Salem State names new finance chief

SALEM – Salem State University President Patricia Maguire Meservey announced that Karen House of Keene, N.H., will join the university?s administrative team, serving as chief financial officer beginning Sept. 2. House is currently the associate vice president for finance and planning at Keene State College.A graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., she holds in addition a master’s degree in business administration and a graduate certificate from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, N.H. House has extensive experience in the private sector as an accountant, internal auditor and management accountant. She began her career in academia at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, progressing to associate vice president for business affairs/comptroller before joining Keene State College in 2000. While at Keene State she was responsible for the financial services area. During a leadership transition, she served for one year as interim vice president responsible for planning, implementing and managing the college’s financial, information, physical and technology resources. In addition to being a certified public accountant and a certified global management accountant, House was a member of the University System of New Hampshire Finance Executive Council (FINEC).In announcing Karen House’s appointment, Meservey expressed confidence in her ability to be “a strong and visionary financial leader to help guide Salem State through today’s complicated higher education economic environment.” This position will include the development of the institution’s annual budget and the development of a multi-year financial plan, including the allocation of fiscal resources in support of the university’s academic and administrative programs; and for overall fiscal accountability.In accepting this position, House indicated “I am honored to join President Meservey and her leadership team to support the continued development of Salem State University. Dedication, commitment to the success of students and service to the region greatly impressed me as I talked with members of the campus community.”