Dear RIT Faculty and Staff:
As noted in my communication last December, Dr. James Watters will be stepping down in June You will recall I said I would share further details as they become available.
I am pleased to announce the formal appointment of the Search Advisory Committee for the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. This committee is charged with leading the search and advising me of suitable finalists for this critical role. The Advisory Committee will begin their work immediately, in partnership with the executive search firm Isaacson Miller https://www.imsearch.com/.
The committee represents a diverse cross-section of our university community, reflecting a broad range of expertise and perspectives. Their commitment to this important process is deeply appreciated. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the following members for their willingness to serve:
- Phil Castleberry (co-chair), Vice President for Advancement
- Doreen Edwards (co-chair), Dean, Kate Gleason College of Engineering
- Rafael Gilboa, Software Engineering, Student Government President
- Prabu David, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Kathleen Davis, Vice President for Enrollment Management
- Leanne Hill, Associate Vice President for Budget & Financial Planning
- Susan Holliday, Trustee, Vice Chair of the Board; Former President and Publisher, Rochester Business Journal
- André Hudson, Dean, College of Science
- Sandy Johnson, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
- Todd Jokl, Dean, College of Art and Design
- Ray Orr, Associate Vice President for Facilities Management
- Jo Ellen Pinkham, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
- Kate Sweeney, Associate Vice President, NTID Finance
- Don Truesdale, Trustee Board Chair Emeritus; CEO Ardea Partners
- Gene Vogler, Events Systems Applications Administrator, Staff Council Chair
- Richard Zanibbi, Professor, Computer Science, Academic Senate Chair
- Ron Zarrella, Trustee; Chairman Emeritus, Bausch & Lomb, Inc.
With their collective experience, knowledge, and dedication, the committee is well-positioned to identify and recommend outstanding candidates who will help lead RIT into the future. We look forward to a thorough and inclusive search process.
I anticipate making the appointment for Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer before the end of the academic year, with a start date of July 1, 2026. Further updates will be provided as the process advances.
Thank you again to our advisory committee members for your service to RIT, and to all in our community for your continued support and engagement.
Sincerely,
Bill
William H. Sanders
President, Rochester Institute of Technology
