Southeast New Mexico College Vice President of Business and Finance Finalists

Carolyn Kasdorf

Carolyn Kasdorf is a seasoned higher education finance executive with more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience in universities and independent community colleges.  She brings extensive expertise in financial strategy, audit oversight, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and operational management across complex institutional environments.  

Throughout her career, Carolyn has led fiscal operations at multiple institutions, including Southeast New Mexico College, Grayson College, Indiana University South Bend, Colby Community College, and Colorado State University.  She has successfully overseen external audits, strengthened internal controls, aligned institutional budgets with strategic priorities, and ensured compliance with federal and state regulations.  Her leadership emphasizes transparency, stewardship of public funds, and long-term financial sustainability.  

In addition to financial administration, Carolyn provides executive oversight for facilities and construction management, capital planning, and auxiliary operations including health clinic and bookstore functions.  She is known for her collaborative leadership style, ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, and skill in translating detailed financial data into clear, strategic insights for boards and executive teams.  

Carolyn also serves as a seasoned peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).  In this role, she evaluates institutional financial health, governance, and compliance with accreditation standards, providing objective assessment and guidance to support continuous improvement and institutional accountability.  

Carolyn is committed to responsible resource management, operational excellence, and fostering organizational cultures built on accountability and service.  Her work consistently supports institutional mission advancement while maintaining strong fiscal integrity.

José M. González

José M. González is a senior finance and operations executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education and public-sector financial management. A lifelong New Mexican and first-generation college graduate, he has dedicated his career to building financially strong, operationally resilient institutions that expand opportunity, strengthen workforce pathways, and serve communities with integrity.  

José currently serves as Chief Financial and Operating Officer for the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center College of Nursing. He provides executive oversight across finance, HR, information technology, facilities, strategic enrollment services, advancement, and shared administrative services, stewarding an $80M+ budget and brings direct experience managing enterprise funds flow exceeding $500M annually. His leadership has secured millions in recurring state funding through partnership with legislative leaders and state agencies, delivered over $50 million in capital investments—including a 93,000-square-foot academic and workforce-focused facility—and led complex systems integrations, enterprise banking transitions, PCI-DSS compliance oversight, and modernization initiatives that strengthened internal controls, mitigated risk, and aligned resources with long-term strategic priorities.  

Recognized for disciplined stewardship and enterprise thinking, José aligns financial strategy with institutional mission to ensure growth is sustainable, accountable, and student-centered. He brings experience in large-scale systems integration, merger-related operational transitions, and regulatory compliance frameworks that position institutions to operate with both innovation and rigor. He is known for building high-performing teams grounded in trust, transparency, and shared accountability—creating environments where people and systems work together to achieve measurable outcomes. He leads with clarity, collaboration, and high expectations, translating vision into results.  

He is energized by Southeast New Mexico College’s role as a regional engine for access, workforce development, and economic vitality and is committed to ensuring strong business strategy positions SENMC to expand opportunity, deepen community partnerships, and serve as a trusted steward of public investment across southeastern New Mexico.