Winter 2023 Issue

Board Notes

Report from the fall 2022 meeting of the WMAA Board of Directors

January 18, 2023 By Claire De Lisle M.B.A. ’21

The fall meeting of the William & Mary Alumni Association Board of Directors was held at the William & Mary Alumni House on Sept. 15-16, 2022. A few members attended virtually.   

Following approval of the consent agenda, Howard J. Busbee ’65, J.D. ’67, M.L.T. ’68, L.H.D. ’22, P ’90, P ’04, interim chief executive officer, gave members a brief synopsis of FY23 short-term goals, program review and projects in process. Key highlights included:

Treasurer John Cole Scott ’00 introduced presentations by the Association’s independent auditors, PB Mares, and from our investment firm, the Optimal Group of Wells Fargo.

Matthew T. Lambert ’99, vice president of university advancement, provided an update on the search for the new CEO, which was conducted in conjunction with the Aspen Leadership Group. [Editor’s note: Matthew L. “Matt” Brandon ’99 began his term as the new CEO on Nov. 28.]

Derek Aday, dean and director of William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), gave an overview of the mission and vision of VIMS and recent construction on its campus.

Alicia Hainsworth, associate director of signature programs, provided the board with an update on Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Oct. 6-9, 2022. Valerie Cushman, senior director of alumni engagement and inclusion initiatives, provided the board with a brief update on W&M Women’s Weekend, Sept. 16-18, 2022.

Kelly Holdcraft, senior director for career, affinity and regional engagement, provided a progress report on planning for W&M Weekend, to be held in San Francisco, June 1-4, 2023. She also provided an update on events for military/veterans throughout the fall. She announced promotions and new responsibilities for her staff members and introduced her graduate assistant, Macy Lawton M.Ed. ’24.

Robert Waggoner, executive director of regional advancement, gave a fundraising update. Heather Golden, chief marketing officer, provided the board with an understanding of the recruitment process the university undertakes to enhance its presence beyond the borders of Virginia. 

Chairs from the Communications, Board Development, Inclusion, Career, Affinity & Regional Engagement and Finance & Investment committees updated members on action items and priorities in their respective areas. Ian Doty ’21, co-chair of the Young Guarde Council, and Joe O'Brien ’23, chair for Students for University Advancement, provided overviews of their fall goals and priorities.

Jean Berger Estes ’75, chair of the Impact Award Task Force, provided the board with a brief update from the task force. She shared examples of service awards given by campus partners and other universities.

The meeting concluded with the approval of a resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of the Order of the White Jacket.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be February 9-10, 2023 and will be held in person in Williamsburg, Virginia.