Reiner steps in as interim financial VP
Among the several changes that occurred on Union’s campus over the summer was the resignation of Jeff Leeper, vice president of financial administration. After serving Union in this position for the past two and a half years, Leeper felt God calling him toward a new path. In early June he resigned, and the search for a new VP began.
The search process is not an easy one, and our new VP likely won’t be chosen until this December. However, the position is much too critical to be left unfilled—and, fortunately, Richard Reiner has stepped in to serve Union until then.
Though many students are probably unfamiliar with Reiner, his background proves he’s a more than worthy interim. Reiner graduated from our own Union College and lived in Lincoln while working for the state government for several years after graduating. He then moved on to serve as vice president of finance for Southern University, CEO of Florida hospitals East Orlando and Altamonte, and executive vice president of Adventist Health Systems, among other significant positions.
Even though Reiner recently retired, he was willing to come back to work to serve Union until December.
Reiner has been a member of Union’s board of trustees since 2003. As graduates of Union, both he and his wife are committed to Union, making various donations and even creating a scholarship fund. For Reiner, filling in for Leeper is just another way for him to show his love for Union.
“My wife and I have been blessed and are glad that we can give back to such a great institution,” he says.The change has not been easy for him and his family—especially since Nebraska won’t allow him to do one of his favorite things: skiing—but nonetheless he is giving this job all that he has for these next few months.
“He notices things that need to be done, and we need someone like that,” explains President Vinita Sauder. While staff changes can be mean a stressful time, Dr. Sauder knows God calls people to come and go, and she believes Union is in good hands with Reiner.
Sara Kemp is a freshman guest writer studying biomedical science.