Vice President and CFO

Dear Colleagues,

I write to share that Wilson Garone is stepping down as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to become Vice President for Finance and Administration at Santa Clara University. Wilson’s last day at Seattle University will be May 26.

While we are sorry Wilson is leaving, we thank him for his contributions to Seattle University. Since joining SU in 2019, he has helped lead us through a period of unparalleled disruption. His steadying presence has been critical to navigating COVID and other challenges, and his visionary leadership has helped position the university for future success, particularly as executive sponsor of Goal 5 of our Strategic Directions, Reposition for Growth. Under Wilson’s leadership, we have experienced significant growth in our operating reserves and endowment while maintaining a strong credit rating.

Wilson has been highly valued as a member of the university’s senior leadership team and as a colleague by many throughout the institution. We are a better university for the time he has been here.

Wilson asked that I share the following with you:

“I want to thank Seattle University and everyone I worked with over these last four amazing years. I found the work environment at SU to be the best I experienced in my career. People are kind and truly care for one another, and deeply value their work relationships. I felt I belonged here, I felt at home. We are financially stronger than four years ago, but most importantly, there is more transparency about SU finances, and our finance processes are stronger. I wish you all a wonderful journey at SU, a university that impacts the lives of more than seven thousand students, and which fosters diversity and promotes a more humane world. This is a wonderful place.”

We will partner with a firm to conduct a national search for Wilson’s successor and provide updates on the process and transition. Please also watch for details on a farewell celebration to be held in his honor.

In the meantime, I know I am joined by many in my appreciation for the care and commitment Wilson has shown for this university and in wishing him well as he prepares to join our sister Jesuit institution.

Respectfully,

Eduardo M. Peñalver
President