DURHAM, N.H. - Christopher Clement has been confirmed by the University System of New Hampshire board of trustees as the University of New Hampshire's next vice president for finance and administration. Clement brings nearly two decades of experience in the private sector as well as six years of service to the state of New Hampshire, most recently as commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Dick Cannon, the university's current vice president for finance and administration, announced his retirement earlier this year.

As transportation commissioner, Clement manages a $700 million operating budget, 1,665 employees and a $3 billion capital program. During his three years as commissioner, Clement also led the department's response to declared emergency events including Tropical Storm Irene and a record-breaking October 2011 snowstorm.

"Chris brings the leadership and skills UNH needs as we head into the biennial budget cycle and prepare to enter the public phase of a capital campaign," said UNH President Mark Huddleston. "His track record shows the kind of uncompromising innovation and increased efficiency that will benefit UNH and the state."
Before leading the state's transportation efforts, Clement was director of global commercial press product management for Goss International of Durham for 19 years where he created new global product business plans for the high-tech printing market. 

"Chris brings an incredible depth and breadth of experience to the university and we are all pleased to keep him here in New Hampshire," said Pamela Diamantis, chair of the USNH board of trustees. "He will help us to continue to make our flagship university even more efficient and to introduce further innovations in the coming years."

As transportation commissioner for the state, Clement gained experience in the creation and implementation of strategic approaches to lean business processes, worked with cross-functional work teams, and developed strategic initiatives and meaningful performance measures. As vice president for finance and administration, Clement will oversee nearly 2,000 employees on UNH's three campuses in Durham, Manchester and Concord.

"I am honored to be chosen to lead the university's finance and administration functions," Clement said. "As a UNH alumnus and someone with experience in the private sector as well as state government, I am excited to apply my unique knowledge of the institution and the important role it plays in the state's economy.

Working alongside parents, students, the board of trustees, President Huddleston, faculty and staff, I am confident we will find innovative ways to become more effective and efficient and improve our value proposition, becoming one of the best higher education institutions in the U.S."

Clement graduated from UNH in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology. He also received an MBA from New Hampshire College Graduate School of Business in 1998. He resides in Durham.

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Christopher Clement named University of New Hampshire's vice president for finance and administration