Senior Vice President (SVP) for Finance and Operations Myron Frans will resign on March 1, according to a systemwide email from Interim University of Minnesota President Jeff Ettinger.

Frans will continue to serve as a senior advisor to the president in matters relating to academic health negotiations and as a director on the Fairview Health Services Board,  according to Ettinger.

Ettinger said there will be future updates regarding the ongoing search status for the next Finance and Operations Senior Vice President. 

Julie Tonneson, the current vice president and budget director, will serve as the interim for Frans’ position while the transition is ongoing. Associate Vice President and Assistant CFO Mike Volna will take on responsibility as interim vice president and interim chief financial officer.

Tonneson, while serving as Budget Director, will additionally manage SVP office operations, oversee support units reporting to the SVP and serve as the senior leader liaison to the Board of Regents Finance & Operations Committee.

“Mike will continue to provide guidance and oversight to non-budget financial activities within the SVP Office and serve as University Treasurer pending Board of Regent approval,” Ettinger said in the email.

A handful of departments and offices, like the University’s Public Safety Department, will report directly to Ettinger rather than the SVP office during the transition.

Frans was a former Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget before joining the University in 2020.

Frans said he is honored to work at the University and is confident the staff in the office of Finance and Operations will relentlessly pursue their continued objectives.

Frans said he looks forward to continuing his role in academic health.

“The vision we hold for an academic health system is not just a priority, it is indispensable for the future well-being of every Minnesotan,” Frans said. “I am eager to contribute to the continued success of the University and the realization of this transformative vision.”

In spring 2023, Frans was one of four finalists for the University Interim President position.