Michael West, VP for Finance and Administration and Treasurer, to retire
To the Skidmore Community,
I write to announce that after nearly 14 years with Skidmore College, Michael West, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer, has informed me of his retirement, effective August 31, 2018.
Mike joined the Skidmore community in November 2004. During his tenure at the College, Mike has been a consummate professional in leading highly functional teams in finance and campus operations, including physical plant, information technology, human resources, and business services, including campus safety and dining services.
Prior to his arrival at Skidmore, Mike served as the chief financial officer at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. He also worked in two Boston public accounting firms that specialized in higher education practice.
Throughout his time at Skidmore, Mike has managed the College's finances, physical plant, and a wide range of operations. His work in the administration and on the Investment, Audit and Risk Management, and the Budget, Finance and Infrastructure Committees of the Board of Trustees has made possible the strong financial position Skidmore enjoys today and the many significant improvements to our campus that have occurred on his watch. During Mike's time at the College, I have benefited considerably from his expertise and deep experience in budgeting, financial planning, benefits, and oversight of the endowment. He has always taken an institution-wide perspective, pushing for excellence in all areas. He will be greatly missed.
Mike has been instrumental in securing financial support for the first phase of the Center for Integrated Sciences, the largest single construction project ever undertaken at Skidmore, and his financial acumen has been invaluable during the annual budget process.
W. Scott McGraw, chair of Skidmore's Board of Trustees, said, "Mike has been a terrific partner with the Board, not only in maintaining a strong fiscal approach but also in supporting the vision that allowed us to move forward on important campus projects such as the Arthur Zankel Music Center, Northwoods Village and Sussman Village apartments, the renovation of the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, and the Center for Integrated Sciences, construction for which will begin in May."
Beyond his work at Skidmore, Mike has made significant contributions to the greater Capital Region community, including service on the boards of Saratoga Hospital, Albany Medical Center, and Albany Medical College. He also has served with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, participating in numerous accreditation reviews at other institutions.
Due to summer schedules and Mike's preference, we will not have a campuswide send-off, but I encourage you to stop by Mike's office or send him a note to wish him well.
Mike shared with me the following thoughts to be conveyed to the Skidmore community: "It has been a privilege and honor to work at Skidmore, and I believe working with the trustees, President Glotzbach, cabinet, the senior staff and the highly talented and dedicated employees in the Office of Finance and Administration, and with others, much has been accomplished and there is also much to be proud of. The College is better financially and in other ways today, and we hope we played a small part in this work. It has been a good run. We wish the College and all of you the very best in the months and years ahead."
A national search for Mike's successor will commence immediately. Please join me in thanking Mike for all he has accomplished on behalf of Skidmore and wishing him well in his retirement.