The Council of President’s, the voluntary Washington association comprised of the Presidents for the six public baccalaureate degree granting college and universities, announced yesterday that Michael Reilly is stepping down as Executive Director to become Executive Director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) headquartered in Washington D.C.

Reilly has been with the Council of Presidents (COP) since August 2008. In July 2010 he assumed the role of Executive Director. While with COP, Reilly worked with the six public baccalaureate institutions  navigating difficult legislative session after difficult legislative session. He has worked particularly close with the legislative officers of the institutions, bringing them together as one voice in front of the legislature.  “Mike has done a stellar job as Executive Director, leading COP through some of Washington’s toughest legislative sessions in recent memory,” said Western Washington University President Bruce Shepard. “Though higher ed has been particularly hard-hit in the two sessions, we’ve been increasingly successful in getting legislators and others to recognize the vital role we play in creating brighter futures for all. Mike has been an integral part of that turnaround, and we thank him for his service and leadership.”

Succeeding Reilly in an interim capacity will be Jane Sherman. Sherman, Vice Provost for Academic Policy and Evaluation at Washington State University, will be on leave from her position to serve. As Vice Provost at Washington State Sherman directs the institutional planning for internal and external accountability and accreditations initiatives and academic program planning and approval. She also oversees several academic areas including transfer policy and community college relationships. Sherman has worked extensively with the legislative officers of the Council of President’s in policy analysis and implementation.

“The Council of Presidents is delighted that Jane has agreed to serve as Interim Executive Director and we look forward to the continuity and leadership that she will provide during the national search for a permanent replacement,” said current COP Chair, University of Washington President Michael Young.

Sherman will begin as interim on April 2. A national search will begin immediately, with a goal of hiring a permanent Director this fall.