The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business has appointed Gerald D. Starsia as senior associate dean and chief operating officer.

Starsia will lead the school’s finance, human resources, facilities, risk management and compliance, and hospitality operations. He will report to Darden Dean Robert Bruner.

“Gerry’s strengths can help Darden advance toward our vision of ‘world-class impact and stature,’” Bruner said. “He brings years of administrative leadership at U.Va., which ensure that Darden will have a seasoned advocate and COO as the University transitions to a new internal financial model and a new strategy. He has successfully integrated University and foundation capabilities, experience that will sustain our own ‘One Darden’ organization. He has led complex facilities and construction projects, which will be valuable as we shape our own space requirements in the years to come. His earned doctorate and success as a classroom instructor give us an administrator who is passionate about academic excellence and the quality of the student learning experience.”

Since 2001, Starsia has served in various roles at U.Va.’s McIntire School of Commerce, most recently as senior associate dean for administration, with responsibility as chief operating officer and chief financial officer. He also served as executive director of the McIntire School Foundation and currently serves as a board member of the U.Va. Engineering Foundation and the U.Va. Alumni Association.

At McIntire, Starsia has taught and lectured in various courses on the topics of leadership and management.

He holds an MBA degree from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from U.Va.’s Curry School of Education.