Martha K. Hirst

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer

Martha K. Hirst joined Fordham in 2015 after four years at St. John’s University, where she served as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and treasurer. Before joining Fordham as the University’s senior vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer, Hirst had a distinguished career in public service.

Hirst served as commissioner of New York City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services for eight years and as deputy commissioner of the Department of Sanitation for six. She served in key roles under every mayor from Ed Koch to Michael Bloomberg, including positions in housing, intergovernmental relations, real estate, energy management, and facilities management and construction. Hirst headed the team of solid waste management planners and engineers that designed, secured regulatory approvals for, and implemented the closing of the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island. She also oversaw recycling education and outreach programs for the city.

Hirst graduated magna cum laude with a BA in History and Urban Studies from New York University, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She also holds a Masters in Urban Planning from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service.