HFC welcomes Brad Mitchell, Interim VP and CFO

At its February 2026 meeting, the HFC Board of Trustees appointed Bradley J. Mitchell as the College’s new interim Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (VP-CFO). Mitchell will serve a 10-month term to ensure financial and operational continuity during this period of transition as the Board completes its presidential search.

Mitchell is a veteran financial executive with more than three decades of experience spanning higher education, international manufacturing, and the corporate sector. He brings a robust background in strategic planning, institutional alignment, and fiscal stewardship.

“We are fortunate to have Brad Mitchell join our executive team,” said HFC Interim President Lori M. Gonko. “His deep experience in higher education finance and his ability to step into complex environments with immediate impact make him an ideal leader to guide our financial operations while the College addresses both short-term needs and longer-term planning. He looks forward to working directly with faculty and staff to further understand the College’s financial and operational needs.”

HFC was assisted in identifying Mitchell as a candidate by consultant Lisa Freiburger, retired VP of Finance and Administration at Grand Rapids Community College, and by The Registry, a national organization that connects experienced senior interim leaders to colleges and universities. The HFC Cabinet also considered candidates from other referral sources, as well as local candidates.

Significant higher education leadership experience

Mitchell has a proven track record of supporting institutions through significant transitions. Recently, he served at Woodbury University, where he was instrumental in the strategic alignment and eventual merger with the University of Redlands in June 2024. His work included resolving complex compliance issues with the U.S. Department of Education and strengthening internal controls.

“It is a distinct privilege to be entrusted with this opportunity to serve Henry Ford College, its students, faculty, staff, and the broader community,” said Mitchell. “I am honored to be part of a dedicated and passionate team and am committed to advancing the College’s mission and maintaining its momentum in ensuring its financial sustainability and success.”

Mitchell’s other recent interim leadership roles include:

• Lawrence University: Implemented operational improvements in the budget process and strengthened financial reporting and closing procedures.
• University of Redlands: Conducted a comprehensive assessment of finance and accounting operations, including budgeting processes and resource allocation.
• Saint Mary's College: Assessed business policies, procedures, and budget models to improve organizational efficiency.
• Golden Gate University: Developed a five-year strategic plan and established collaborative budget processes that received public recognition from faculty leadership.

Prior to his interim work, Mitchell spent a decade at Wilmington College as the Chief Business and Financial Officer and Senior VP for Business and Advancement. During his tenure, he secured $10 million in New Market Tax Credits to establish a nationally recognized medical facility, negotiated $31 million in debt with the USDA, and successfully managed multiple accreditation reviews.

Mitchell’s corporate experience includes executive leadership at several global organizations, including Patheon Pharmaceuticals, Formica Corporation, and Procter & Gamble. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accounting and Economics from the University of Windsor. He is a Chartered Accountant (inactive) and is trained in Lean Six Sigma methodologies.