Institute for Advanced Study names new chief financial officer

Janine Purcaro. Photo by Dan Komoda.

The Institute for Advanced Study has appointed Janine Purcaro as its new chief operating officer and associate director for finance and administration.

Purcaro was most recently the chief financial officer for the division of intercollegiate athletics at Rutgers University, where she was responsible for the management and supervision of all financial affairs, strategic planning, human resources, information technology, and facility operations. She previously served as the chief financial officer and assistant treasurer for the Rutgers University Foundation, where she directed financial, human resources and operations, managed the board of overseers, and played a pivotal role in the Foundation’s successful $1 billion capital campaign, officials said.

Prior to joining Rutgers University in 2004, Purcaro was a certified public accountant for the accounting firms KPMG and Romano, Hearing, Testa & Knorr. She previously served as the vice president of administration for Ware’s Van & Storage Co, Inc., as the manager of technical analysis at The Continental Corporation, and also ran her own accounting and consulting practice.

Purcaro earned her undergraduate degree in professional accounting from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University. She is a certified public accountant in New Jersey and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

As the chief operating officer and associate director for finance and administration at the Institute for Advanced Studies, Purcaro will provide operational, financial, and administrative leadership to the Institute for Advanced Study. It will also be her responsibility to ensure the integrity of the Institute’s finances, and to oversee accounting and related communications with the board of trustees and Director Robbert Dijkgraaf.

“I am very pleased to welcome Janine Purcaro to the Institute with her outstanding record of accomplishments and wealth of knowledge. Janine is deeply committed to the mission of the Institute and will be an essential figure in shaping its future success,” Dijkgraaf said.

Purcaro succeeds John Masten, who is leaving his position as associate director for finance and administration after 11 years at the Institute. Purcaro will begin May 1.

“It will be my privilege to work with Robbert toward the continued growth and success of the Institute, whose mission and vision are so important for the future.” Purcaro said.