University of Virginia Foundation promotes new CEO

The University of Virginia Foundation has named Deborah van Eersel as its next CEO, effective July 1.

Currently the foundation’s chief administrative officer, she will succeed Tim Rose, who is retiring after 33 years at its helm, U.Va. announced in late January. The foundation’s directors formally approved the decision to promote van Eersel at a February meeting, according to the announcement.

Van Eersel brings 35 years of real estate, nonprofit and higher education experience to the role. She joined the foundation in 2001 and assumed her current post in 2013. Since then, the foundation says she’s played crucial roles in expanding the university’s research parks and strengthening the university’s partnerships with the private sector and government.

The foundation says that by next year, it will manage more than $1 billion in assets, with annual revenues exceeding $100 million, including approximately 5,000 acres of land and 2 million square feet of buildings.

“Deborah’s appointment as CEO reflects the confidence of the board and staff in her exceptional leadership abilities and deep understanding of the foundation’s mission,” Daniel Abramson, chair of the UVA Foundation board, said in a statement. “Her track record of innovation and strategic growth, combined with her commitment to our community, makes her the ideal leader to build upon Tim Rose‘s remarkable legacy.”

Van Eersel negotiated 1.75 million square feet of Class A office and laboratory leases since 2010 and played a significant role in the development of North Fork, where the foundation said her leadership helped efforts to establish a new biotech accelerator program. Before joining the foundation, she was CEO of the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors.

“I am honored to lead this extraordinary organization and build upon its strong foundation,” van Eersel said in a statement. “My focus will be on maintaining our people-first culture while advancing U.Va.’s mission through strategic real estate initiatives. We have a unique opportunity to contribute to both the university’s mission and our region’s economic vitality.”

Based in Charlottesville and established in 1986, the foundation provides real estate, financial and administrative services to support U.Va.