez as Senior Vice President and University Chief Operating Officer.

Henry has served as Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since January 1. In this role, he has provided steady leadership for Rutgers’ Division of Institutional Planning and Operations (IP&O), overseeing the university’s operational infrastructure which includes University Facilities; University Public Safety; Planning, Development, and Design; Business Services; Strategic Services; the Office of Codes and Standards; and the Office of Climate Action.

Henry brings more than three decades of higher education leadership experience to this position, having served Rutgers with distinction since his arrival in 1993. His broad experience spans financial governance, budgeting, accounting, procurement, employee services, information technology, facilities operations, capital planning, public safety, and strategic operations.

As chief operating officer, Henry will continue to lead IP&O in support of the university’s academic, research, health care, and public service mission. He will guide the Division’s work to advance operational effectiveness, responsible stewardship, safety, sustainability, and high-quality services across Rutgers.

Henry is a collaborative and forward-looking leader who is deeply committed to the success of Rutgers and public higher education, generally. His integrity, institutional knowledge, and record of building strong, high-performing teams will greatly benefit the university as we pursue our strategic priorities.

Please join me in congratulating Henry on his appointment and in supporting him in this important role.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Lewis

Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer