San Dimas, CALIF. – LPU recently announced Rachel Au, M.Acc. as the new Chief Financial Officer of Life Pacific University. She also joins the President’s Cabinet.
As the second female to oversee the finances in the University’s history, she is the first and youngest female to hold the title of CFO at LPU. “Rachel’s promotion to this role is worthy of celebration. She has jumped right into strengthening systems, launching new initiatives, and collaborating with senior leadership,” said President Angie Richey, “I look forward to seeing Rachel expand her influence as both a professional and a role model.”
Rachel quickly proved to be an outstanding addition to the Finance team, having assumed the role of Finance Reporting Manager last June. Her knowledge of accounting and financial systems includes both a bachelor’s degree as Magna Cum Laude (Barrett, the Honors College, ASU), a master’s degree in accounting from Arizona State University, and six-plus years of experience in both profits driven and non-profit sectors. She worked at Kaiser before accepting a full-time role at the Foursquare Central Offices in 2016. Rachel’s knowledge of the inner workings of LPU, LPUVA, and the Foursquare church and how they function together, along with her experience leading the 2020-21 financial audit, provide a foundation for growth.
Having experience in Finance, she also cares deeply about the mission of the University and the next generation. She is no stranger to the Foursquare family: her grandparents, aunt, uncle, and parents all held Foursquare licenses throughout her life. Rachel and her husband, Daniel, who live in San Dimas with their son Cameron, have served in Foursquare ministry for many years and are respected community members within the Church’s network. Her solid relational history and financial experience with both organizations will benefit the University well in the days to come.
Rachel has the support and affirmation of three former CFO’s at LPU. Vice President and former CFO Bob Johansen affirmed, “Rachel has grasped the complexity of higher education finances and the interworking of the school in a brief period. Not only does she have the professional experience and academic training, but she is also a perfect culture fit for LPU. She made the transition of my retirement seamless. I look forward to hearing great things about Rachel in the future and her impact on the school.”
“LPU is the perfect partnership for me to use my skills in finance to serve the Board, the students, and the community. Finances are pivotal in the life of a university and its students, so to play a part in stewarding the resources God is providing is an honor,” Rachel shared, “I see Finance as a ministry opportunity in addition to a career. Hence, it’s exciting to be part of this team and the vision we are pursuing collectively to Build Forward!”
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