William O'Donnell has been appointed assistant vice president and controller of the Desert Research Institute, DRI President Stephen G. Wells announced. O'Donnell is responsible for the accounting and financial management for more than 150 research grants and contracts valued at nearly $20 million. The research is conducted worldwide by DRI scientists.
O'Donnell's financial responsibilities also include the DRI Research Foundation and the institute's Dandini Research Park in Reno, as well as supervision of a Controller's Office staff of 14.
The new controller was recruited from his previous position as director of budget and personnel with Mackay School of Mines at the University of Nevada, Reno. He had previously worked as director of administrative services and controller for Montana State University-Northern and as a senior auditor for the State of Montana Office of the Legislative Auditor.