University of Minnesota announces Myron Frans as new leader for Finance and Operations

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (08/12/20) — University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel announced today the appointment of Myron Frans as Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations, pending Board of Regents approval. A recognized leader in strategic financial management, Frans currently serves under Governor Tim Walz as the Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB). In this role, he serves the State of Minnesota as the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, and the State Controller, driving innovation and flexibility in the state’s $47 billion annual budget.

“We are committed to the careful stewardship of our resources as part of our new strategic plan, MPact 2025, but also on behalf of all Minnesotans,” Gabel said. “We are all tightening our belts during these challenging times. The University must do so in a way that matches the quality, impact and creativity Minnesotans rightly expect from our world-class University. Myron brings incredible experience, knowledge, and strategic stewardship to our operations systemwide. We can evolve with his leadership in ways that make us better and more innovative, while also more efficient.”

“Higher education has been the pathway for me to wonderful opportunities and fulfilling careers. It’s an honor – and a dream – to now have a role in supporting the educational experience for others. I believe in the mission of the University and am humbled by the possibilities of this work,” said Frans. “I look forward to bringing my leadership to the University of Minnesota by supporting the students, the faculty, and the staff along with the Board of Regents and President Gabel to continue the important work on behalf of all Minnesotans.”

Prior to his 2011 appointment as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Frans spent more than 25 years as a practicing attorney in the Twin Cities area and several years as a lead executive for a local forensic equipment manufacturer.

Brian Burnett, the University’s current SVP for Finance and Operations said “I believe any President has the right to build the team that will serve them best, thus, I have elected to resign my position at the University. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the University of Minnesota with many terrific colleagues and wish nothing but success for the University community going forward." Burnett will work with President Gabel on the timeline for his departure and the degree to which he can assist Frans in the transition.