Amid admin-faculty rift, Fordham’s CFO resigns

John Lordan, Fordham’s chief financial officer since 2000, has abruptly resigned, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, told Fordham faculty Tuesday afternoon.

“John has overseen many improvements to the university’s financial operations, including the creation of a chief investment officer’s position, more rigorous accounting procedures, and school-based budgeting,” McShane said in an email, which was obtained by Fordham Daily. 

Lordan’s departure comes amid heated negations between university administrators and faculty members over salary increases and health care benefits.

Last spring, Lordan riled some by proposing the elimination of Cigna, Fordham’s health care provider, and the increase of faculty cost sharing.

In July, administrators raised eyebrows by announcing their decision to sign an agreement with UnitedHealthCare without getting prior approval from the Faculty Senate — a necessary step, according to the university’s constitution.

McShane said Fordham will conduct “a national search” to look for Lordan’s replacement. In the meantime, Frank Simio, vice president for finance, will be the interim chief financial officer.

Lordan holds a BS degree from Suffolk University, an MBA from Boston College and an MPA from the Kennedy School at Harvard. He currently serves on the boards of Fordham Prep and St. Barnabas Hospital.