Harmonizing People and Process: Introducing Holly Bolton

This city girl is rediscovering her roots

As a a student, Holly Bolton dreamed of life on the stage as an opera singer. Though her path shifted, she never lost her voice: it simply took on a different form. Today, she uses it to shape teams, strengthen organizations, and create spaces where people can do their best work. 

That voice has guided her through a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from New Jersey City University and more than 15 years of leadership roles in higher education. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff to both the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at New York University, where she led cross-functional teams, advised senior leadership, managed operations for more than 1,600 employees, and championed inclusion efforts. 

Now, Bolton brings her experience and energy to UVA as Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer. She’s eager to provide structure and clarity in ways that help others thrive, ensuring that UVAFinance is not only respected as a partner across Grounds but is also a place where colleagues feel included, supported, and empowered to do their best work. 

Just a few weeks into her new role, Bolton is enjoying being on the UVAFinance Team.  “I like the people and their willingness to just jump right in,” she says. “Everyone wants to be of help, and there are no big egos.” 

As Bolton enjoys the collaborative, servant-leader spirit she’s found here, she’s also adjusting to life in Charlottesville and rediscovering her Southern roots (she has two bachelor’s degrees, one from Auburn University and another from the University of Alabama at Birmingham).  One of the biggest transitions, she says, is navigating the transition from city sidewalks to car commutes.  

Outside of work, she loves exploring off-the-beaten-path places and finding hidden gems, getting outdoors on her bike, and immersing herself in the fantastical worlds of sci-fi and Marvel stories.  “My movie interest is that of a teenage boy,” she laughs.  

We’re grateful to have Holly as part of the team and look forward to her using her influence to harmonize people, processes, and possibilities.