About the keynote speaker

Leonard W. Sandridge

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the University of Virginia and Chief Financial Officer of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia

Leonard W. Sandridge is executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University of Virginia, a title he assumed in November 1999. He has served since 1990 in that role, with similar titles, as a member of President John T. Casteen senior cabinet. He oversees operations of all non-academic support areas at the University, including the architect for the university, athletics, student affairs, information technology and communication, management and budget, finance, police, and compliance, as well as the financial and managerial oversight of the Health System.

Sandridge joined the U.Va. administration in 1967 as a member of the internal audit staff. He later was assistant to the University comptroller (1970-75), treasurer (1975-77), and director of the budget from 1977 until December 1981, when he was selected to oversee budget and planning activities for the University. He was appointed to the additional post of executive assistant to the president in 1986 and held both positions until being named vice president for business and finance in September 1989. In 1990 he was named senior vice president and chief financial officer. In 1993 his position was expanded to executive vice president and chief financial officer, where he served until his most recent promotion.

A native of Crozet, Virginia, Sandridge holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Richmond and a master's degree in accounting from the University of Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966, and from 1966 to 1984 he was an officer in the US Army Reserve.

Sandridge is active in community affairs serving on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce and the Charlottesville-Albemarle County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also serves on the University of Virginia Foundation Board and the University of Virginia Investment Management Company Board. He is a member of Crozet Baptist Church, as well as Beta Alpha Psi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the Raven Society at U.Va. Sandridge won the 1987 Ern Award for service to the Student Council and in 1993 was presented the Thomas Jefferson Award, the University's highest honor for a faculty member, given to recognize one who exemplifies Jefferson's principles and ideals in character, work, and influence. In 2003, he received the Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award, presented by the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce to recognize outstanding citizen contributions.