SU Comptroller Patrick to retire in June 2007, close 25-year campus career

SU Comptroller Patrick to retire in June 2007, close 25-year campus career March 09, 2007Kevin Morrowkdmorrow@syr.edu

Bill Patrick, longtime Syracuse University comptroller, will retire on June 30, 2007. He will be succeeded by Rebecca L. Foote, SU director of financial analysis and special assistant to the executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective July 1.

Patrick, a certified public accountant, joined the University as senior associate comptroller in 1981 and was named comptroller in 1985. Previously, he had significant experience with the public accounting firm Ernst & Whinney and also held corporate financial reporting and management positions with Crouse Hinds Co.

During his career as comptroller, SU has received several national awards for its accomplishments in the financial reporting and student financial services areas. Patrick was the recipient of a Chancellor’s Citation for Distinguished Service in 1999.

“Bill Patrick has provided the University outstanding service during his 25-year career, and the numerous and significant changes that have been implemented as a result of Bill’s leadership of the Comptroller’s Office have led to substantial continuous improvement of all aspects of financial matters at the University,” says Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Louis G. Marcoccia. “Bill’s values, ethics, skills and judgment kept the Comptroller’s Office focused on achieving high-quality results and compliance no matter what the challenge.

“I appreciate the service Bill provided and the leadership role he has played in the achievement of the University’s outstanding financial reporting and services during the most recent quarter century,” Marcoccia says. “Bill has been a very important member of the financial leadership team at the University and a very special friend and colleague of mine.”

In addition to his responsibilities at SU, Patrick has been active in the Central New York community, including serving nine years on the school boards of the Fayetteville-Manlius and East Syracuse-Minoa school districts, and coaching numerous local youth league teams in basketball, baseball, softball and soccer.

“My retirement will be with mixed emotions,” Patrick says. “I look forward to it as the next phase of my life. At the same time, I will miss the challenges of my executive position at the University and especially all the colleagues with whom I have enjoyed working very much.”

Patrick lives in Manlius with his wife, Fran. They have two adult children, Kara and William.

Prior to joining SU in 2004, Foote was manager of financial reporting at the Rochester Institute of Technology and a senior associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. She is a certified public accountant and a graduate of Siena College.

“I am extremely pleased that Rebecca has accepted the comptroller’s position. I have complete confidence in her, and know that her talent, skills, experience and aspirations will result in new outstanding leadership of the Comptroller’s Office,” Marcoccia says. “Throughout her career, she has achieved excellent results in the areas of financial planning, analysis, services and management. She has worked directly with me, as well as with auditors, attorneys, trustees, developers, outside agencies and consultants, on several important matters.

“Rebecca possesses an excellent understanding of the University’s financial systems, financial services, financial reporting requirements and auditing interfaces,” Marcoccia says, “and she has developed excellent working relationships with many of the University’s senior leaders and department heads as a result of her professional, collaborative and thoughtful work style and manner. I am confident that Rebecca will provide outstanding leadership to best serve the University community in support of Scholarship in Action.”

“I am so excited to accept this position and look forward to providing the leadership to deliver unparalleled financial services in support of the University’s mission and vision,” says Foote.