MSU Billings Foundation CEO retires

MSU BILLINGS FOUNDATION & ALUMNI NEWS—The Montana State University Billings Foundation announced the retirement of CEO & President Bill Kennedy, effective November 16, 2021. The foundation will be under interim leadership while a search begins for a new CEO.

Kennedy and the foundation’s Board of Trustees issued a joint announcement thanking donors and the community for their support during his tenure. When Kennedy joined the foundation in 2016, the University faced an uphill battle to fund a new science building. Under Kennedy’s leadership, the fundraising goal of  $18.5 million became a reality. The new Yellowstone Science and Allied Health Building now serve students and faculty with state-of-the-art spaces and equipment. 

“We all can be proud of that accomplishment and others,” said Kennedy. “In the last year, we were able to honor our mission to advance the university’s goals by giving $6.8 million to reduce financial barriers for students in obtaining a quality education, enhance the campus experience, and encourage the growth of MSU Billings.”

According to Don Roberts, MSU Billings Foundation Chairman, another highlight is that the foundation’s stewardship of donated funds has been strengthened with new investment management strategies, resulting in remarkable growth.

Kennedy said that he and his wife, Mary, are looking forward to their next chapter and spending a lot of time with their grandkids.