D avid W. Harris, Executive Vice President for Administration, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, joined the University of New Mexico in May 2004. Mr. Harris served as the Acting President from January 25, 2006 to May 31, 2007. Mr. Harris brings to the University more than 30 years of financial expertise. In 1972, he began his career with New Mexico State Government working for the Legislative Finance Committee. He held various leadership positions in State Government including Director of the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee from 1989-1995, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration from 1995-2000, Deputy Chief of Staff in 2003 – 2004 for Governor Bill Richardson, and Executive Director of the New Mexico Finance Authority through 2004.
As Executive Vice President for Administration, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Harris is responsible for the oversight and management of the University’s $1.84 billion budget. He also directs a number of senior administrators who oversee nearly 3,000 employees. Mr. Harris administers the following non-academic units: Athletics, Auxiliary Enterprises, Budget and Analysis, Controller, Capital Projects, Human Resources, Physical Plant, Policy Office, Real Estate, Risk Management, SHEA (Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs), and UNM Police Department.
Mr. Harris received a B.B.A. in 1971 from Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), where he focused on Industrial Management and Business Administration. In 2002, Mr. Harris received recognition as the Outstanding Alumnus from ENMU. He currently serves on the boards of the Harwood Museum , New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Program and the New Mexico State Investment Council.
