Chippewa Valley Times

Curt Krizan, a magna cum laude graduate in accounting from UW-Eau Claire in 1993, has been appointed as the new Foundation president, executive director of the Blugold Real Estate Foundation, and executive director of the Blugold Innovation Foundation. Additionally, Krizan will serve as an assistant chancellor at UW-Eau Claire. He will assume his new role on August 26.

Krizan succeeds Kimera Way, who is retiring.

“UW-Eau Claire and the UW-Eau Claire Foundation are fortunate to add Curt to our leadership team,” Chancellor James Schmidt stated. “Curt has the experience, expertise and excitement to achieve great things in his new role, and he will help continue the remarkable tradition of excellence that has become a trademark of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation.”

In his new capacity, Krizan will focus on strategic partnerships and overall financial and administrative responsibilities for the Foundation and its subsidiary corporations.

“I am passionate about UW-Eau Claire and excited to be back on campus working with stakeholders in support of the university and all Blugolds,” Krizan remarked. “Strong relationships with partners and stakeholders are crucial to the success of any organization. I want to empower and challenge our dedicated Foundation team to continue to develop and build on these relationships to the betterment of the university and our community."

He also expressed gratitude towards Foundation Vice President Julia Diggins: "I want to thank Foundation Vice President Julia Diggins for setting the table for success during her time as interim president. She has been a guiding force for the team during this time of transition.”

Krizan brings extensive experience from his previous roles, including serving as chief financial officer for the Fiesta Bowl for 12 years, where he was also ticket revenue officer responsible for generating significant revenue through ticket membership, sales, and service. He was CFO for Arizona 2016, managing operations for the College Football Playoff national championship game at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Before his tenure at Fiesta Bowl, Krizan worked as a senior auditor and certified public accountant in Minneapolis, Minnesota, holding various controller and CFO positions.

Krizan is actively involved with UW-Eau Claire's College of Business advisory committee and has participated in its Business of Sports Symposium. In Phoenix, he served on several boards including the East Valley Institute of Technology Education Foundation, Arizona State Treasurer Taskforce on Financial Literacy, and Visit Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was recognized as Phoenix Business Journal’s Outstanding CFO in 2016.