Tony DeCocinis Named Associate Vice President for Finance

Tony DeCocinis, a veteran finance professional with extensive experience in higher education, has been named Associate Vice President for Finance at Oberlin College and Conservatory. His appointment concludes an extensive national search.

DeCocinis began his new role on March 18.

The AVP for Finance is a key leader within the Division of Finance and Administration, which provides strategic direction, oversight, and partnership across all institutional finance functions. Within the division, the Finance Office ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, federal and state regulations, college policies, and business best practices.

Working collaboratively across the institution, the AVP plays a critical role in strengthening Oberlin’s financial position through strategic planning, financial analysis, cost-effective and innovative approaches, high-quality budgeting and monitoring, debt management, accurate accounting and tax compliance, and meaningful reporting to support decision-making and benchmarking.

The AVP also ensures a strong system of internal controls through clear policies and procedures. In this role, DeCocinis will partner closely with the Vice President for Finance and Administration on long-term financial strategy and administration of institutional finances, including support for the Board of Trustees. The AVP also fosters cross-functional collaboration to advance financially sound policies, planning, and practices across the college.

DeCocinis is well-positioned to lead Oberlin’s finance team and support the college’s long-term financial sustainability. He brings more than 12 years of experience in higher education administration and a deep understanding of the financial opportunities and challenges facing small liberal arts institutions. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Finance and Operations at York College of Pennsylvania, where he oversaw accounting and finance operations, investments, campus police, facilities and construction, human resources, and risk management.

During his tenure at York, DeCocinis led improvements to financial and administrative processes that increased operational efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced staff productivity. He redesigned the budget process to strengthen strategic alignment, advance mission fulfillment, and promote greater transparency. He also led the selection and implementation of a new human resources information system, budgeting software, and expense management system to modernize operations and strengthen institutional effectiveness.

Prior to York, DeCocinis served as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Dominican University of California and as Chief Financial Officer at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He began his career in the private sector, holding positions of increasing leadership responsibility.

“I’m delighted  to welcome Tony DeCocinis to Oberlin,” says Julie Melvin, Oberlin’s interim Vice President for Finance and Administration. “Tony’s wealth of experience and wide-ranging expertise will be pivotal assets in our strategic planning and stewardship of campus finances. I encourage everyone to extend a warm welcome as he begins this important work with us.”