Newman named interim community college chancellor

J. Bonnie Newman, whose long, impressive resume includes a stint as interim president of the University of New Hampshire, has been picked to serve as interim chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire, succeeding Richard Gustafson, who retires this summer. A search earlier this year for a permanent chancellor did not yield a final candidate. Newman will serve as chancellor while a new search is conducted and permanent chancellor is found. Newman will begin working as chancellor on Aug. 15.Newman, a Portsmouth resident, is former executive dean at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, served in the administrations of two Presidents Reagan and Bush and is a former chief of staff to former U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg when he served in the U.S. House of Representatives. She also served as president of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire in the 1980s.As chancellor, Newman will oversee operations of the state’s seven community colleges.”Few people in New Hampshire or the nation have Bonnie Newman’s breadth of experience in higher education, business and government, her focus on business and policy advocacy, and her remarkable record of leadership and stewardship,” said Paul Holloway, chairman of the community college system board of trustees. “Bonnie Newman will be a tremendous asset at this important time. We look forward to working with her.” — JEFF FEINGOLD/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW