Kristina Alimard was named interim chief executive officer of the University of Virginia’s $8.6 billion endowment. Alimard, the fund’s chief operating officer since 2007, confirmed the Jan. 1 appointment in an email on Wednesday. Executive recruiter Dore Partnership is conducting a search for a replacement, the University of Virginia Investment Management Co. said. Sargent McGowan, who’s been with the endowment since 2013 and is currently a managing director, was named interim chief investment officer, Alimard said. Lawrence Kochard stepped down Dec. 31 as CEO of the fund after seven years to pursue other investing opportunities.