Stephen Reed

Biography

Stephen Reed, serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for University Strategy and Operations. In this role, he provides strategic vision and executive leadership for an integrated portfolio that includes University Strategic Planning, Finance, Budget, Information Technology, Information Security, Institutional Research, Facilities, Safety and Security, Emergency Management, Risk Management, and Auxiliary Services.

Steve leads the integration of financial stewardship, operational excellence, and strategic planning across the university. He works collaboratively with university leaders, faculty, staff, bargaining units, Minnesota State system, and external partners to align institutional resources, infrastructure, and operations with the university’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. He is committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, emphasizing data-informed decision-making and strategic foresight in all areas of responsibility.

As a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet and the university’s senior administrative and financial officer, Steve serves as a trusted advisor to the President, President’s leadership teams, university community, and Minnesota State System leadership, ensuring strong governance, fiscal integrity, operational effectiveness, and long-term institutional sustainability.

With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Steve has held both academic and administrative leadership roles and has served as a college and university faculty member. Prior to his current position, he served as Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Metro State University, where he led information technology, business intelligence, and university planning. He previously served as Chief Information Officer at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and held multiple leadership roles at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, including CIO, Dean of Educational Services for Online Learning and Information Systems Programs, and Cisco Regional Academy Director.

Steve has been a member of the community faculty at Metropolitan State University, teaching in the College of Management, and he has taught courses in computer networking and cybersecurity at Anoka Ramsey Community College.

Steve holds a B.S. in science from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and an MBA from Metropolitan State University. He currently is pursuing a Ph.D. in organizational leadership and policy development at the University of Minnesota.