Paul Smith's College Welcomes New Trustees

New trustees bring decades of leadership experience, shared commitment to student success

PAUL SMITHS, N.Y. (09/24/2026) — Paul Smith's College today announced that it has welcomed five new members to its Board of Trustees, bringing extensive experience in business, hospitality, education and nonprofit leadership to the governing body of the College. The new trustees are Ginger Cantwell Carriero, Rich Kroes, Brian Ruder, Joe VanWhy and Allison Birdsong. Together, the new trustees add depth to the Board as it guides the College through an important period of growth and continued investment in its distinctive educational model.

"We are fortunate to welcome this exceptional group of leaders to the Paul Smith's College Board of Trustees," said Dr. Dan Kelting, president of Paul Smith's College. "Their experience, perspective, and commitment to the North Country and to the future of education will strengthen the College as we continue to build on what makes Paul Smith's distinctive."

Ginger Cantwell Carriero is vice president of Physician Contracting and Provider Relations at Adirondack Medical Center, where she leads work involving physician partnerships and health care operations. Her career in health care leadership has included extensive experience working with physicians, health systems and communities across the Adirondacks.

Rich Kroes is a business and technology executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience at Oracle. His career has included senior roles spanning technology, business strategy, organizational leadership and operations at one of the world's largest technology companies.

Brian Ruder is founder and CEO of Skylight Counselors and a former senior executive at Citigroup, Heinz and PepsiCo. His career has spanned corporate leadership, entrepreneurship and organizational development, with executive experience across financial services and consumer products.

Joe VanWhy is an award-winning hotel developer, owner and entrepreneur with a three-decade career in the hospitality industry. Since attending Paul Smith's College, his work has included developing and operating properties associated with some of the nation's leading hospitality brands. He has also been a significant philanthropic supporter of hospitality education, with a focus on student opportunity and experiential learning.

Allison Birdsong is an educator and nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience in independent schools and international educational settings. Her career has included leadership, teaching and mentorship roles focused on educational development, lifelong learning and community engagement.

Beyond their professional accomplishments, each new trustee brings a meaningful connection to the North Country. Their lives and work are rooted in the region, reflecting a shared investment in the communities, people, and opportunities that shape the Adirondacks. Their local perspective will complement their professional experience as the College continues to prepare students to live and work in a changing world.

The College also recognizes four trustees whose terms on the Board have concluded: Elizabeth Thorndike, Charlotte Newbury, Paul Ciminelli and Jim Cantwell. Paul Smith's College thanks each of them for their service, leadership and commitment to the College community. In particular, Elizabeth Thorndike and Paul Ciminelli have each devoted decades of service to the Board, providing continuity and leadership through significant chapters in the College's history. Their long-term commitment reflects a deep investment in Paul Smith's College and its mission, and the impact of their service will carry forward well beyond their terms.

"Trustees give their time, expertise and energy because they believe in what Paul Smith's can do for students and for the communities we serve," said President Kelting. "I am incredibly grateful for the work they each have done on behalf of the College."

The new trustees join the Board as Paul Smith's College begins a new academic year and continues its work to expand opportunities for students, strengthen its connections across the Adirondacks, and prepare graduates to lead through experience.

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