The following message regarding transition in the office of University Operations was sent to the campus community on July 13, 2023 – Ed.
Dear staff, faculty and students,
I write to share news that Interim Chief Operating Officer Jackie Ferree has been named senior vice president for operations and business services at George Mason University. In this new role, Ms. Ferree will build on her experience at William & Mary, where she has prioritized excellence in mission-critical areas while elevating efficiency and affordability.
Ms. Ferree has served as associate dean of finance and administration at the business school, associate vice president for business services and organizational excellence, and, since October 2022, interim COO. She played an integral role in creating W&M’s comprehensive plan for housing and dining, including forging a public-private partnership for financing. In May, she oversaw the university’s adoption of a new dining services contract. Her last day at W&M will be July 24. Please join me in extending warm wishes to Ms. Ferree as she begins this new chapter.
The COO hiring process is proceeding apace, and we expect to welcome a new leader to campus this fall. Until then, I have asked my Chief of Staff, Dr. Carlane Pittman-Hampton, to join University Operations team meetings in an advisory capacity, ensuring seamless coordination and communication with the president’s and provost’s offices.
William & Mary is fortunate in having a strong senior leadership team for University Operations. I am grateful to the entire department for their effort during this transitional period while the national search for a COO continues.
Best regards,
Katherine
Katherine A. Rowe
President