Dr. Sean Reeder has been named Iowa State's senior vice president of operations and finance, effective Sept. 3. His appointment is pending approval by the state Board of Regents.
Sean Reeder
Reeder serves as vice chancellor for finance and administration at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He served previously as vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston (2020-22). He has extensive experience in capital projects, utilities, real estate development and university technology transfer at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (2009-20); and Michigan State University, East Lansing (2008). His career also includes roles in private sector real estate development, venture capital and capital projects engineering.
"Dr. Reeder has the right blend of experience, knowledge and accomplishments to excel in this position," said President Wendy Wintersteen. "I and the senior leadership team look forward to working with him as we continue to build on Iowa State's strengths and land grant mission."
Reeder earned a bachelor's degree in general engineering, a master's in business administration and a Ph.D. in education policy, organization and leadership, all from the University of Illinois. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
"Iowa State University is an amazing example of what the land-grant research university can be," Reeder said. "President Wintersteen has laid out a bold strategic plan, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work in delivering this plan. ISU's mission, vision and values align with my own, and I'm honored to join the Cyclone family."
The operations and finance division includes a range of units that serve students, faculty and staff, organized in several clusters:
- Finance
- Financial planning and analysis
- Facilities planning and management
- Auxiliary units such as the ISU Book Store, Reiman Gardens, museums, printing, transportation services and Veenker golf course
- Real estate and capital planning
Ivy College of Business dean David Spalding will continue in the role of interim senior vice president until Reeder's arrival on campus.
Wintersteen expressed appreciation to division staff who participated in the interview process last month and to the search committee chaired by Jason Henderson, vice president of ISU Extension and Outreach.
