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URBANDALE, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Board of Regents is creating a new position to run its daily operations, with a base salary that's more than $85,000 higher than what its executive director can receive by law.
University of Iowa administrator Mark Braun has been named to a one-year interim appointment as chief operating officer for the board, which governs the state's three public universities.
If approved by the board during a meeting next week, Braun is expected to begin the position Aug. 5 with a $240,000 annual salary. In an unusual arrangement, he'll remain on the University of Iowa payroll during the interim appointment rather than transferring those costs to the board office.
The board's executive director, Bob Donley, has a base salary of $154,300, the cap set for the position by state lawmakers. But Donley receives extra compensation in the form of bonuses and deferred compensation.
Board spokesman Josh Lehman said nothing precludes a subordinate employee from earning a higher salary than Donley. He said the board was fortunate to have Braun, a longtime top aide to departing University of Iowa president Sally Mason.
The new position is part of a restructuring of the 20-employee board office in Urbandale designed to "achieve and maintain greater operational efficiencies," according to a report given to regents.
While all employees previously reported to Donley, the new structure means chief academic officer Diana Gonzalez and Braun will be responsible for overseeing subordinates in their areas. Gonzalez and Braun will report to Donley.
For about a year, Braun has been leading a wide-ranging review of the universities' operations to find efficiencies and cost savings. A significant part of Braun's new position will include overseeing the recommendations, which include restructuring functions such as purchasing, human resources, and information technology.
"Mr. Braun is uniquely qualified to manage this massive project as we move into this critical implementation phase and has the experience and dedication to ensure its continued success," Lehman said.
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