​Dr. Bronté Burleigh-Jones is an accomplished higher education finance executive with more than three decades of leadership experience in fiscal strategy, institutional planning, and governance. As Chief Financial Officer of The American University in Washington, D.C., she oversees financial management, budgeting, investment strategy, administrative operations, and long-term resource planning for one of the leading universities in the United States. Dr. Burleigh-Jones has a distinguished track record of strengthening organizational performance, advancing accountability, improving financial sustainability, and aligning financial systems with academic missions. Her work includes spearheading strategic budgeting models, modernizing enterprise systems, and developing frameworks for transparency and data-driven decision-making, capabilities that directly support AUK’s institutional growth and governance priorities. As a member of the Board of Trustees of AUK and Treasurer, Dr. Burleigh-Jones brings valuable expertise in higher education finance, board stewardship, and operational best practices. Her experience contributes to enhancing AUK’s financial planning, governance culture, policy development, internal controls, and long-term sustainability. With her guidance, the Board is better positioned to elevate accountability mechanisms, strengthen strategic oversight, and build an institutional foundation capable of supporting academic excellence in the Kurdistan Region. Dr. Burleigh-Jones holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the American University. She is also a nationally recognized presenter and consultant on higher education finance, strategic planning, and leadership development.​