Bill Katsereles Retires After 42 years with UMD

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Bill Katsereles effective Dec. 31, 2022. Bill has served in public higher education for 42 years with the University of Maryland (even more yrs. if we count his undergrad!). Bill Katsereles received his B.S. degree in accounting in 1980 from the University of Maryland, College Park. After graduating, Bill worked as an Accountant here at the University of Maryland’s Agricultural Experiment Station. A few years in (and a couple of cow purchases later) Bill was promoted to Business Manager at Wye Research & Education Center. In 1993, Bill started in the Department of Entomology where he has been instrumental in the financial administration and development of the department for the past 29 years.

As the Director of Finance in the Department, Bill has been responsible for the financial management of resources provided by two colleges, the Colleges of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences and Agriculture and Natural Resources. He has overseen pre- and post-award sponsored activity, state and research budgets, payroll, procurement, and travel functions for our Department. On multiple occasions over the years Bill has been asked to take on dual roles, working not only his regular post with Entomology but also as Acting Assistant Dean for both AGNR and CMNS during their staffing transitions. 

Bill’s 40 plus years of institutional knowledge and strong mentorship have greatly benefitted us all. It is rare to come across an incident in which Bill hasn’t been involved in some way during his tenure. It would also be hard to find someone on campus that has a memory for detail like Bill; his ability to recall situations, facts, and numbers is truly amazing (and extremely helpful!). But what probably makes Bill most unique, is his willingness to take the time to share the relevant advice he learns with students, faculty, and staff across campus. Bill is one of the few people on campus that will take the time to give you a thorough response to your inquiry. He won't respond with a brief “yes” or “no” but include a “& here is why”. We have been fortunate to have a finance leader like Bill, who has passed along his tremendous expertise and experience. His advice will carry on as a legacy and help our Business Office continue the excellent stewardship of the Department's finances in years to come. ​