Pacific Welcomes Associate VP of Finance and Controller

A warm and enthusiastic welcome to Karen Rasmussen who joins Pacific University as the next associate vice president of Finance and Controller!

She is a native Oregonian, who comes to the university most recently from Central City Concern where she held the position of interim chief financial officer. 

Rasmussen has a diverse background leading finance and accounting teams, developing internal audit and compliance functions, and collaborating with operations to improve business processes for public, private and nonprofit organizations.

Her extensive background includes working at Legacy Health Systems where she assisted in establishing system wide internal audit and compliance functions. Rasmussen has owned and operated her own business risk consulting firm, as well as working for several other medical businesses including, Providence Health & Services and Kaiser Health Plan of the Northwest.

She has experience working in the higher education field while working at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine as the vice president of Finance and chief financial officer.

“A key job satisfaction consideration for me is how an organization’s mission and culture align with my values. Pacific University’s mission commitment to a diverse and sustainable community, excellence, and inspiring students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world, suits me," said Rasmussen.  "A culture that fosters supportive relationships to provide extraordinary experience is appealing.”

Rasmussen's past board experience with Albertina Kerr Center has also provided her with valuable perspectives and enthusiasm for being a part of a nonprofit community.

Leadership with the Finance and Administration and Business Offices would like to thank Allie Losli for returning from her retirement, and Alecia Neuman for stepping in as the interim associate vice president of Finance and Controller, while during the job search.