The Burlington College Board of Trustees has formed a transition team to lead the college while it searches for a new President to replace Christine Plunkett, who resigned last week. Michael Smith will serve as Interim President. He will be joined by Jane Knodell, serving as Interim Provost, and David Coates, who will serve at Interim Financial Advisor.
Christine Plunkett
"This team brings decades of management, academic, and financial expertise to the College as we deal with the challenges before us," said Yves Bradley, chairperson of the Board.
“We are fortunate to have three individuals who are committed to the college, to its vision, and to the financial plan adopted by the Board and former-President Plunkett”, he went on to say.
Michael Smith has served Vermont as Deputy State Treasurer; Secretary of Administration,and Secretary of Human Services. He served as State President for Fairpoint Communications until his retirement last year.
Mike Smith and Jane Knodell
Jane Knodell, PhD, has served as Provost and Senior Vice President for the University of Vermont. She is a Professor of Economics at the University of Vermont, where she teaches and conducts research on financial institutions. She is also a Burlington City Councilor. Dr Knodell has hands-on experience working with municipal governments and nonprofit organizations in fostering broad-based economic development.
David Coates, CPA has served a varied number of businesses and nonprofits, and retired as the Managing Partner of KPMG. He serves as aDirector of National Life, Green Mountain Power Co,,the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund, Union Mutual Fire Insurance Co,VELCO, and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. David is a member of theGovernor’s Council of Economic Advisors.
Source: Burlington College. 9.2.2014