In October 2019, Park University hired Rana Lacer as Chief Financial Officer to fill the position that was vacant after Brian Bode was appointed as the vice president of facilities. Lacer has since left the position, and as of Feb. 13 Gregg Givens is now the interim CFO for Park.

Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D., said that after 90 days with Park, Lacer decided it was not a good fit for her.

“We’re sorry to have seen Rana depart,” said Dr. Gunderson. “What she shared with us is she just didn’t feel like Park was a good match with her style. She came from the government sector, moved into higher [education], and now is higher ed a different experience? Park is a different experience. We wish her the best. She was here for 90 days, and then that 90 days wasn’t a good fit from her perspective.”

Dr. Gunderson said that she did a lot of good in her 90 days at Park. One key highlight from her time here was investing Park’s checking account. With this new investment Park will earn an additional $60,000 a year through interest.

Givens was one of the finalists in Park’s previous search for a new CFO in fall 2019. He will remain in the position until mid- to late-April, according to Dr. Gunderson. At that time Givens will either decide to stay on board at Park, or he may suggest other people to fill the role.