UTEP Names Col. Brendan Gallagher Vice President for Business Affairs
Joanne Richardson named University’s Chief Financial Officer
EL PASO, Texas (Sept. 9, 2025) – The University of Texas at El Paso has named Brendan Gallagher, Ph.D., as Vice President for Business Affairs. In this role, Gallagher will oversee UTEP’s business, finance and facilities operations.
Gallagher, who until August was the garrison commander at Fort Bliss, achieved the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army with 24 years of military service and brings executive experience in budget management, contract oversight and facility strategy.
“Col. Gallagher led and managed one of the largest installations in the U.S. Army right here in El Paso,” said President Heather Wilson. “We are fortunate that he has chosen to stay in Texas and help lead and build this great University.”
An Army Ranger and recipient of three Bronze Stars, Gallagher served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Korea and the Pentagon. As Garrison Commander of Fort Bliss, the second largest U.S. Army installation, Gallagher was responsible for planning and execution of the garrison’s $393 million annual budget.
Gallagher’s responsibilities also included oversight of public works, facilities, environmental health, traffic, transportation and safety affecting over 170,000 soldiers, civilians and veterans across Fort Bliss and the greater El Paso area. He led collaborations with El Paso community leaders, businesses, politicians, nonprofits, public utility companies and other entities to bring multi-million-dollar initiatives to fruition.
Gallagher holds both a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Public Affairs from Princeton University, as well as an M.A. in International Economics and Strategic Studies and a B.A. in International Relations, both from Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of The Day After: Why America Wins the War but Loses the Peace (Cornell Press, 2019).
"I am beyond excited for the opportunity to continue to support and contribute to our wonderful El Paso community,” Gallagher said. “UTEP plays a truly vital role in El Paso in so many ways, and it is an incredible privilege to join this outstanding team with a crucial mission."
Gallagher and his wife Elizabeth live in El Paso with their four children.
The University also has promoted Joanne Richardson to Senior Associate Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, reporting to Gallagher.
A native El Pasoan and UTEP alumna, Richardson has served as the Associate Vice President for Business Affairs at UTEP, overseeing the offices of budget and fiscal management, payroll and tax services and employment information systems.
Richardson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Computer Information Systems from UTEP and a Master of Business Administration from UT Rio Grande Valley. She currently serves as the Academic Institution Chair for the Texas Association of College and University Business Officers Budget Committee and is the Treasurer for the Downtown Management District Board in El Paso.
“Joanne is a pro at university budgeting and finance,” said Wilson. “Together, Dr. Gallagher and Joanne Richardson will make a great leadership team as we improve the campus and enhance our impact on the community we serve.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Richardson is devoted to her family. She and her husband, an Air Force veteran, have raised four children and are delighted to have recently welcomed their first grandchild into the family.
Both roles become effective Sept. 17.
About The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 25,000 students are Hispanic, and more than half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 171 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.
Last Updated on September 09, 2025 at 12:00 AM | Originally published September 09, 2025
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
