DePaul University announced today, Jan. 8, Brian Sullivan will serve as its next treasurer. His appointment is effective Jan. 18.
Brian Sullivan will assume the role of treasurer on Jan. 18.
“Brian not only brings extensive cross-disciplinary financial experience to DePaul, he also demonstrates dedication to upholding our university's Catholic, Vincentian mission," says Sherri Sidler, interim executive vice president. “I look forward to collaborating closely with him as we work to ensure DePaul's continued fiscal strength."
Sullivan joins DePaul from Veolia, a Global Fortune 500 company and leader in the water, energy and environmental services sectors. He most recently served as treasurer and senior vice president of corporate finance for Veolia North America, the North American $3 billion subsidiary of the France-based Veolia. He joined Veolia in 2001 as its vice president of investor relations in the U.S. and became treasurer for North America in 2009.
Prior to Veolia, Sullivan served in increasingly important roles of responsibility in the U.S. and Europe at Textron Inc., a Fortune 500 leader in the aircraft, defense, industrial and financial services markets, including as its director of investor relations.
“Brian immediately impressed the search committee with his financial expertise, including cash management, capital structuring, risk management and investment review," says Judy Greffin, DePaul trustee and chair of the Investment Committee. “His broad range of treasury and corporate finance skills combined with his warmth and passion for higher education will be an asset to the DePaul community."
As treasurer, Sullivan will serve as a financial officer of the university. He will oversee DePaul's treasury operations, cash and debt management, administer its endowment and other investment holdings in support of the recommendations made by the Board of Trustees Investment Committee. He will serve as a member of the fiduciary committee responsible for the investment management and plan administration of the institution's retirement plan. Sullivan also will manage the commercial real estate and leasing activities of the university.
“In addition to the treasury role itself, I was attracted to the purpose-driven mission of DePaul, including its commitment as a Catholic, Vincentian institution and its importance in the social, economic and cultural fabric of Chicago," Sullivan says. “I look forward to working with the university's administration and Board of Trustees Investment Committee to further build on the financial success and development of the university in alignment with its mission."
Sullivan earned his bachelor's in economics and French from Boston College. He holds a master's in international affairs from George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Fluent in French and English, he attended the University of Paris IV – La Sorbonne as part of his undergraduate degree and was later the recipient of a grant from the French Ministry of Culture & Alliance Française de Paris. He is currently an executive member of the Association for Financial Professionals, the leading organization for treasury professionals.