GVSU appoints new vice president for finance

President Thomas J. Haas announced the appointment of Gregory Sanial as the university's new vice president for Finance. Sanial is currently the chief of staff in the United States Coast Guard Fifth District (Virginia), having previously served as the Coast Guard's budget director, overseeing an $11 billion budget. 

Sanial holds a doctorate in business administration and organizational leadership from Northcentral University; a master’s degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management; a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College; a MBA from The Pennsylvania State University; and, a bachelor's degree in marine engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. 

"Dr. Sanial is superbly qualified to be Grand Valley's vice president for Finance and chief financial officer," Haas said. "His knowledge of budgeting, from development through oversight, will serve us well. His experience in organizational leadership and facilities management brings additional depth and breadth to the university. His collaborative style and respectful nature mirrors that of Grand Valley State's leadership and culture."

Sanial said: "I am honored and incredibly excited to accept this appointment. I am eager to begin working with President Haas, members of the Board of Trustees and the president's cabinet, faculty, staff, students and all external and community stakeholders at Grand Valley to support the university's focus on student-centered teaching and learning. My family and I can't wait to relocate to the Grand Rapids area and become part of this vibrant community."

Sanial's appointment will be presented formally to the Board of Trustees at its meeting next month, and he will assume his responsibilities in the spring. Sanial will join the President's Cabinet and Budget Committee, oversee the university's finance and treasury operations and, in partnership with the cabinet, develop the annual operating budget. In 2019, he will assume the additional administrative responsibilities presently handled by the acting vice president for Finance and Administration.