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College Consortium Names New CEO
Worcester, MA (August 15, 2006) - The Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. has announced the appointment of Mark P. Bilotta as its new chief executive officer, effective September 5, 2006. The Consortium, founded in 1968, is a not-for-profit association, which represents 13 public and private accredited colleges and universities located in central Massachusetts and oversees millions of dollars in federal and state funds for access to postsecondary education programs.
Three strategic priorities of the Consortium include: providing academic resources, such as certificates in the study of gerontology and in college teaching, and facilitating cross-registration for all locally enrolled college students; enhancing and promoting the role of the 13 member institutions in the greater Worcester community; and providing access to higher education through GEAR UP and Educational Talent Search, both of which are federally funded programs.
The announcement of Mr. Bilotta’s appointment was made by chairperson of the Consortium Board and president of Worcester State College, Dr. Janelle C. Ashley. “We are very happy that Mr. Bilotta has accepted the position. It is clear to the Board and our member institutions that he will provide excellent leadership, creativity and innovation to the Consortium. His understanding of our mission and his knowledge of the economic and educational needs of central Massachusetts, particularly Worcester, will greatly enhance the Consortium’s role as an active partner with the city, the schools and the business community.”
Mr. Bilotta comes to the Consortium with 18 years of higher education experience, having served most recently as the executive assistant to the president of Assumption College, a cabinet-level position he has held for the past eight years. While at Assumption, his primary responsibilities included overseeing the college’s marketing and communication efforts, government and community relations, and serving as secretary to the Board of Trustees. Prior to Assumption, Mr. Bilotta held administrative positions at Worcester State College and the College of the Holy Cross.
“I am thrilled to combine my years of experience in higher education with my passion of providing access and early awareness to postsecondary opportunities. As one of the area’s largest and most influential industries, the Consortium, its dedicated staff, and members will help to shape the economic future of Worcester and the region in mission-related ways,” remarked Mr. Bilotta. “I look forward to embracing the mission of each organization that the Consortium represents and harnessing that commitment and energy to help make Worcester and the region a destination for future college students.”
Mr. Bilotta has given extensively of his time and talent for local organizations. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Central Massachusetts, and a corporator and committee member for the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. He has served as a liaison for Assumption College to the Worcester UniverCity Partnership and has supported the marketing efforts of the City of Worcester. Mr. Bilotta is a 1980 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and received a Master of Business Administration in 1991 from Clark University.
Dr. Thomas R. Plough, president of Assumption, nominated Mr. Bilotta for this position. “I was delighted to hear that Mark was selected as the CEO of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium. When I put his name forth, it was because I felt that his skill set was a perfect match for this important Worcester leadership position and it was a logical career move for him. Mark is a friend and trusted colleague who has been a creative force in my office for the past eight years. While his departure from Assumption will be a loss for the College, it will be a gain for Worcester higher education. We wish him the best of luck.”
Mr. Bilotta assumes the role as CEO, which was vacated by Dr. Frederick Baus, who resigned in June.
Colleges of Worcester Consortium member institutions are: Anna Maria College, Assumption College, Atlantic Union College, Becker College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Quinsigamond Community College, Nichols College, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Worcester State College.
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