November 13, 1998

Vice president for business and finance selected

University President Bernard P. Knoth, S.J., recently announced the appointment of Rhonda Delrie Cartwright as vice president of the division of business and finance. The appointment becomes effective November 16, 1998.

A native of Alexandria, Louisiana, Cartwright replaces John Eckholdt who retired in July after a distinguished 31-year tenure with the university .

In accepting the position, Cartwright said, “I am excited about joining Loyola and I look forward to the challenge of a new career experience.”

Cartwright’s career in financial management spans 24 years. The last 18 years have been as an executive in the banking industry. She comes to Loyola from First Commerce Corporation where she has been a senior vice president–first as segment manager for the business banking client group and most recently as director of compensation and benefits.

While at First Commerce, she was responsible for the statewide coordination and standardization of First Commerce’s compensation and benefits packages. This included the management of all levels of executive and employee compensation, as well as the custom design and implementation of incentive programs.

As segment manager for the business banking client group, Cartwright was responsible for the statewide planning for the Business Banking customer segment which focused on coordinating strategies in client segmentation, product design, marketing, database development, and training.

Prior to moving to New Orleans, she spent 13 years at Rapides Bank and Trust, First Commerce’s affiliate bank in Alexandria, Louisiana where she held positions of increasing responsibility and authority beginning as an auditor and ultimately was named senior vice president. As senior vice president at Rapides, she managed the bank’s investment portfolio and served as the chair of the asset and liability committee.

In making the announcement, Fr. Knoth said, “I am impressed with Ms. Cartwright’s career in the banking industry. Her extensive experience in the financial management of both the human resources side of institutions and their clients and customers as well as her solid experience in portfolio management will be a tremendous asset to Loyola and will help to serve the university well. This will ensure that the university’s sound financial management practices are continued. Cartwright brings to Loyola the nexus of skills and talents the university needs to continue and expand on the foundation built by Mr. Eckholdt and his staff. It is an exciting time at Loyola, and I am confident Ms. Cartwright will be an exceptional member of the leadership team.”

Cartwright began her career as an auditor with the state of Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation in Alexandria. She holds a master of business administration degree from Northwestern State University and a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

– Kristine David Director of Public Affairs