Search Begins

Even for those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the University, the large exit sign on U.S. 250 that reads “Leonard Sandridge Road” is a pretty good indicator of the importance and impact of one of its top employees. Now, the search for a successor to the University’s chief administrator is under way.

The task of finding a replacement for Leonard W. Sandridge, the University’s longtime executive vice president and chief executive officer, falls to a 15-member committee led by Carl P. Zeithaml, dean of the McIntire School of Commerce.

“The breadth of Leonard’s portfolio almost surely exceeds that of any similar higher education official in the United States,” UVA President Teresa Sullivan said in naming the committee. “Indeed, it may be fairly said that there is no equivalent higher education official in the United States.”

Over the course of more than 20 years in his position, Sandridge has helped guide the University to unprecedented growth and led efforts to ensure financial stability.

“This will be one of the most important searches conducted at the University in many years,” says Zeithaml.

The chief operating officer supervises the financial affairs of all colleges, schools and divisions of the University and advises the Board of Visitors and the president on all financial matters affecting the University.