Ryan Low Named UMaine Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance

Ryan Low, executive director of governmental and external affairs for the University of Maine System, has been appointed interim vice president for administration and finance at the University of Maine, effective Sept. 2, 2014.

Low will serve a one-year term, ending Aug. 31, 2015. This spring, a search will be conducted to fill the position on a permanent basis.

Low replaces UMaine Vice President for Administration and Finance Judy Ryan, who announced this week that she will retire Sept. 12.

“In my capacity as provost of UMaine, vice chancellor for academic affairs at UMS, and now as president of UMaine, I have worked closely with Ryan for a number of years,” said UMaine President Susan Hunter. “Ryan is well-grounded in large enterprise and public finances, and has a solid understanding of the budget challenges at UMaine and the University of Maine System. He also has played an important role in Augusta, effectively working across the aisle to advocate for public higher education issues in Maine.”

University of Maine System James Page noted: “Ryan Low is among our most effective and dedicated public servants, with an unsurpassed understanding of public finance and its application to higher education. He will make a valuable addition to President Hunter’s team and I will continue to rely on his counsel as we continue the work of better positioning the University of Maine System to meet our responsibilities to our students and the people of Maine.”

Vice President Judy Ryan noted that her decision to leave UMaine has not been easy. “After more than 30 years in higher education, I feel it is the right time to make this planned retirement a reality and turn over the reins,” she said. “I believe Ryan has the right financial background and a record of collaboration with the University of Maine System to lead at this time. I look forward to working with him during the transition.”

Low said he looks forward to working on behalf of the University of Maine and UMS to provide the fiscal leadership needed in the coming year. “As the flagship university, UMaine has an important role in the system and the state, and I look forward to working with campus and other constituents as we address the budget challenges ahead.”

While serving as UMaine’s interim vice president for administration and finance, Low will continue to be involved in UMS legislative affairs. Low joined the University of Maine System office in 2012 to direct governmental and external affairs. Prior to joining the system office, he worked for two years at his alma mater, the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), as vice president of administration and chief financial officer. Low served as commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services during the Baldacci administration. He also was Gov. John Baldacci’s deputy chief of staff, state budget officer and associate commissioner for the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. From 1997–2002, Low worked in the legislature, serving as chief of staff for the House majority leader and chief of staff for the speaker of the House.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, 207.581.3745