Bill Thornton

A long-time UW employee, Bill Thornton came to the law school in 2002 to manage the school's finances and day-to-day operations, including liaison work with many campus administrative units. Every year, he develops an operating budget, manages overall expenditures and prepares financial reports and projections for Dean Knight. He also supervises the Washington Law School Foundations principal accountant, ensuring the proper placement and use of foundation money.

Bill administers almost 200 budgets, which includes state funds, gifts, endowments, scholarships and grants, and also provides grants management assistance to faculty members and the deans.

In addition to his budgetary responsibilities, he was in charge of coordinating, overseeing and executing the move to William H. Gates Hall. Together with the school's building coordinator, Bill still arranges necessary repairs and maintenance work, such as equipment security and inventory records. He is also responsible for the school's compliance with federal, state and university policies.

Prior to joining the law school community, Bill spent two years at the university's budget office in Gerberding Hall, but served in many other departments, too. He credits his military service with giving him the financial background necessary to handle the complex requirements of his position.