Washington’s Council of Presidents announced its new Executive Director, David Schumacher, today, October 12. Schumacher will join the council on October 29.
Schumacher is currently the Staff Director of the Washington State Senate Ways and Means Committee, where he has worked in several capacities for over 15 years. Schumacher holds both bachelors and masters degrees in Economics from the University of Washington. He replaces Michael Reilly, who in March was named Executive Director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Jane Sherman, Vice Provost for Academic Policy and Evaluation at Washington State University, has served as Interim COP Executive Director since April.
Council Chair, President Bruce Shepard of Western Washington University, welcomed Schumacher stating, “We look forward to the enthusiasm and expertise that David’s leadership will provide as we build upon the successes of the 2012 legislative session. I am confident that he will help policymakers and others to recognize the vital role our colleges and universities play in meeting the needs of business and industry and allowing hardworking students to achieve their dreams in Washington.”
The Council of President’s is a voluntary Washington State association comprised of the Presidents for the six public baccalaureate degree granting college and universities. COP provides a forum for the Presidents and other institutional groups to meet and share common interests about higher education in Washington. It fosters coordination and collaboration among the public baccalaureate institutions as well as with other partners in the boarder education community.