SMU Welcomes New VP of Strategy, Innovation, and Operations

Henry Roth has been named vice president for strategy, innovation, and operations at the Samuel Merritt University. He started July 5. 

In this role, Roth will oversee Financial Services, People and Culture, Information Technology, Facilities, and Security and Safety, as well as the University’s business operations. 

“In the next phase of SMU’s growth and development, it is critical we have a leader who is strategic, innovative, and has the experiences in financial strategies and know-how in dealing with campus development, real estate, bond issuance, debt financing, and campus operations to lead SMU to its bright future,” says SMU President Dr. Ching-Hua Wang. “In Henry Roth, we found the person with the essential skill set and experiences.” 

Roth was chosen from among 145 candidates across the country after a year-long intensive search conducted by executive search firm Isaacson Miller. 

With 38 years of experience in higher education and business, Roth was the executive vice president and chief financial officer at Notre Dame de Namur University since 2009 and has been the dean of the school of business and management there. He previously served in key leadership positions in a number of organizations including Bank of America and eBay. 

Roth began his career as a corporate foreign exchange trader and a market analyst with Citibank. He holds a master’s degree in economics from Pennsylvania State University, and he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology at American University. 

Roth will take over from Phyllis Carter, who has served as the interim vice president for strategy, innovation, and operations for the last eight months.