An advisory committee has been appointed and a search firm has been retained to launch the search for the university’s next vice president for communications.
President Mark Schlissel has appointed a 12-member search advisory committee, which will be chaired by Andrew Martin, LSA dean and professor of political science and statistics. The executive search firm Heyman Associates has been retained to assist with this search.
The search is being undertaken to replace Lisa Rudgers, who left the university in August to launch a new consulting firm. Kallie Bila Michels, associate vice president for communications since 2008, is serving as interim while the search takes place.
During Rudgers’ tenure the position was titled vice president for global communications and strategic initiatives, but Schlissel is asking the Board of Regents to reinstate the previous title of vice president for communications, which is standard in the industry.
In addition to Martin, members of the search advisory committee include:
• Lynette Clemetson, director of Wallace House.
• Robin R. Means Coleman, associate dean for academic programs and initiatives, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies; professor of communication studies and Afroamerican and African studies, LSA.
• Nicole Ellison, professor of information, School of Information.
• Ken Fischer, president of the University Musical Society.
• Erik Gordon, clinical assistant professor, Stephen M. Ross School of Business.
• E. Royster Harper, vice president for Student Life.
• Andrew Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise, Ross School and School of Natural Resources and Environment.
• Jennifer Skyler, U-M alumnus and global head of public affairs, WeWork.
• Kurt Svoboda, associate athletic director, external communications and public relations.
• Tom Szczepanski, assistant vice president, Development.
• Quinta Vreede, chief administrative officer and chief of staff, Office of Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs.
Lisa Ryan and Heather Ring will lead the search for Heyman Associates. Lisa Connolly, senior manager for executive searches, and Britney Rashleigh, junior project manager, both in the Office of the President, will serve as the president’s liaison to the search.
Information about the search, including a position description and how to submit nominations is posted on the Office of the President website.
Further inquiries regarding nominations and applications are directed to VPforCSearchInquiries@umich.edu.
