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Campuses:
Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce Pamela A. Wheelock as the next Vice President for University Services, effective August 15, 2012, and pending approval by the Board of Regents on July 11, 2012. I am delighted that Pam has accepted this critical position leading the University Services organization, and I look forward to working with her in the years ahead of further advance the excellence of the University of Minnesota.
Pam brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in high profile, complex roles in both the public and private sector. Most recently, she served as interim president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, where she has served as board chair. Prior to that appointment, Pam worked for the Bush Foundation, leading a team to enhance the vitality of communities and advance solutions to tough public problems through learning and leadership. She also served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Minnesota Sports and Entertainment, as the state finance commissioner for Governor Jesse Ventura, as deputy mayor and director of planning and economic development for the mayor of St. Paul, Norm Coleman, and in other municipal, state, and federal positions.
I am confident that Pam has the vision, the qualifications, the experience, and the collaborative working style that will be critical to successfully leading University Services, serving as a key member of my senior leadership group, and working effectively to foster innovation, inspire commitment, and achieve operational excellence for the University of Minnesota.
As the chief operations officer, Pam will be responsible for creating and sustaining a physical environment and service culture that supports and advances the teaching, research, and outreach missions of the University of Minnesota system. We will be working closely with Pam over the coming weeks to ensure her smooth transition into this critical leadership position. Please join me in welcoming Pam Wheelock as our new Vice President for University Services.
During the brief transition period between Kathleen O’Brien’s June 30 end date and Pam’s August 15 start date, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Richard Pfutzenreuter will serve as the interim vice president for University Services.
Finally, I want to thank members of the search committee for their hard work, particularly co-chairs Vice President Richard Pfutzenreuter and Dean Tom Fisher for their strong leadership. I also want to thank members of the University community who took the time to attend the public interviews or view the public forums and provide your feedback. Your participation and input has been invaluable to me and to this search process.
Eric W. Kaler
President
