Lu’Ann Garza, CGMS

LuAnn Garza has over 30 years of experience in accounting and financial management across higher education and private practice. She joined the University of New England in 2006 and currently serves as Senior Grant Accountant and Financial Specialist. In this role, she manages a diverse portfolio of federal, state, and private awards, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines while providing financial planning, oversight, and reporting support. In addition, she collaborates closely with the Sponsored Programs Office to develop proposal budgets and advises principal investigators and sub-recipients on financial management and regulatory requirements.

Previously, LuAnn served as Senior Grants and Finance Administrator for UNE’s Center for Excellence in Public Health overseeing operations and providing research administration support to principal investigators. She played a key role in strengthening grant management practices through the development of financial policies, training resources, and reporting tools.

LuAnn holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southern Maine and is a Certified Grants Management Specialist. She is currently completing her Master of Business Administration at Eastern University. She also serves as a Board Member of the Maine Public Health Association and has held additional nonprofit board leadership roles.