Coreen Rodgers was in her early twenties when she decided she’d like to be the chief operating officer of a college. A senior auditor with Arthur Andersen at the time, she worked closely with the University of Miami’s CFO on their annual audit. As Rodgers watched how he spent his days, she knew she’d love to one day have a similar role. “There were many, many steps I’d have to take to get there, but it was the path I wanted to be on,” said Rodgers, who became CMC’s vice president of business and chief operating officer in May.
Rodgers oversees the financial and operational enterprises of the College, including finance and accounting, information technology and security, building and grounds management, human resources, food services and campus dining, and The Children’s School.
Collaborating with President Hiram E. Chodosh, the Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on thoughtful financial stewardship of the college is her daily task, but Rodgers always keeps the big picture in mind. “What I really care about is the experience on campus—that students are well served, that parents, donors, and alumni have a great experience when they are here,” she said. “That’s everything from the moment they arrive—making sure there is somewhere to park, that the lighting is right, that everything is clean.” One of her first moves: reconfiguring the business offices in Bauer South so that people can easily find her and her staff and have a comfortable space to meet.
Before joining CMC, Rodgers was vice president and chief financial officer of the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens; chief operating officer of USC’s Keck School of Medicine; and senior administrator of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami. A CPA, Rodgers holds a B.S. in accounting from Pepperdine University and an MBA from the University of Miami. She lives in San Marino with her two children.
“CMC’s mission represents all the core values that I personally hold true: to lead a thoughtful and productive life and to demonstrate responsible business leadership,” said Rodgers. “My heart swells a bit as I’m walking around campus. It feels like I’ve come home.”
—Susan Price