UVAFinance in Action: December 2025

Learning how to be finance superheroes!

Learning about Financial Leadership in the Nonprofit World

This December, we were grateful to welcome back a familiar face at UVA: Melody Bianchetto, CPA, MBA, former Vice President for Finance, who led an engaging session on how finance skills can strengthen our local nonprofit community.

Hosted by Academic Outreach and UVAFinance, "So You Want to Be a Treasurer" introduced participants to what financial leadership looks like in the nonprofit world, from budgeting and reporting to stewardship, oversight, and compliance. Melody shared practical guidance drawn from 35 years of experience, helping attendees understand how finance committees support long-term sustainability and smooth leadership transitions.

After the session, participants were invited to explore opportunities to serve on nonprofit boards through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence's Virginia BoardBuild platform, connecting their financial expertise with organizations that need it.

It was a wonderful reminder that the skills we use every day at UVA can make a meaningful difference across our community. 

Grisdale Speaks at Educational Institutions Payroll Conference

This fall, Senior Director of Payroll Services Paul Grisdale was a co-lead in three sessions at the Educational Institutions Payroll Conference.  He shared his expertise in fraud prevention, deferred compensation (SECURE 2.0 Act), and special pay issues.  Thanks for sharing your expertise and experience, Paul!

UVAFinance at Fall 2025 Virtual FOCUS Conference

UVAFinance colleagues helped lead important conversations at this year’s Fall FOCUS Conference, contributing their expertise to support stronger financial practices across Virginia’s higher-education community.

• JJ Sullivan, Director of Financial Compliance, and Danae Polemi, Expense Operations Manager, presented on the shared responsibility of fraud prevention. Their session highlighted how accountability, ethical behavior, and vigilance protect UVA’s resources, strengthen public trust, and ensure that University funds support our mission. They walked attendees through UVA’s approach to fiscal stewardship and the practices that help safeguard our institution’s financial integrity.
• Paul Grisdale facilitated a lively round table for payroll professionals across the Commonwealth. The discussion centered on payroll compliance in a rapidly evolving environment, with special attention to SECURE Act 2.0. Participants exchanged insights on implementing new retirement-plan provisions, managing Roth catch-up contributions, and preparing systems for upcoming regulatory changes. The session emphasized peer learning, practical problem-solving, and cross-institutional collaboration.

Kudos to JJ, Danae, and Paul for representing UVAFinance and supporting financial excellence statewide.