In Loving Memory of Blake Devitt

The Strada Board of Trustees mourns the loss of our dear friend and long-serving board member, Blake Devitt. Blake served on the board with integrity and wisdom for 14 years, lending his expertise and insight to guide the organization. Blake's financial acumen was instrumental in furthering Strada’s growth and development during his service on the board. He asked thoughtful questions and offered considered advice, enriching board discussions with his intellect and collegial spirit.

Blake’s steady guidance and friendship will be profoundly missed. His legacy lives on through the many contributions he made to strengthen our organization. We are grateful for the privilege of working alongside him. Upon the occasion of his retirement, he was recognized by his colleagues with the Chair’s Award for Distinguished Service.

Blake E. Devitt (1947-2023) was a retired CPA and senior audit partner from Ernst & Young (EY), an international public accounting and auditing firm. He was elected to the board of Strada Education Foundation, then known as USA Funds, in 2006 and retired in 2020. During his tenure as a trustee, he served as a member and as chair of Strada's Investment Committee and Finance and Audit Committee.

Devitt was employed at EY for 33 years in a variety of roles, including U.S. director of the pharmaceutical and medical device industry practice for the firm. Early in his career, he was named to a term as an accounting fellow at the Financial Accounting Standards Board, where he researched and helped resolve emerging financial reporting issues while on leave from EY. During the late 1980s and early ’90s, he served as the partner in charge of EY’s annual financial audits of USA Funds and USA Group. Devitt received his undergraduate degree from Bradley University and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He also served on the boards of directors of Baxter International Inc. and Baxalta Inc., global life sciences companies.