UNMC’s top strategic planner to retire

Chancellor Harold M. Maurer tried his best to convince his good friend John Adams, Ph.D., not to retire.

But alas, UNMC’s associate vice chancellor for budget and strategic planning felt the time has come to spend more time with family and engaged in hobbies and activities such as his upcoming role as president of the Fontenelle Nature Association.

John Adams, Ph.D.

“We will have a very difficult time replacing John,” said Dr. Maurer, who first worked closely with Dr. Adams as the two navigated Clarkson Hospital/University Hospital merger. “John is like the IRS; he never lets you do anything that would not pass muster or the smell test; he is not afraid of saying ‘no.'”

“He is always correct the first time. … His opinions are valued, so much so, that no one would dare do anything other than what he recommends.”

Dr. Adams’s retirement is effective Dec. 31.

“I’m pleased with what I’ve been able to contribute toward making UNMC a dynamic medical center, and I’m proud to have worked with a variety of staff throughout my 23 years here,” Dr. Adams said.

Search committee Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance Don Leuenberger soon will appoint a committee to search for Dr. Adams’ successor. Read UNMC Today for more details.

Dr. Adams named three recent projects of which he is particularly proud:

• The financing of building projects that requires a great deal of coordination between receiving pledges from donors, paying construction costs by issuing bonds and then repaying the bonds from pledge payments;
  
• Initiating long-range financial planning; and
  
• Implementing a strategic planning process that provided more than a “paper plan.” The current process provides firm accountabilities and dates, and has resulted in several big initiatives, such as the creation of the College of Public Health and the construction of the Sorrell Center, among other construction projects.

Dr. Adams has played a critical role in UNMC’s growth and transformation over the last decade and more, said Don Leuenberger, vice chancellor for Business and Finance.

“He has been a colleague, a friend and someone whose good judgment and discretion can always be relied on,” Leuenberger said. “In many ways, John has created and defined the position he holds here, and UNMC has benefited a great deal from his talent and hard work. His will be very hard shoes to fill.”