Rec Sports’ Horn to join VCFA as chief of staff
John Horn, director of the Division of Recreational Sports at UW–Madison since 2013, has been named chief of staff to Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Laurent Heller. He will begin his new duties August 5.
John Horn speaks during the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Nicholas Recreation Center in 2018. Photo: Jeff Miller
Horn will bring extensive experience in leadership, administrative and financial roles to the vice chancellor’s office, Heller says.
“John has a proven record of accomplishment on our campus,” Heller says. “He will be an excellent partner for me and our staff and will help enhance financial and administrative services that support UW–Madison’s academic, research and outreach missions.”
Horn will manage the flow of issues in the vice chancellor’s office and provide additional oversight for Finance and Administration strategic initiatives.
“This is a great opportunity for me to broaden my service to an outstanding public research university,” Horn says. “I look forward to working under Vice Chancellor Heller’s leadership and with members of the campus community on a wide range of opportunities and challenges.”
As director of the Division of Recreational Sports, Horn initiated a comprehensive facilities master plan that will reshape UW–Madison’s recreational facilities and programs. He also played a leadership role in helping secure student and donor funding for facilities renovations needed to support the plan.
Horn joined UW–Madison in 2004 as director of recreational programs and facilities. He has previous recreational, administrative and student life experience at the University of Arkansas and UW–Eau Claire.
Horn has a master’s degree in recreation management from the University of Arkansas and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology/health science from UW–Eau Claire.
Heller’s office oversees UW–Madison’s budget, business services, facilities planning and management, human resources, University Police, University Housing, conference centers and mail services.
The chief of staff position is a major component of a staff restructuring in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. Scott Hildebrand will transition from senior special assistant to director of strategic communications. After completing service as interim chief financial officer in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, Paul Seitz will return to the role of director of strategic initiatives.
