It is with mixed emotions that we announce the upcoming retirement of William (Bill) Greer, BS, CPIA, LAT, CM, Assistant Vice President for Research – Animal Program Compliance Oversight and Director of the Animal Care & Use Office (ACUO), at the end of the calendar year.
As a nationally-recognized leader in the fields of research compliance and regulatory oversight – including the management of animal care and use, controlled substances, radiation, and biosafety programs – Bill has been an integral part of our Animal Care & Use Program and the broader University of Michigan (U-M) research enterprise since joining the university in 2016.
During his tenure, Greer has implemented a wide variety of initiatives to strengthen our research operations and foster a culture of responsible, humane animal care and use. Under his purview, our program has successfully launched a new template for all animal use protocols, streamlined semi-annual Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) facility inspections, developed an extensive Quality Assurance Program to support the U-M research community, established the Laboratory Animal Research Coordinator Certification Program, and managed multiple re-accreditation visits by AAALAC, International (AAALAC).
Prior to joining the U-M, Bill served as Associate Director for Research Compliance Programs at Pennsylvania State University. Throughout his 35+ year career, Bill has made innumerable contributions to advance research ethics and compliance in organizations throughout the country. He has served as an Ad hoc Consultant to AAALAC for more than 15 years and has established several associations to train current and future leaders in research compliance administration, including the IACUC Administrators’ Association, Biosafety Administrators’ Association, and the launch of a best practices peer mentorship program through the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
Bill will continue to oversee all aspects of our ACUO operations for the remainder of the year, including the upcoming AAALAC Site Visit this summer. He will stay with the university through early January 2027 to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. The university is conducting a national search to identify a new Director – Animal, Biosafety, and Controlled Substances in Research.
Please join us in thanking Bill for his many years of service to our community, both at the University of Michigan and beyond. The success of our program and the long-term sustainability of a culture built upon the highest standards of ethics, compliance, and care in all aspects of research are a true testament to Bill’s vision and values.