Leslie Ward has been named interim president of the Vermont College of Fine Arts in the state capital of Montpelier. The college enrolls nearly 400 students, 67 percent of whom are women.
Ward has had an extensive career in management consulting and strategic planning. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies at the Boston Consulting Group, in business development and strategic planning for investment properties owned by General Atlantic Partners, and in the nonprofit world helping establish and organizations launch new initiatives and develop sustainable operating plans. Her clients included the National Office of Outward Bound, the Clark Foundation, the U.S. government, City Year, and Public Allies. She has served on the board of several Vermont organizations, including Woodbury College and Everybody Wins!, and has been an advisor to several private for-profit companies.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue my service to VCFA in the capacity as Interim President,” said Ward. “The faculty and staff who have worked so hard with President Greene over the past 11 years have created a truly remarkable institution supporting artists and the impact they have in the world.”
Ward continued, “My goal during this interim year is to work with the faculty and staff to position VCFA for continued success through this leadership transition process and beyond, looking at opportunities across all the disciplines we touch to further our reach and deepen our impact.”
Ward holds a master of fine arts degree in writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and an MBA from Harvard University.