Email: July 28, 2025 Message from Chair of the Board Elena Gervino
To the Western New England University Community,
The Board of Trustees has engaged the national executive firm WittKieffer to assist with the presidential search process. WittKieffer brings extensive experience in higher education leadership searches and will be a valuable partner in identifying a president to lead us into the future.
The chairperson for the search is Kenneth Rickson, Former Vice President, Sales Risk Management, MassMutual Financial Group, 2022 WNE Alumnus of the Year award recipient, and past chair of the WNE Board of Trustees.
The Presidential Search Committee will be composed of a cross-section of our campus community, including trustees, faculty, staff, and students. We are committed to a process that is inclusive and thoughtful, and that reflects the values and aspirations of the Western New England community.
The Committee will hold its first meeting in late August or early September. During that time, representatives from WittKieffer will be on campus to conduct a series of listening sessions with various constituencies. These sessions will provide an opportunity for you to share your perspectives on the qualities and priorities you believe are essential in our next president.
We will share more details in the coming weeks and will provide regular updates once the search process is formally underway.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Western New England University. Your engagement and insights will be invaluable as we move forward with this important endeavor.
Elena Gervino, Chair, Board of Trustees
Western New England University