Myers McRae Leading CFO Search for Florida A&M
November 10, 2026 – Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting is currently leading the senior vice president and vice president for finance and administration and CFO search for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Senior consultant J. Barry Hasenkopf is leading the assignment.
This executive position will serve as a key strategic advisor to the president and board of trustees and will oversee the division of finance and administration which includes financial planning, controller and treasury operations; budgeting, business and financial/ auxiliary services; procurement services; and human resources.
Serving as the principal administrator and fiscal advisor to the president, the senior vice president will be an active participant on the president’s leadership team and is responsible for ensuring resources are aligned to FAMU’s mission as a land-grant, research university and top public HBCU.
Candidates should have higher education or public agency experience preferred; strong industry experience will also be considered. They should also have experience with federal and state regulations and compliance requirements, experience managing finances for a complex organization, strong financial planning and budget management skills, and proven leadership and staff development experience.
Founded in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, located in Tallahassee, is the third oldest university in Florida’s State University System and is the state’s only public historically Black university. With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students, FAMU ranks among the nation’s Top 100 public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” ranking.
President Search
Last year, Myers McRae assisted in the recruitment of Marva Johnson as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Her selection followed a thorough presidential search, which narrowed the field to four highly qualified chair of the Florida Board of Governors, Brian Lamb, noted Ms. Johnson’s corporate connections, coupled with her vision for student success, will enhance the FAMU career pipeline to new levels.
“Marva Johnson’s confirmation as the next president of FAMU marks a new chapter in the university’s legacy,” he said. “Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to improving outcomes for students, and passion for innovation will be the catalyst for FAMU to build on the rich tradition and have a greater impact on the local community, the state, and the nation.”
Related: Myers McRae Assists Pfeiffer University with Provost Search
Ms. Johnson was appointed to the Florida State Board of Education in 2014, was elected chair in 2015, and served in that capacity for four years. During her tenure, she championed policies aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students.
Myers McRae Tapped by Florida A&M to Find CHRO
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has been retained by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to lead in its search for an assistant vice president and chief human resources officer (AVP/CHRO). Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, is leading the assignment. This senior executive position provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight of all human resources functions across the university’s campuses and locations. They are responsible for shaping and executing human capital strategies that advance the university’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and operational effectiveness. The CHRO is accountable for the effective university-wide planning and administration of all HR activities on the main campus and satellite locations.
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting serves colleges, universities, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions. Nearly all of its search professionals have a minimum of 20 years of experience in higher education. The majority of the firm’s searches have been for presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and other senior academic and administrative leaders. Myers McRae is named by editors and analysts at Hunt Scanlon Media as one of the “Top 50 Education / Non-Profit Search Firms” in a special edition of Executive Search Review. The selected firms are considered “most prominent trailblazers” in education and non-profit searches.
Mr. Hasenkopf is chief executive officer with 30 years of experience as an executive consultant. His experience spans multiple industries, cultures, and geographies. He is a proven leader committed to the growth, education, and enrichment of his clients at every level of their career. Mr. Hasenkopf has assisted some of the largest global professional consulting firms, including Ernst & Young, Capgemini, HP, IBM, and Tata Consulting.
Related: Myers McRae Recruits President for State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
