In it for the long haul ?at Johnson & Wales

NOT SO MEAN: Joe Greene, CFO and treasurer at Johnson & Wales University, says the school has a long history of offering many types of programs beyond hospitality and is always looking for its
NOT SO MEAN: Joe Greene, CFO and treasurer at Johnson & Wales University, says the school has a long history of offering many types of programs beyond hospitality and is always looking for its "next big thing." He is pictured here with administrative assistant Cathy Barrow, left, and executive assistant Gloria Hill. / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

As a lifelong Rhode Islander, Joe Greene is very passionate about the work he does as chief financial officer and treasurer at Providence-based Johnson & Wales University.

But in reality, for Greene it really goes beyond mere passion. Johnson & Wales is in his blood.

After graduating from Central High in 1980, Greene worked in two local factories for a while, soon realizing that he wanted to go back to school.

“I went to a business school in Providence with a focus on computers,” Greene said. “I took two accounting courses and the instructor told me I was a natural.”

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After earning his certificate, Greene enrolled in the business management/ accounting program at Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick. While attending CCRI, he took a job working evenings and weekends on a janitorial crew at Johnson & Wales.

Greene had originally planned to transfer to Bryant University after earning his associate degree, but when he was told about the tuition benefits available at Johnson & Wales for full-time employees, he decided to stay and accepted a position in the university’s mailroom.

Within just a few months, Greene had transferred into the business office, where he worked as an accounts-receivable clerk for a year while taking evening classes and working toward his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He transferred into the financial aid office serving as a loan officer and staff accountant while continuing his studies.

“Once I received my degree [in 1989], I went to work for a CPA firm in Providence,” Greene said. “I worked for four years and performed audit and tax work for many different types of clients, including JWU. During that time I passed the CPA exam.”

Greene wasn’t away from Johnson & Wales for long before returning in 1993 as an accounting manager. Since then, he has held several positions, including university controller, vice president for accounting services, assistant treasurer and vice president for finance, and now – treasurer and chief financial officer.

He also found time to earn his master’s degree in accounting from the university in 1998.

Today, Greene is responsible for finance at JWU’s four campuses in Providence; North Miami, Fla.; Denver; and Charlotte, N.C. The university has about 2,000 employees and 16,000 students from more than 70 countries across its campuses.

One of the major projects Greene has been working on is the creation of new programs that will strengthen the university in the years to come.

“JWU has a strong reputation for culinary and hospitality programs, however, we have a long history of offering many other types of programs and we are always looking for our ‘next big thing,’ ” Greene said. “With the recent investment in our physician’s assistant program, we have taken the next step towards a school [or College] of health and wellness. This September we will start a biology program. In September of 2016, we will open a new academic building that will be the home for our biology and engineering programs.”

Mim Runey, JWU’s Providence president and chief operating officer, who has known Greene for more than 20 years, says he is essential to the university’s financial success and makes the university stronger as a direct result of his strong commitment and keen business acumen.

“Joe is passionate about accounting and JWU,” Runey said. “His modest beginnings in life have contributed to his genuine appreciation of the impact of higher education.

“Diligent about completing work and going beyond what is necessary, Joe’s presence commands attention and respect, yet his friendly nature makes Joe a trusted, down-to-earth colleague,” she said.

Runey recalled working with Greene toward a bond rating with Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Ultimately, JWU received favorable ratings from both, achieving an A- rating from Standard & Poor’s and an A2 rating from Moody’s giving the university an important financial stamp of approval and the ability to borrow at more favorable rates.

“I never had aspirations to be in management, I just wanted to do a great job and make a difference in some small part of the world,” Greene said. “The culture at JWU has allowed me to get involved in things that were outside my normal job description. More importantly, leadership actually encouraged my participation and valued my input.” •

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