{"id":3819,"date":"2026-03-13T12:15:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T12:15:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/?page_id=3819"},"modified":"2026-03-27T10:01:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T10:01:23","slug":"vpo","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/vpo\/","title":{"rendered":"Vice President for Operations (COO) Search"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3819\" class=\"elementor elementor-3819\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c9d01d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1c9d01d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a851b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"9a851b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wcsu-search-page\">\n  <section class=\"wcsu-search-hero\">\n    <div class=\"wcsu-search-kicker\">Leadership Search<\/div>\n    <h1>Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer Search<\/h1>\n    <p>\n      Western Connecticut State University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for its inaugural Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer, a senior executive role that will help shape how the university operates, serves students, and builds for the future.\n    <\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"wcsu-search-button-row\">\n      <a class=\"wcsu-btn wcsu-btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/westernconnecticutstateuniversity.applytojob.com\/apply\/SMvPh53qR6\/Vice-President-For-Operations-And-Chief-Operating-Officer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply Now<\/a>\n      <a class=\"wcsu-btn wcsu-btn-secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/91\/2026\/03\/Vice_-President_-for_-Operations_Chief_-Operating_-Officer_030926.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View Position Announcement (PDF)<\/a>\n      <a class=\"wcsu-btn wcsu-btn-outline\" href=\"mailto:hrpositions@wcsu.edu?subject=Vice%20President%20for%20Operations%20and%20Chief%20Operating%20Officer\">Ask a Question<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"wcsu-stats\">\n      <div class=\"wcsu-stat\">\n        <span class=\"wcsu-stat-number\">Portfolio Scope<\/span>\n        <span class=\"wcsu-stat-label\">Finance, facilities, auxiliaries, IT, and operations<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"wcsu-stat\">\n        <span class=\"wcsu-stat-number\">Leadership Opportunity<\/span>\n        <span class=\"wcsu-stat-label\">Build and lead a new Operations Division<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"wcsu-stat\">\n        <span class=\"wcsu-stat-number\">Danbury, Connecticut<\/span>\n        <span class=\"wcsu-stat-label\">Public University Serving the Region<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"wcsu-stat\">\n        <span class=\"wcsu-stat-number\">March 31, 2026<\/span>\n        <span class=\"wcsu-stat-label\">Application review begins<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section\">\n    <h2>About the Opportunity<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"wcsu-lead\">\n      This newly established role reports directly to the President and serves as a core member of the executive leadership team. The Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer will lead a new Operations Division and help ensure that WestConn\u2019s systems, services, and infrastructure are reliable, responsive, transparent, and aligned with the university\u2019s academic mission.\n    <\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"wcsu-grid-2\">\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>What this leader will do<\/h3>\n        <p>\n          The VPO\/COO will provide strategic and operational leadership across finance, facilities, technology infrastructure, student-facing business services, and auxiliary enterprises. This is a builder role for a forward-thinking leader who can strengthen systems, improve coordination, and help WestConn work with greater clarity and effectiveness.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>What WestConn is seeking<\/h3>\n        <p>\n          WestConn is seeking a collaborative, solutions-oriented, data-informed leader who can translate strategy into action, build trust across a complex institution, and help create the conditions for students, faculty, and staff to thrive.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"wcsu-highlight\">\n      <strong>At a glance:<\/strong> As WestConn\u2019s inaugural VPO\/COO, this leader will help design the division\u2019s long-term structure and recruit or appoint key leaders, including the CFO, CIO, and facilities and operations leads.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section wcsu-section-alt\">\n    <h2>Western Rising and the Work Ahead<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"wcsu-lead\">\n      The search is grounded in Western Rising, the university\u2019s focused strategy for 2026 to 2028. The VPO\/COO will help steward the work already underway and build systems that support long-term institutional strength.\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/western-rising-2025-4wwbjz9.gamma.site\/feb26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">View the WestConn Rising Focused Strategy.<\/a>\n      \n    <\/p>\n\n    <ul class=\"wcsu-commitments\">\n      <li>\n        <strong>Strengthening Foundations<\/strong>\n        Ensuring finances, facilities, systems, and services are stable, modern, and reliable.\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <strong>Distinctively WestConn<\/strong>\n        Aligning operations and infrastructure with a student-centered, relationship-rich university experience.\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <strong>Regional Anchor and Opportunity Engine<\/strong>\n        Strengthening operational capacity in ways that deepen WestConn\u2019s partnership with the region.