Dear USF community,
David Lechner, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has announced his intention to retire from the ßÙßÇÂþ», effective 1 July 2021.
David joined the ßÙßÇÂþ» in 2018 and has been responsible for overseeing the university’s operating budget, as well as shaping and implementing fiscal and operational strategies that support the university’s mission. David’s Senior Vice President role included overseeing numerous units: Business and Finance; Information Technology; Facilities and Construction Management; Administrative Services; University Police; and Human Resources. His role also included liaising with the USF Foundation and other important university stakeholders.
David came to USF from the University of Nebraska where he directed business operations for a university system with a $2.4 billion budget. Before joining Nebraska in 1998, David enjoyed a 20-year career with Deloitte.
In retirement, David plans to return to Nebraska where he can enjoy more time with his children and grandchildren and pursue community service.
I wish to sincerely thank David for his leadership and conscientious approach to overseeing USF’s financial stewardship goals. I am grateful for his commitment to the mission and future of the university, especially to our work to support the success of students and opportunities for their upward economic mobility. Moreover, his units collectively enabled the university’s success in responding to COVID-19 and have been central in our efforts to safeguard the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff throughout this public health crisis.
I will announce plans soon regarding the formal search for David’s successor. As of July 1st, Nick Setteducato will serve as Interim Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Nick’s present role in St. Petersburg—where he oversees facilities services, parking services, police services, human resources, campus computing, and purchasing services for the campus—positions him well to serve in the interim role for the university. As Interim Vice President, Nick will be a member of my Executive Leadership Council. David Everingham will continue to serve as Regional Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance on the St. Petersburg campus and will temporarily take additional responsibility for Nick Setteducato’s duties in St. Petersburg.
In addition, concomitant with David’s retirement, the Office of Business and Finance will begin reporting directly to me. Led by our Vice President of Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Nick Trivunovich, this office is responsible for the financial, budget, and treasury operations of the university. As a result of this organizational change, Nick will also join my Executive Leadership Council beginning July 1st.
Please join me in thanking David for his service to USF. We wish him all the best!
President Currall