After three months of searching, Union College welcomes Steve Trana as vice president for Financial Administration. Trana accepted the job after a two-week interview process involving campus committees and the Board of Trustees. He will take the reins of the Office of Financial Administration on December 5, just in time to finish the fall semester.
In addition to guiding the college in financial decisions, many campus service departments report to the vice president for Financial Administration, including Dining Services, Human Resources, Information Systems and Plant Services.
“We are looking forward to what Steve can add as we guide Union forward,” said Dr. Vinita Sauder, Union College president. “It’s a tough job with exacting standards, and we’ve been praying for a long time for the right person. We’re very excited to add Steve to our team.”
Trana graduated from Union College in 1985 with a degree in business administration and dual emphases in accounting and finance. Most recently, he worked at the Westrope and Associates Insurance Agency in Kansas City as vice president for finance, and for the Ryan Specialty Group as a transitional controller.
“My career so far has been focused on profit-centered entities. While this was a welcome challenge for many years, I am eager to devote my experience and knowledge in a more service-oriented role,” Trana said. “I would like to use my professional knowledge in the Lord’s work, helping Union achieve its mission, vision, and strategic initiatives.”
Trana has worked for both large industries and small companies, preparing and reviewing financial statements to assist with cost control and budgets. Trana’s previous colleagues and supervisors gave glowing recommendations for his professionalism, work ethic, and quality of work. His former chief operating officer said, “Steve was a key component of the company’s growth as his organizational skills, accuracy, and interface with employees, clients, and vendors were exceptional. Ultimately, we sold the company, with our buyer and potential buyers noting the quality of our financials. Steve was at the center of that transformation.”
Moving to Lincoln will be a reunion for the Trana family. Jake Trana, Steve’s oldest son, graduated in 2015 and currently works at Union Bank in Lincoln as a graphic designer. His second son, Brett Trana, is a junior at Union, working toward a bachelor’s in computing. Trana also has two other children, Elena and Cort. His wife, Jodie, also a 1985 Union graduate, works as a business and financial management consultant.
By Elizabeth Bearden, student writer