Clemson CFO Rick Petillo Will Resign in October
The senior university executive will depart his position on October 2, 2026, to join Vanderbilt University.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
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Clemson University chief financial officer Rick Petillo will vacate his role on October 2, 2026. He is leaving the institution to accept a new position as vice chancellor at Vanderbilt University.
Why it matters
Petillo's departure comes as the university enters a leadership transition following the recent appointment of Ben Ayers as president in August 2026. The change at the top financial post occurs while the institution manages critical infrastructure challenges, including the structural integrity of the campus dam at Lake Hartwell.
Kelly Collins, who served as associate vice president for financial operations for 2.5 years, will step into the role of interim chief financial officer. Clemson University is initiating a national search to fill the permanent position.
The players
Rick Petillo
He is the outgoing senior vice president for finance and operations and chief financial officer at Clemson University.
Kelly Collins
She is the associate vice president for financial operations who will serve as the interim chief financial officer.
Ben Ayers
He is the president of Clemson University who formerly served as provost at the University of Georgia.
The details
Rick Petillo, who joined Clemson in February 2025 as senior vice president for finance and operations, will be succeeded on an interim basis by Kelly Collins. The university announced the transition on September 21, 2026, confirming that the school will seek a permanent replacement through a nationwide search process.
Timeline
February 2025: Rick Petillo began his service at Clemson.
August 2026: Ben Ayers assumed the presidency at Clemson.
October 2, 2026: Rick Petillo is scheduled to depart the university.
Market Landscape
The leadership change follows the recent arrival of Ben Ayers, who assumed the presidency in August 2026 after serving as provost at the University of Georgia. This transition highlights a broader shift in administrative oversight at Clemson as the university seeks to stabilize its executive team during a period of infrastructure modernization.
The transition to an interim chief financial officer suggests a period of organizational adjustment as the university searches for a permanent replacement. Students and local stakeholders will see continuity in financial operations, though long-term priorities may evolve under the new administration.
The takeaway
The departure of a top financial officer often signals a shift in institutional priorities, especially when coupled with a new presidential term. Clemson will now focus on finding permanent leadership while continuing to manage pressing operational issues like the Lake Hartwell dam.
Further reading
For more information on university leadership transitions, visit Clemson People.
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