2008 Woodie Awards
Robinson names Benzel for finance position
Peter Smelser, Editor-in-chief
Issue date: 2/20/07
Last Updated: 8/9/07
Benzel's work for the district includes helping pass a bond that built three new elementary schools as well as the current renovations at Rogers High School. Another multi-million dollar renovation will likely start this summer on Shadle Park High School.
Despite the all these achievements, Benzel has very limited experience working with finance in the private sector. He is not expecting that to hamper him at Whitworth.
"There are elements of finance that are different in the private setting," Benzel said. "I'm excited about learning about that environment, but I'm not expecting it to be any more complicated."
Fundraising is another area Benzel is a little unfamiliar with.
"I see [fundraising] as an area I have a lot to learn in," Benzel said. "I'm hoping that I can bring some additional perspectives to Whitworth's Foundation and advancement."
Prior to last week's announcement, Whitworth had been without a chief financial manager since Dec. 1, 2006, when Tom Johnson left to begin work with Spokane Teachers Credit Union.
Also in January, one of Whitworth's top administrators and fundraisers took a hit to her credibility. Kristi Burns, vice president for institutional advancement, was linked to former Trustee Tom Delanty in a Seattle Times article. Those links turned out to be false.
Delanty is currently under investigation for embezzling funds. (For more information see "Background checks required" at the Whitworthian online.)
The timing of the hire comes at a critical point for Whitworth, as the school continues to try to meet its fundraising deadline for the new Fine Arts building.
However, Benzel made no public appearances on campus prior to being named vice president of finance and administration.
President Robinson explained why the search committee kept this interview process private in an e-mail sent to faculty and staff on Feb. 14.
"First, it is customary for us to bring job candidates to campus to meet our good people. In this case, the search committee recognized how a public interview process would compromise Brian's effectiveness in his current position," Robinson wrote.
Benzel will continue to be active in delivering on various community interests and commitments.
Being involved in higher education was a goal, but that got diverted, Benzel said.
Benzel will have an opportunity when he begins his new job at Whitworth around Aug. 1.
Controller Luz Merkel will continue overseeing business operations until Benzel starts.
Despite the all these achievements, Benzel has very limited experience working with finance in the private sector. He is not expecting that to hamper him at Whitworth.
"There are elements of finance that are different in the private setting," Benzel said. "I'm excited about learning about that environment, but I'm not expecting it to be any more complicated."
Fundraising is another area Benzel is a little unfamiliar with.
"I see [fundraising] as an area I have a lot to learn in," Benzel said. "I'm hoping that I can bring some additional perspectives to Whitworth's Foundation and advancement."
Prior to last week's announcement, Whitworth had been without a chief financial manager since Dec. 1, 2006, when Tom Johnson left to begin work with Spokane Teachers Credit Union.
Also in January, one of Whitworth's top administrators and fundraisers took a hit to her credibility. Kristi Burns, vice president for institutional advancement, was linked to former Trustee Tom Delanty in a Seattle Times article. Those links turned out to be false.
Delanty is currently under investigation for embezzling funds. (For more information see "Background checks required" at the Whitworthian online.)
The timing of the hire comes at a critical point for Whitworth, as the school continues to try to meet its fundraising deadline for the new Fine Arts building.
However, Benzel made no public appearances on campus prior to being named vice president of finance and administration.
President Robinson explained why the search committee kept this interview process private in an e-mail sent to faculty and staff on Feb. 14.
"First, it is customary for us to bring job candidates to campus to meet our good people. In this case, the search committee recognized how a public interview process would compromise Brian's effectiveness in his current position," Robinson wrote.
Benzel will continue to be active in delivering on various community interests and commitments.
Being involved in higher education was a goal, but that got diverted, Benzel said.
Benzel will have an opportunity when he begins his new job at Whitworth around Aug. 1.
Controller Luz Merkel will continue overseeing business operations until Benzel starts.
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