Richard Schweigert Returns as FAMU Interim CFO; Search for Permanent Appointment Continues
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) has contracted the services of Richard W. Schweigert to serve as interim chief financial officer (CFO) and vice president of Finance and Administration while the University focuses on its national search for a permanent CFO continues.
Schweigert brings extensive higher education finance and executive leadership experience to the role, including prior service at FAMU, where he served as interim CFO and vice president of Finance and Administration from August through December 2019. During that assignment, he was a member of the President’s Cabinet and senior executive team, overseeing more than 300 employees and a broad portfolio that included finance, accounting, budgeting, facilities and capital planning, auxiliary services, procurement, human resources, information technology, and staff development.
“We are pleased to welcome Richard Schweigert back to Florida A&M University,” said FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. “He understands our institution, our governance structure and the demands of operating a major public university. That institutional knowledge is an asset as we strengthen the University’s financial position and advance our strategic priorities.”
Schweigert’s return comes as FAMU conducts a deliberate search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer. President Johnson emphasized that the University is committed to identifying a leader whose experience, judgment, and leadership approach align with FAMU’s needs and long-term direction.
“We are taking the time this position requires, because this is one of the most important leadership roles at the University,” Johnson said. “We will identify the right individual, with the right skill set, for where FAMU is headed long term. In the meantime, Mr. Schweigert’s experience and familiarity with this institution allow us to do more than hold steady — he will lead our procurement process alignment and work alongside our finance team to strengthen the internal controls that will serve whoever we ultimately select. This is a period of preparation, not a pause, while we conduct the search that will carry us into the next chapter.”
Schweigert is a seasoned higher education financial executive with experience serving as CFO at multiple colleges, universities and statewide higher education systems. Most recently, he served as interim CFO of The College of New Jersey from April 2023 through June 2025, where he was a member of the President’s Cabinet and oversaw a team of 70 employees. His responsibilities included finance and budget operations, accounting, human resources and payroll, grants billing, procurement and contracting, risk management and investment oversight. He also developed five-year fiscal outlooks and strategies addressing revenue enhancement, debt capacity, deferred maintenance and other long-term financial considerations.
His broader career includes more than a decade as chief financial officer of the Colorado State University System, where he provided financial oversight for a $1.5 billion multi-campus system and served on the Chancellor’s senior executive team. His responsibilities included finance, accounting, budgeting, procurement, human resources, information technology and strategic planning.
Schweigert also has extensive experience in government relations and higher education finance, including service with the Colorado Department of Higher Education and the Colorado Governor’s Office. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colorado State University.
“I am pleased to return to Florida A&M University and work with President Johnson and Board to continue the vital work of the Finance and Administration division of the university in the coming months,” said Schweigert. “It is a great university and the work it does is vital to the community and the state.”
The national search for FAMU’s permanent chief financial officer is ongoing. The University will provide additional information regarding the search and appointment process as it becomes available.
Back to Stories
