Governor appoints Sue Gerdelman ‘76 to W&M Board of Visitors
New board member Alumna Sue Hanna Gerdelman '76 has been appointed to the William & Mary Board of Visitors. Photo by Mark Mitchell
Alumna Sue Hanna Gerdelman ’76 has been appointed to the William & Mary Board of Visitors, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today.
Gerdelman has held numerous leadership roles at her alma mater, including former chair of the William & Mary Foundation. She is also a 2011 recipient of the Alumni Medallion, the highest honor the William & Mary Alumni Association can bestow on a graduate.
“Sue Gerdelman knows William & Mary exceptionally well,” said William & Mary President Taylor Reveley. “She and her husband, John, have been devoted alumni of the College, actively involved in its life since graduation. Sue has also amassed an impressive record of public service. Thus, she brings a wealth of experience to the Board. It’s wonderful that she will join it.”
Gerdelman, who majored in education at William & Mary, brings a wide range of public service experiences to the Board. This includes everything from being an elementary school teacher to serving as a member of a local school board to working in the West Wing of the White House. Gerdelman has served in a number of roles with the federal government, including associate director of the National Economic Council and later executive assistant to the assistant to the president for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. In 2001, Gerdelman worked as a volunteer on the presidential inaugural committee.
Gerdelman has also been an active member of the university community, including serving as the immediate past chair of the William & Mary Foundation Board of Trustees. She has held a number of other leadership posts at her alma mater and in the community, including serving as chair of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Gerdelman’s husband, John, served on the Board of Visitors for eight years, including two years as vice rector before his second term ended in 2011.
“This is great news for the university,” said Jeffrey B. Trammell, Rector of the College. “Sue is a devoted alumna of William & Mary and cares deeply about its future. As the previous chair of the W&M Foundation, she is highly respected by members of the Board. We look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”
Gerdelman will serve the remaining two years of the four-year term of Laura L. Flippin ’92 and be eligible for reappointment in 2014. Flippin stepped down from the Board in September.
