Purdue trustees approve appointment of new CFO

April 4, 2014  


William E. sullivan

William E. Sullivan 
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WESTVILLE, Ind. - William E. "Bill" Sullivan has been named Purdue University's chief financial officer and treasurer, effective June 1. Sullivan's appointment was approved Friday (April 4) by the Board of Trustees at its meeting at Purdue North Central. Sullivan will report to Purdue President Mitch Daniels and to the board.

"Bill brings vast experience in finance as well as a true enthusiasm for the direction in which Purdue is heading," Daniels said. "With his qualifications, experience and tremendous energy, Bill will provide the leadership necessary to help us meet and exceed our financial and administrative objectives."

Sullivan, who currently resides in Long Beach, Ind., retired in May 2012 as chief financial officer of Prologis, a leading owner, operator and developer of industrial real estate, where he was responsible for worldwide corporate finance, including treasury, cash management, financial planning, accounting, tax and investor relations. He serves on the boards of Club Corp. Cyrus One, Jones Lang LaSalle Income Property Trust, and Loyola Academy and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Prior to joining Prologis, he was founder of Greenwood Advisors, a private financial advisory firm; chairman and CEO of Sitestuff, Inc., a real estate goods and services procurement company; and worked at Jones Lang LaSalle from 1984-2001, where he served as chief financial officer from 1997-2001.

Members of the trustees' Finance Committee reviewed applicant resumes and interviewed candidates for the position.

"We were very pleased with the many qualified individuals who applied for this critical position at Purdue," said Don Thompson, who chairs the Finance Committee. "Purdue is well-known for its strength in efficient operations, and we know Bill Sullivan will build on those strengths as we move forward."

As Purdue's CFO and treasurer, Sullivan will manage, administer and provide oversight of the $2.3 billion university budget and will be charged with ensuring institutional integrity in financial matters, budgetary construction, optimal resource allocation and maximum operational efficiency. Sullivan will set the direction as the university considers alternate budget models that will help achieve its financial objectives.

"Purdue is well-respected for its sound fiscal management," Sullivan said, "and I look forward to working with the talented individuals in this organization as we continue to address the financial challenges inherent in higher education today, and push toward even more effective and efficient operations."

Sullivan holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is married and has four grown children. Sullivan's wife, Suzanne, is an independent consultant in educational leadership, and will also pursue professional and educational interests in Greater Lafayette.

Sullivan will succeed Al Diaz, who is leaving the university to become the top financial officer at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

Related website:

Board of Trustees

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