Starting on April 1 (April Fools’ Day) might seem like an unusual date to begin a significant new role, but for Cedric Gaddy, it marked the start of an exciting new chapter as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Life University. With a career that spans over two decades in finance and operations, Gaddy brings a wealth of experience from prestigious institutions, including Columbia University and Brooklyn Bridge Park, to Life University (Life U).

Gaddy’s transition into his role was meticulously planned, beginning with a period of acclimation that lasted until June 30. During this time, he immersed himself in understanding the Life U community, its operations and its financial landscape. From meetings with Dr. Jana W. Holwick, Ph.D., Provost/CAO, and Dr. Marc Schneider, Vice President of Operations, to discussions with the Board of Trustees, Gaddy ensured that he gained a thorough understanding of how Life U functions.

As he officially took on day-to-day responsibilities from the outgoing CFO, William Jarr, starting July 1, Gaddy was well-prepared to lead the financial operations for Fiscal Year 2025 and beyond.

Gaddy’s background is rooted in finance, with extensive experience in capital finance, administrative support and compliance. At Columbia University, he managed capital budgets exceeding $2 billion and led various administrative functions. Before Columbia, he served as the inaugural CFO at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where he built the financial office from the ground up.

His academic journey includes an MBA from Baruch College in New York and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. With his expertise and passion for finance, Gaddy is poised to make a significant impact at Life U.

Although relocating from New York to Georgia might seem like a dramatic change, Gaddy finds similarities between his suburban life in Long Island and his new home in Powder Springs. The transition has been smooth for his family, with his son now involved in football and his daughter in cheerleading—sports that are taken very seriously in Georgia, as he has quickly learned.

What truly attracted Gaddy to Life U was its mission, vision and values. He noticed a stark contrast between the culture at Life U and that of his previous employer. The emphasis on Life U’s Lasting Purpose: to give, to do, to love, to serve, out of your own abundance – resonates with Gaddy on a personal and spiritual level. He sees these values as aligning closely with his own beliefs and is excited to be part of an institution where these principles are not just words on a wall but are lived out daily.

As CFO, Gaddy is committed to enhancing the financial operations at Life U.

“I think it’s adding some technology into what we do, improving in that space. There’s a newer version of our financial system that I think we should implement that I’m working on doing now,” shared Gaddy. “My focus has always traditionally been toward, again, the people you serve, which I consider all the various groups that we support in a function of finance. So, whether it’s the academic side of it or operations or advancement or international, it’s really giving those groups, those leaders, the information and tools they need to be able to make better decisions.”

Transparency is a key focus for Gaddy. He understands the importance of clear communication and ensuring that all stakeholders are informed about how and why financial decisions are made. Whether it’s investing in facilities or managing budgets, he aims to ensure that Life U’s financial resources are used wisely and effectively.

Gaddy’s approach to his role goes beyond the confines of his office. He actively participates in Life U events., such as Life Leadership Weekend (LLW), where he gained firsthand experience of the university’s unique offerings. He believes in the importance of understanding the impact of financial decisions on the broader Life U community.

He also encourages new employees to get involved in the university’s various events and activities. Whether it’s attending a Juneteenth celebration or participating in the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebrations at Life Vision Extravaganza, Gaddy sees value in being engaged with the Life U community beyond just the day-to-day responsibilities.

 

Faces of LIFE is a story campaign that showcases members of the dynamic Life U community, including faculty/staff, students, alumni and health science professionals. Interested in being featured or nominating a candidate? We want to hear from you! Email Marketing@life.edu. Read more Faces of LIFE stories.