Ohio Dominican University is pleased to welcome David Cannon as its new chief financial officer.
A Columbus native and former ODU student, Cannon said the opportunity to return to Ohio Dominican felt like a natural fit after years of serving colleges and universities across the country in interim leadership roles.
“I knew right away that was what I was looking for,” he said. “A small, Catholic school, in my hometown, that I attended as a freshman.”
Cannon brings a diverse background in government, finance, higher education policy, and institutional leadership to the role. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he began his career with the Village of Powell, where he was the community’s one-person finance department and helped support its growth into a city. He later oversaw accounting and financial operations in the Delaware County Auditor’s Office and served as CFO for the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office under Jim Petro.
He went on to serve as Delaware County administrator during a period of significant growth, helping the county plan the infrastructure and finances needed to meet future needs. After a brief role as CFO for a fast-growing county in North Carolina, Cannon entered higher education when Petro became chancellor at the Ohio Board of Regents. There, he served as CFO and helped remake the state funding formula.
His experience later brought him to Owens Community College, where he helped guide the institution out of Fiscal Watch and toward a more sustainable financial future. Since then, he has served at several small colleges and universities facing financial challenges.
“As CFO, we have to ensure students, faculty and staff have the resources to help students graduate,” Cannon said. “Everything we do should be in pursuit of assisting students be successful in their programs.”
As he begins his work at ODU, Cannon plans to focus first on understanding the University’s current financial condition and helping develop a roadmap for the years ahead. He also looks forward to meeting members of the campus community and hearing their ideas.
“I want everyone to know that we value their thoughts, and we are open to ideas and suggestions,” he said.
Cannon is especially excited to be part of ODU’s Catholic mission and the values of prayer, study, community and service.
“I am looking forward to being part of the Catholic mission and faith that ODU brings to the community,” he said. “Prayer, study, community and service are all part of my makeup and background. Now I can share this with the ODU community.”
He describes his leadership style as collaborative and values opportunities to connect with students, faculty and staff.
“It is great to hear everyone’s thoughts and ideas about how we can all make Ohio Dominican better,” he said. “We have to find the best way for Ohio Dominican to serve our students.”
Outside of work, Cannon enjoys golfing, exercising, hiking and taking long weekend trips with his wife to explore new places.
“I am very excited to be here,” he said. “I look forward to working with everyone to help Ohio Dominican.”