MORGANTOWN – WVU on Monday announced its reorganization plans for the Strategic Initiatives unit. President Gordon Gee said the changes are effective immediately, following Rob Alsop’s departure.
Alsop, former vice president for Strategic Initiatives, announced his departure Oct. 31, with the plan to temporarily transition to the role of special adviser to the president through Jan. 31, 2024.
Under the reorganization, all Talent and Culture teams now report to Stephanie Taylor, WVU vice president and general counsel. Talent and Culture previously reported to Alsop through a former vice president Cris DeBord, who announced his retirement in August, and his position was eliminated.
Because Talent and Culture is a critical function for university employees, WVU said, they will begin a search for an associate vice president at a later date “to ensure the unit provides the best customer service to university partners.”
Taylor will continue to lead WVU’s legal team and the University Police Department.
Remaining under the leadership of Associate Vice President Ted Svehlik, the Auxiliary and Business Services team will report to Paula Congelio, vice president and chief financial officer. Svehlik previously reported to Alsop.
Congelio also will take on the Dining Services, WVU Bookstores and Erickson Alumni Center teams, which will be grouped into a strategic partnerships team led by Assistant Vice President Erin Newmeyer.
Newmeyer, who previously reported to Alsop and served Strategic Initiatives as assistant vice president, will also continue to oversee the marketing/communications efforts for Finance, Auxiliary and Business Services, Legal, Talent and Culture, University Police, Erickson Alumni Center and other administrative units.
Brice Knotts, chief information officer, will report directly to Gee. Knotts previously reported to Alsop and will continue to lead WVU’s Information Technology Services team.
Finally, Travis Mollohan, director of government relations, will become associate vice president and lead government relations and collaborations. Mollohan will report to Gee and manage a team that focuses on federal, state, local and corporate relations.
Rocco Fucillo, senior advisor and director of state relations, has retired from the university.
“Rocco was a valuable member of the Government Relations team, and his commitment greatly enhanced our relationships with state policymakers and community leaders,” Gee said. “We thank Rocco for his decade of service to West Virginia University and we will miss him dearly.”
