Judy Ryan and Megan Sanders appointed to posts in Administration and Finance, and Human Resources

University of Maine President Paul Ferguson has announced the appointment of Judy Ryan as vice president for administration and finance (VPAF) and Megan Sanders as associate vice president for human resources and administration (AVPHR), effective May 1.

These appointments result from the departure of Janet Waldron, former UMaine senior vice president for administration and finance, who began her appointment as vice chancellor for finance at the University of North Texas System on April 28.

Although Waldron will be available on a limited consulting basis to ensure continuity and finalization for FY14 and FY15 budget completion, the timing of Waldron’s departure requires a competent, experienced administrator overseeing the functions of the eight departments currently reporting to the VPAF. Over the next year, Ryan will lead the Office of the VPAF to examine its various functions and reporting structure, and to make recommendations regarding the management and operation of the many units that currently report to the VPAF.

Ryan is well-suited to fill the VPAF position on a one-year, fixed-length basis. She has considerable administrative experience in positions at UMaine, the University of Maine System and the University of Southern Maine (USM), including vice president for human resources and senior advisor to the president at USM; vice president for student affairs at USM; vice president for student development at USM; special assistant to the president at USM; and chief of staff and senior advisor to the chancellor of the University of Maine System.

Since 2012, Ryan has served as associate vice president for human resources and administration at UMaine. She has had a key role in the implementation and integration phases of UMaine’s Blue Sky Plan. Ryan’s broad knowledge of UMaine and the University of Maine System, and her relationships and professional connections at UMaine have prepared her to lead the departments reporting to the VPAF.

With Ryan’s reassignment, Megan Sanders, currently the associate director of human resources, will assume the position of associate vice president for human resources and administration.

The responsibilities of the AVPHR position match well with Sanders’ skills and background. She has enjoyed considerable success in her position as associate director of human resources at UMaine, and plays an integral role in the delivery of human resources-related guidance and counsel to individuals positioned at all levels of the institution. Prior to joining UMaine Human Resources, Sanders practiced law at one of northern New England’s largest law firms, focusing on labor and employment matters.

“I am very grateful that Judy and Meg have graciously agreed to step into these significant management positions at a critical time for UMaine,” said President Ferguson. “It is essential that we ensure continuity and excellence of operations while we prepare for timely and appropriate management searches. Judy and Meg will bring that continuity and excellence.”