Graduated from Centre in 1995
DANVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2016) — John R. Farris of Lexington has been selected to serve as interim vice president for investments and chief financial officer at Centre College. His appointment is effective Feb. 1.
“John Farris will strengthen the College’s effort in finance and investments at a very important time,” Centre President John A. Roush said. “His background and expertise will definitely help make Centre’s future brighter yet. He combines financial competence at a national level, along with a deep understanding of Kentucky and the region. We are fortunate to have him back among us.”
After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Centre in 1995 with majors in economics and philosophy, Farris continued his studies in economics and finance at Princeton University, where he earned a Master’s in Public Administration.
Farris brings to his new role an extensive and wide-ranging record of professional experience in both the public and private sectors.
He is the founder and president of Lexington-based Commonwealth Economics, which advises local governments on a range of financial needs, and LandFund partners of Nashville, which develops and manages private investment funds that acquire and hold farmland in the Mississippi River Valley.
Farris began his career as an associate economist at the Center for Economics Research in Research Triangle Park, N.C., followed by work as a senior economics consultant with the International Finance Corporation and World Bank in Washington, D.C.
From 2004 to 2007, Farris worked in Frankfort for the Commonwealth of Kentucky as deputy secretary and eventually secretary of finance and administration. In this role, he was responsible for collecting, investing and distributing more than $8 billion in annual tax revenue.
Farris also served as an adjunct professor at Centre in the economics and finance program, where he taught from 2008 to 2012.
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