Governor Ron DeSantis appoints of our very own, Joseph Berardinelli, to a gubernatorial seat in the Higher Education Facilities Financing Authority. Known as HEFFA, the organization is specifically chartered for non-profit institutions of higher education that reside in Florida and are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). HEFFA is a vehicle for institutions to obtain tax-exempt bond financing for building construction and renovations.

 

Joseph Berardinelli, Senior Vice Chancellor of Finance, Treasurer and CFO for Keiser University, has been elected to the position of Chair, with a five-year-term. In his role, he will be responsible for working with banks and bonds in tax-exempt arenas. “I am really excited about my appointment. I think that it is going to be a lot of fun, because we are finding ways for institutions to access these tax-exempt funds, which is particularly important during this challenging period that we are currently in, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Berardinelli.

 

Joseph Berardinelli earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting from Le Moyne College in Syracuse and has been in the financial industry for over 35 years, and with Keiser University for 15 years. He, previously, served with Florida Power and Water Group and its subsidiaries for 10 years.

 

Berardinelli has been instrumental throughout his tenure at Keiser University to ensure the financial strength of the university. Berardinelli has, also, been active in various charity and fundraising events on behalf of Keiser University, as well as, providing support for the Cattle Baron’s Ball for The American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Martin County.