New University CFO Knows Business of Catholic Education

For Donna McMonagle, who joined St. John’s University as the new Vice President for Business Affairs, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Treasurer, effective January 13, a career overseeing the finances of a Catholic institution seemed to be her destiny, even from an early age.

“My first after-school job was helping in the office of our parish rectory. I was responsible for assisting with the books and records of the parish,” she recalled.

A product of Catholic education throughout her entire educational experience, Ms. McMonagle graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in history and a business minor after attending Saint Dominic Academy in her native Jersey City, NJ. 

Initially attracted to a career in journalism and communications, she pivoted to liberal arts, and that proved consequential when banks and financial firms recruited on campus. She faced a competitive interview for a banking career development program.

“Every good liberal arts major knows their way around a library and how to research, and I was fully prepared for that interview because I did my research and knew the latest trends and issues facing the banking sector,” she explained. “I share that anecdote because it demonstrates how opportunities are never limited; you can always pivot and do different things if you do your research and put in the hard work. Those are important skills to learn and develop, especially during college.”

Experienced in higher education and fiscal management at both public and private institutions, and as the mother of two teenage high-school girls, she is astutely aware of the current and future financial challenges faced by colleges and the students they serve. A proud Federal Pell Grant recipient, she is committed to access and affordability principles and is keenly aware of the implications of institutional financial decision making. 

As she steps into her new role, Ms. McMonagle is committed to fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. “Perhaps it is my liberal arts background, but I tend to want to explain things,” she said. “Let us get to a place where we have a mutual understanding of the facts and move forward from there together.”

She plans to work closely with students, faculty, administrators, and staff to ensure the University’s financial strategies align with its mission and goals. Her collaborative, team building vision includes advancing financial sustainability across the University while continuing to invest in strategic initiatives and innovative academic programs.

As Vice President, CFO, and Treasurer, she serves as the principal financial adviser to the Office of the President and senior leadership team, providing strategic guidance, oversight, and management of the University’s financial operations. As a direct report to Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, she serves as a member of the Senior Management Group and an Officer of the Administration.

Ms. McMonagle comes to St. John’s from Seton Hall University, where she most recently served as Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer. At Seton Hall, she was responsible for Finance and Information Technology (IT), leading teams focused on budgeting, financial analysis, accounting, debt management, investments, and endowment oversight, as well as IT systems/infrastructure, teaching, learning, and technology.

Before joining Seton Hall, she served as Vice President and Treasurer at Montclair State University, the second-largest public university in New Jersey. She oversaw a team of 60 professionals that helped manage an annual operating budget of more than $400 million and a $385 million debt portfolio.

Prior to entering the higher education industry, Ms. McMonagle spent more than three years as a senior member of the corporate finance team at NRG Energy, a diversified, publicly traded energy company. Earlier in her professional career, she advanced to positions of increasing responsibility for 13 years at Fitch Ratings, the international bond rating agency. She began her professional financial career working in the banking sector.

Her decision to transition to the education sector was driven by one of her deep-seated beliefs. “I have always been passionate about the transformative power of education and its ability to change lives,” she shared. “Joining St. John’s is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a mission-focused institution that values academic excellence and student success.”

Ms. McMonagle demonstrates an awareness and appreciation for the St. John’s mission. In her professional career and personal interests, she is committed to advancing Catholic ideals and education. An active parishioner at Saint Mary’s Parish in Nutley, NJ, she volunteers on the parish finance committee and religious education ministry.

When not working and crunching numbers, Ms. McMonagle enjoys family time with her daughters and her husband, Kevin, a retired fire captain. Her passions include cooking, traveling, experiencing the outdoors, rooting for the New York Mets, and exposing her teenage daughters to concerts and the classic sounds of Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam.  The whole family is looking forward to cheering on Red Storm Athletics teams. 

As she settles into her new office, Ms. McMonagle is eager to meet the St. John’s family and begin working toward a brighter future for the extended campus community.