Paul Smith's College appoints two new leaders

PAUL SMITHS, NY (03/23/2015)(readMedia)-- Paul Smith's College announced Monday that two new members have joined its leadership team.

Peter Burns, vice president for Enrollment Management at Hilbert College in Hamburg, N.Y., will join Paul Smith's as vice president for Enrollment Management in May, and Shannon Oborne, former vice president of Marketing at Tribune Media Services, came aboard Monday as the college's new chief marketing officer.

"We couldn't have asked for a better pair of candidates to fill these positions," said Cathy S. Dove, president of Paul Smith's College. "They both have extensive experience and proven success in their fields. They will be great additions to the Paul Smith's community."

As the head of Enrollment Management at Hilbert, Burns helped the college reach its highest enrollment ever. He is one of six members of the administrative council, which is responsible for overall strategic planning and management. He also served in senior leadership roles at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vt., American Student Assistance in Boston, and Eastern Maine Technical College in Bangor, Maine. He earned a master's in integrated marketing and communication from Saint Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y.

"I am extremely excited about joining Paul Smith's College and moving to the Adirondacks," Burns said. "The campus is unlike any other and provides a learning laboratory that is beautiful and inspirational. I am especially looking forward to meeting students and hearing about the range of experiential learning opportunities provided by the outstanding faculty."

As the head of Marketing at Tribune Media Services, Oborne managed all advertising, public relations, content marketing, sponsorships and promotions. She was responsible for marketing programs in North America, Europe and Latin America. Oborne also served in senior leadership roles at the College Loan Corporation in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and San Diego, Calif., and Collegiate Funding Services in Fredericksburg, Va. She earned a bachelor's in management and business from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.

"Paul Smith's offers a unique mix of attributes, from its world-class Adirondack location to the exemplary work of the faculty, students and staff," Oborne said. "Now more than ever, the college's focus on sustainability and real-world skills makes Paul Smith's an institution that can truly impact our collective future. It's a thrill and an honor to steward the Paul Smith's College brand."

ABOUT PAUL SMITH'S COLLEGE

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. Paul Smith's, which was founded in 1946, is the only bachelor's degree-granting institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information: www.paulsmiths.edu.