\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <strong>Culture of Shared Leadership and Renewal<\/strong>\n        Building trust through clarity, collaboration, shared governance, and stronger coordination.\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <strong>Creating a Healthy Environment that Cultivates Growth and Thriving<\/strong>\n        Embedding equity, belonging, safety, and well-being into systems, policies, and daily practice.\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section\">\n    <h2>Portfolio of Responsibility<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"wcsu-lead\">\n      The Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer will provide executive leadership, accountability, and coordination across the following areas.\n    <\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"wcsu-grid-3\">\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Business and Finance<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and decision support<\/li>\n          <li>Internal controls, reporting, and audit coordination<\/li>\n          <li>Administrative services and operational support functions<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Auxiliary Services<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>Dining and catering<\/li>\n          <li>Bookstore, laundry, vending, and transportation services<\/li>\n          <li>Operational contracts and service quality<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Facilities and Operations<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>Facilities planning and engineering<\/li>\n          <li>Campus operations and project management<\/li>\n          <li>Access control, one-card services, and venue readiness<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Bursar and Cashier\u2019s Office<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>Student-facing billing and cashiering<\/li>\n          <li>Collection support and transactional services<\/li>\n          <li>Systems integration to reduce delays and improve consistency<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Technology and Cybersecurity<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>Infrastructure, systems reliability, and networks<\/li>\n          <li>Cybersecurity and identity and access management<\/li>\n          <li>Enterprise continuity and secure innovation<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Media Services and Events<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>Media production, printing, photography, and event support<\/li>\n          <li>Conference and venue production coordination<\/li>\n          <li>Technical delivery in partnership with communications and campus partners<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section wcsu-section-alt\">\n    <h2>Search Process and Transparency<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"wcsu-lead\">\n      WestConn is sharing this page with candidates and the university community to provide clarity about the search, the opportunity, and the process ahead. Additional updates will be added here as the search progresses.\n    <\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"wcsu-grid-2\">\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>What the community can expect<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>A clearly posted position announcement and application process<\/li>\n          <li>A search committee representing multiple areas of the university<\/li>\n          <li>Regular updates on major search milestones as appropriate<\/li>\n          <li>A process grounded in professionalism, fairness, and respect for candidate confidentiality<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Why this search matters<\/h3>\n        <p>\n          This role will help shape how WestConn functions every day, from student-facing services and facilities to financial stewardship, technology infrastructure, and operational readiness. The search is important because the work is important.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section\">\n    <h2>Search Committee<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"wcsu-lead\">\n      Committee deliberations and diiscussions are confidential. The university community will have the opportunity to meet and provide feedback on finalists. The search committee is advisory to the President.\n    <\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"wcsu-note\">\n      <strong>Stephen Hegedus<\/strong>, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Co-Chair)<br>\n<strong>Ron Thomas<\/strong>, Interim Chief Financial Officer (Co-Chair)<br>\n<strong>Deanna Cibery-Schaab<\/strong>, Director, WESTCONNect, SUOAF Representative<br>\n<strong>Fred Cratty<\/strong>, Chief Human Resources Officer<br>\n<strong>Michael Ercoli<\/strong>, Locksmith, Maintenance &amp; Service Unit President<br>\n<strong>Lori Mazza<\/strong>, Athletics Director<br>\n<strong>Gianna Ruby-Dasilva<\/strong>, Student Government Association Representative<br>\n<strong>Siamack Shojai<\/strong>, Dean, Ancell School of Business<br>\n<strong>Joshua Sumrell<\/strong>, Director of Inclusion &amp; Belonging<br>\n<strong>Maria Veilluex<\/strong>, Executive Director, WCSU Foundation<br>\n<strong>H. Howell Williams<\/strong>, Associate Professor of Political Science<br>\n<strong>Merisa Williams<\/strong>, Secretary, Administrative Clerical President<br>\n<strong>Jennifer O'Brien <\/strong> University Senate Representative <br>\n<strong>AAUP<\/strong> Representative (pending)\n<br>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section wcsu-section-alt\">\n    <h2>Search Timeline<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"wcsu-lead\">\n      Anticipated timeline. Updates will be shared as needed.