Administrative Operations Connection

July 24, 2024 | For the campus and community

Administrative Operations leadership updates

Rob Wynkoop, vice president for Auxiliary Services, will say farewell to Purdue University effective July 31 and we wish him all the best. Rob has worked at Purdue for over 10 years, and has successfully managed Auxiliary Services, resulting in improved customer service and financial performance. He was instrumental in the execution of operating agreements with private-sector partners for the Union Club Hotel, retail dining and most recently the return of commercial air service.  By partnering with various Administrative Operations and university stakeholders, Rob and his Real Estate and Space Administration team are successfully reimagining campus space to add more high-quality classroom, study, collaboration and public spaces within existing facility footprints. Rob is a proven leader whose innovative ideas and solutions leave behind a successful legacy, and he will be missed.

After due consideration, I am pleased to announce the following promotions and organizational changes in Administrative Operations (AO) effective Aug. 1.

Jessica Robertson will be promoted from senior director and chief operating officer for Auxiliary Services to associate vice president for Auxiliary Services, providing strategic leadership for following departments:

• Procurement
• Purdue Travel
• Purdue Memorial Union and Conferences
• Airport Operations and Commercial Air Service
• Parking Operations
• Shipping, Receiving and Surplus

Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master of business administration from Indiana State University. In addition, she has 19 years of progressive work experience, inclusive of serving as the commissioner for Indiana Department of Administration, the chief procurement officer for the Tennessee Department of General Services, and most recently six years with Purdue University.  Her educational and professional background make her well suited to take on the role of associate vice president for Auxiliary Services leading and implementing transformative campus solutions contributing to Purdue’s reputational excellence and long-term value.

Kim Pearson will be promoted from senior director and chief administrative officer to associate vice president and chief of staff. As chief of staff, she will continue to report to me and will be responsible for coordinating and advancing work on my behalf, representing AO to internal and external constituents, providing strategic leadership and serving as principal aide and advisor. In addition, Kim will continue to lead the following departments:  

• Communications
• Information systems and archives
• Analytics and reporting
• Executive office operations
• Talent development

Kim earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Ball State University and a master of business administration from Purdue Global. She brings 24 years of progressive public and private sector experience including serving as the deputy commissioner of human resources for the Indiana Department of Transportation, executive director of operations for a consulting firm, and most recently four years with Purdue University. Kim is well positioned to lead and implement Administrative Operations strategy ensuring alignment with Purdue’s strategic direction and AO’s initiatives and guiding principles while developing a healthy, high-performing organization.

Lastly, to align organizational resources with AO initiatives and strategic priorities, Nathan Manges, senior director of real estate and space administration will begin reporting directly to me as a member of the executive leadership team.

Please join me in thanking Rob for his service to Purdue University and congratulating Jessica, Kim and Nathan on their new roles.

Michael B. Cline
Senior Vice President, Administrative Operations