CU names Frank Bruno vice chancellor for administration
Boulder City Manager Frank Bruno says he is looking forward to his new position at CU after being named CU’s vice chancellor for administration.
“I’ve always thought the next phase of my career might involve universities or higher education,” Bruno said.
Bruno has served as Boulder’s city manager since 2003. He was named for the position at CU on Thursday.
The vice chancellor for administration handles human and physical resources as well as public safety organizations for the entire university. Bruno’s position will oversee around 6,900 employees.
Ric Porreca, the university’s senior vice chancellor and chief financial officer, expressed his support for Bruno in a CU news release.
“In Frank Bruno, CU is truly fortunate to be getting a conscientious public servant with long experience in managing resources and infrastructures,” Porreca said in the news release. “Frank brings great operational experience, civic leadership and a strong commitment to sustainability to one of our most vital posts. I am eager to begin working with him.”
Bruno said his position as city manager has prepared him well for his duties at CU, one of which will be overseeing the campus police. Bruno currently handles the day-to-day administration of Boulder’s government, overseeing 1,300 employees and a $240 million annual budget, according to the city of Boulder Web site.
“I’m very comfortable and exposed with that position being city manager,” Bruno said. “One of the duties of city manager is to head of public safety.”
Bruno will also oversee human resources, environmental health and safety, the Office of Harassment and Discrimination and the CU Book Store.
CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard said he is confident Bruno will be a good addition to CU.
“Frank Bruno is an absolutely inspired choice,” Hilliard said. “I’ve worked with Frank, and know him from my days at the Colorado Daily and I think he’s a really great guy for the job. He has a wonderful leadership style that brings people together. Bruno is very much in line with our sustainability goals and has values in line with where the university is going with Flagship 2030.”
Bruno will work alongside Porreca and CU Chancellor “Bud” Peterson for the future of CU.
“I know we have a lot of construction underway and planned for the university’s campus,” Bruno said.
In the news release, Peterson said Bruno’s experience as city manager will help him succeed at CU.
“I am impressed with Frank’s record of achievement and leadership at the city,” Peterson said in the release. “Managing human and physical resources forms one of the university’s most significant challenges, and Frank’s record of success in these areas speaks for itself. I am delighted to have him join our team.”
Students say they think having a connection with the city of Boulder will be beneficial.
“Change is always good,” said Cassie Clusman, a freshman studio arts major. “I’m excited to see what the city manager can do for CU Boulder.”
Freshman psychology major Katie Irvine said she hopes Bruno will help address the issue of diversity on campus.
“Considering the fact that CU is the second least diverse campus in the country, I think working on diversity will be a good thing,” Irvine said.
Hilliard said he is confident in Bruno’s appointment.
“Having managed a city government, he has a good background to come in and manage a large portfolio,” Hilliard said. “He is not only a good manager, but a great leader.”
Bruno will join the CU administration on June 23.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Brittany Sovine at Brittany.Sovine@colorado.edu.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Stephanie Shepard at Stephanie.Shepard@colorado.edu.