\n    <\/p>\n\n    <ul class=\"wcsu-timeline\">\n      <li>\n        <div class=\"wcsu-date\">Now Posted<\/div>\n        <div>The position is open and accepting applications, nominations, and expressions of interest.<\/div>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <div class=\"wcsu-date\">March 31, 2026<\/div>\n        <div>Review of applications begins.<\/div>\n      <\/li>\n      \n      <li>\n        <div class=\"wcsu-date\">April 2026<\/div>\n        <div>Committee review and interviews.<\/div>\n      <\/li>\n      \n        <li>\n        <div class=\"wcsu-date\">May 2026<\/div>\n        <div>Campus engagements.<\/div>\n      <\/li>\n      \n      \n      <li>\n        <div class=\"wcsu-date\">By June 1, 2026<\/div>\n        <div>Final selection announced and transition planning.<\/div>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section\">\n    <h2>Qualifications and Candidate Profile<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"wcsu-grid-2\">\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Required qualifications<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>Bachelor\u2019s degree in a relevant field, or comparable preparation through education, certifications, and experience<\/li>\n          <li>Progressive leadership experience in operations and administration within a complex organization<\/li>\n          <li>Ability to lead through collaboration, trust-building, and shared leadership practices<\/li>\n          <li>Experience using data, technology, and process improvement to strengthen service quality and outcomes<\/li>\n          <li>Fiscal stewardship and comfort working with budgets, contracts, risk, and compliance<\/li>\n          <li>Commitment to working effectively in a diverse community and advancing student-centered outcomes<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Preferred qualifications<\/h3>\n        <ul class=\"wcsu-list-clean\">\n          <li>Master\u2019s degree or terminal degree in a relevant field<\/li>\n          <li>Ten years of senior leadership experience in public higher education or a comparably complex public environment<\/li>\n          <li>Depth in one or more portfolio areas such as facilities, auxiliaries, IT, events, or emergency management<\/li>\n          <li>Experience leading large-scale change, systems modernization, and operational integration<\/li>\n          <li>Experience with unionized and consultative environments<\/li>\n          <li>Commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and community-facing partnership work<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section wcsu-section-alt wcsu-faq\">\n    <h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n    <details open>\n      <summary>How do I apply?<\/summary>\n      <p>\n        Candidates should submit a cover letter that includes the names and contact information for three professional references, along with a resume. Materials should be submitted through the online application portal.\n      <\/p>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details>\n      <summary>What is the salary range?<\/summary>\n      <p>\n        The hiring salary range is $228,231 to $285,289, commensurate with experience. WestConn offers a comprehensive benefits package.\n      <\/p>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details>\n      <summary>Who should I contact with questions?<\/summary>\n      <p>\n        Questions may be directed to <a href=\"mailto:hrpositions@wcsu.edu\">hrpositions@wcsu.edu<\/a>, with <em>Vice President for Operations\/Chief Operating Officer<\/em> in the subject line.\n      <\/p>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details>\n      <summary>Will there be updates for the university community?<\/summary>\n      <p>\n        Yes. This page is designed to serve as a central location for university information about the search.\n      <\/p>\n    <\/details>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <section class=\"wcsu-section\">\n    <h2>About Western Connecticut State University<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"wcsu-grid-2\">\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>A regional public university with a student-centered mission<\/h3>\n        <p>\n          WestConn enrolls 4,573 credit students, including 3,696 undergraduates, 627 graduate students, and 260 dual-enrolled students. The university proudly serves 1,473 first-generation students and is committed to expanding access, opportunity, and student success.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"wcsu-card\">\n        <h3>Rooted in Danbury and Western Connecticut<\/h3>\n        <p>\n          WestConn serves as a regional anchor and opportunity engine with deep ties to Danbury and the surrounding region. The university is community-facing, partnership-oriented, and committed to building a stronger future for students and the region it serves.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <div class=\"wcsu-footer\">\n    Western Connecticut State University, Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer Search\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leadership Search Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer Search Western Connecticut State University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for its inaugural Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer, a senior executive role that will help &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":429,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full-width-wcsu.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3819","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3819","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/429"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3819"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3819\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3819"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}