BOSTON- Jan. 22, 2008: Robert K. Sheridan, President and CEO of The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts, has been appointed to the University of Massachusetts Building Authority board by Governor Deval Patrick.
Mr. Sheridan's term as a member of the Authority extends until June 30, 2013.
"Bob Sheridan has served the University of Massachusetts with great distinction and we are pleased that he has agreed to continue to bring his leadership to the UMass Building Authority," said University of Massachusetts President Jack M. Wilson. "His experience and business acumen will be tremendous assets as the University and the Building Authority move forward on an array of important new capital projects. I commend the Governor for making this outstanding appointment."
The University of Massachusetts Building Authority is a public authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, established by Chapter 773 of the Acts of 1960. The Authority is responsible for the provision of new academic, athletics and residential facilities on UMass campuses and for the renovation of existing buildings. Construction is funded primarily through tax exempt bonds issued by the Authority.
"It is an honor and a privilege for me to be appointed to the University of Massachusetts Building Authority," Sheridan said. "This is a particularly exciting time to be a part of this organization, as the University embarks on a comprehensive plan to expand and upgrade its facilities."
William Giblin, Chairman of the UMass Building Authority, said: "Bob Sheridan is a distinguished civic, business and philanthropic leader and we are very fortunate to have him serving on the Building Authority."
The Authority owns a total of 84 buildings, encompassing more than six million square feet, on the University's Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell campuses. These buildings are valued at more than $1.2 billion. These totals do not include the value of buildings currently under construction.
Last September, the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees approved a $2.9 billion, five-year capital plan for new construction and renovation projects on the University's five campuses.
By statute, the UMass Building Authority has 11 members, appointed by the Governor, who oversee the activities of the Authority. Five of these members are also Trustees of the University of Massachusetts. At least two of the six non-trustee members must be graduates of the University.
Sheridan was a member of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees from 2002 through 2007. At various times during his tenure on the Board of Trustees, he held the positions of Vice Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee, Chairman of the Athletics Committee and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Academics and Student Affairs. He also served on the 2003-2004 UMass President's Search Committee, the Governance Committee, the Worcester City Campus Corporation, the UMass Amherst Chancellor Search Committee and the UMass Foundation Board and was Chairman of the UMass Lowell Ice Hockey Task Force. Sheridan also served on the UMass Building Authority during his tenure as a UMass Trustee.
In addition, Sheridan was recently elected to the University of Massachusetts Foundation board of directors.
Contacts:
Robert P. Connolly
617-287-7073
Libby DeVecchi
617-287-7023