Sweet Briar names new vice president for finance and administration

Posted on March 01, 2018 by Admin

Sweet Briar College announced today that Lori A. Husein, CPA, will be the College’s next vice president for finance and administration beginning April 1. Husein will succeed James “Rocky” Query, who has served in the interim position since July 2017.


Lori A. Husein
A certified public accountant, Husein brings significant experience in higher education financial management and strategy, including serving in similar roles at Claremont University Consortium and Loyola Marymount University in California. Her portfolio of responsibilities at Sweet Briar will include leading operations of the business office, campus safety, physical plant, dining services, hospitality, post office and human resources. She will also serve as the College’s staff liaison on the board of directors’ Finance Committee.

“Lori is an exceptional financial professional with valuable higher education experience, as well as a respected leader of teams and mentor to young women,” President Woo said. “I am proud to announce her as the newest member of my cabinet, and she is eager to join the Sweet Briar community and contribute to educating and developing women of consequence.”

Husein has a solid track record in building, leading and advising financial operations. She has been intimately involved in the development of capital budgets and facilities planning, including the complexities of construction and operating contracts, as well as balancing financial health with funding key priorities and deferred maintenance. During her tenure as vice president and controller at Loyola Marymount University from 2004 to 2015, the university completed a $380 million capital campaign. She also has key experience with audits, treasury and endowment management.

Personally over the last 20 years, Husein has voluntarily served on educational boards, including founding the Coolidge Foundation for Exceptional Education. She enjoys mentoring young women, particularly turning-point students or those who are reentering college after extended breaks. She has volunteered as a Girl Scouts leader, campaign chair for United Way and president of the San Gabriel Educational Foundations and Parent Teacher Association at her daughters’ school.

Husein graduated valedictorian of her class with a bachelor of arts in economics and accounting from Claremont McKenna College. She is a member of the California Society of CPAs and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).