BCC Names Kennedy as Interim President
 Ellen Kennedy, vice president of administration and finance, will lead BCC during the search for a new president. |
The board of trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Kennedy at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday. She will step into the post on Jan. 8, 2012.
"The board believes that Ellen Kennedy has proven herself to be a trusted and respected leader in her present position," said Susan Lombard, chairman of the trustees. "Additionally, she will advance the goals and initiatives begun by Dr. Paul Raverta and will provide stable guidance and direction during this leadership transition."
Kennedy is vice president of administration and finance in addition to be ing CFO. She holds a master of business administration from the University of Massachusetts, a master of public administration from Harvard University and is completing a doctoral degree from Northeastern University.
She joined BCC in 2008 and has been responsible for all business-related functions, including budgeting, accounting and auditing, information technology, facilities management, campus security, food service, and ancillary services.
While at BCC, Kennedy has managed multimillion dollar infrastructure repairs and the deployment of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for initiatives such the installation of more than 1,800 roof-mounted solar arrays; and been actively involved with state and other educational partners on efforts including the Massachusetts Vision Project, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College & Career, and Advancing a Massachusetts Culture of Assessment.
"One of Paul Raverta's many legacies to BCC is a very strong staff and senior management team. I have no doubt that together we will continue the positive momentum we now enjoy while the Trustees seek a new leader for the college," said Kennedy. "BCC is a community of good thinkers with good ideas — all motivated to provide a high-quality educational experience to our students. Together, we can keep moving forward in this time of transition. I look forward to the opportunity to provide leadership in this endeavor."
Prior to joining BCC, she was interim chief operating officer for the National Patient Safety Foundation, formerly located in North Adams, and the director of development for WFCR New England Public Radio. She earned her bachelor of science in business administration from the then North Adams State College and began her career at her alma materin a variety of roles, including coordinator of office services, director of administration services, chief advancement officer and president of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation.
"I recommend without reservation that Ellen Kennedy be approved as interim president of Berkshire Community College," Raverta told the trustees at their meeting. "She will ensure that the college can maintain its current pathways for many initiatives. She is well respected here at BCC, within our community, among elected officials and the legislative delegation, and throughout the state. Ellen has all of the leadership and management skills needed to move BCC forward."
The national search to replace Raverta will be lead by Ross Dindio, vice president of the trustees. The search committee, made up of trustees, faculty, students and representatives of the BCC Foundation, will begin work Nov. 14 with the goal of having a new president in plce by July 1, 2012.
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