ED Search
ED Search
UCEA is beginning a leadership transition following the resignation of Executive Director Dr. Mónica Byrne-Jiménez. This page has been created to share official updates related to the transition and search process, including timeline information, announcements from the Executive Committee, and future opportunities for community feedback.
Executive Committee Updates on UCEA ED Transition Process
The UCEA Executive Committee is leading UCEA's leadership transition. Key collaborators in this process are Michigan State University, our host institution, and the UCEA headquarters team.
This page will be used to share information externally about the ED transition process. It will be regularly updated with information about the process, and key information from this process will be curated near the bottom of this page.
Please reach out to Shelby Cosner, UCEA President, if you have any additional questions about the ED transition process. She can be reached at: Shelby.Cosner@uga.edu
UCEA Interim Leaders Announced
The Executive Committee is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Kofi Lomotey as the Interim Executive Director and Dr. Jayson Richardson as the Interim Associate Executive Director. Both began these assignments on April 27, 2026. They will serve in these roles until a new Executive Director has been hired and onboarded. The breakdown of work assignments for each individual can be found in the grid below.
| UCEA Work Stream | Interim Leader Connection |
|---|---|
| Quality Preparation | Interim Leader Connection to UCEA Work Streams |
| Research | Kofi |
| Policy & Advocacy | Jayson |
| Graduate Student Support | Kofi |
| Convention | Kofi and Miriam |
| Governance | Kofi and Jayson |
| Membership | Kofi |
| Partners | Shelby |
| Finance | Jayson |
| Data, Records, Archives | Jayson |
| Communications/External | Jayson |
| Communications/Internal (HQ) | Chris and New EC (Potentially also Kofi & Jayson) |
| Fundraising/Development | Jayson |
| Bank and Investment Signator/Contracts and Agreements | Kofi (along with Karen) |
General Information: Search Process and Timeline
The Executive Committee, in collaboration with our headquarters institution, Michigan State University, has begun planning for an Executive Director transition, which will occur in 2026.
This transition process is unfolding over three broad phases of work:
- Pre-search
- Search and selection
- New ED onboarding
Below is a graphic of the search process and timeline.
Pre-Search Process (March and April)
In the initial phase of the search process, the Executive Committee:
- Developed a transition budget
- Interviewed and selected a search firm (Greenwood, Asher, & Associates)
- Sought survey feedback to shape the ED job qualifications, responsibilities, and position description
What is on the Horizon: Search and Selection Process (May–August)
- Will launch a national recruitment effort
- Will select and organize a Search Committee that will lead the evaluation phase of the search process. Members of this committee will represent various stakeholder groups
- Search Committee will evaluate the applicants through paper screening and initial interviews and will recommend finalists to the Executive Committee
Prior ED Transition Communications
All formal communications related to the ED Transition are listed below:
- April Transition Discussion with UCEA Plenum, April 24, 2026
- April Executive Committee Update Regarding ED Transition, April 3, 2026
- Initial Executive Committee Communication Regarding ED Transition, March 5, 2026
- Resignation Letter, Dr. Mónica Byrne-Jiménez, March 5, 2026
Search Firm Supporting ED Transition
UCEA has selected Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) to support the Executive Director search. GA&A brings experience partnering with universities and higher education organizations across the country, including many within UCEA’s consortium.
Website: https://www.greenwoodsearch.com/
Search Firm Contacts:
- Andriel Dees: Andrieldees@greenwoodsearch.com
- Marion Frenche: Marionfrenche@greenwoodsearch.com
Community Input
UCEA is committed to engaging its members throughout this transition. Community input will play an important role in shaping the future direction of the organization and informing the Executive Director role.
UCEA is working with Greenwood Asher & Associates (GA&A) to gather confidential feedback from members and stakeholders. This feedback will help inform the Executive Director position profile, including responsibilities, qualifications, priorities, culture, and expectations.
Questions
Members of the Executive Committee welcome questions as UCEA moves through this transition. Leads within GA&A are also available for conversations if you have additional insights about the future Executive Director role or wish to explore the position.