Senior Vice President for Administration and Business Ventures Brian Beach is leaving his post after six years., according to an e-mail sent to administrators Thursday afternoon.
UF President Bernie Machen said Beach is leaving to return to the private sector. His last day is Jan. 25.
Machen spoke highly of Beach in the message.
“An intensely focused and skilled manager, he directed changes in our budget and financial operations that position UF for the future,” he said.
Beach also served as Machen’s chief of staff before assuming his most recent position in 2008.
He was instrumental in the development of the plan for Innovation Square, a 1 million square-foot development along Southwest Second Avenue that will feature retail, residential and restaurant space, and will house UF research geared toward incubating local business and creating jobs.
According to the e-mail, Beach’s duties will be distributed among current administrators. Ed Poppell, vice president for administrative affiars, will become vice president for business affairs and economic development. Former Student Body President Jamal Sowell, who recently took a position as an assistant to Machen, will work as a liaison to the Board of Trustees.
