Member Reflections: Dr. Cynthia S. Visot
By Dr. Cynthia S. Visot, ZRG The Registry Member
This past summer, I completed two consecutive interim leadership roles — first as Interim Chief of Staff and then, at the university president’s request, as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs.
These experiences reaffirmed for me the unique value of interim executive leadership: stepping into transition with clarity, stabilizing operations quickly, and strengthening an institution in ways that last beyond one’s tenure.
In the President’s Office, I focused on creating a structure to help advance the president’s priorities, strengthening communication, and creating a welcoming environment for staff, faculty, and students. In Student Affairs, I focused on organizational realignment, improved business operations, rebuilt cross‑campus partnerships, and helped shift the culture toward collaboration and accountability. One highlight was partnering with Advancement to transform Athletics’ major fundraiser — tripling the amount raised.
But the real impact came from encouraging directors and AVPs to take ownership of their areas and lead boldly. When people feel trusted and supported, they step forward — and the institution moves forward with them.
Across both roles, I learned that interim executives set the tone immediately. Executive presence, transparent communication, and a welcoming culture are stabilizing forces. But empowerment is what creates lasting change. When leaders feel trusted, supported, and encouraged to lead boldly, the institution moves forward — even in transition.
This experience strengthened my belief that interim executives can do more than maintain continuity. They can rebuild confidence and trust, reinforce governance, empower teams, and position divisions for long‑term success. I am proud of what we accomplished together. My time at this University reaffirmed that the most powerful interim leadership contribution is enabling others to lead.
Member Reflections: Dr. Cynthia S. Visot
By Dr. Cynthia S. Visot, ZRG The Registry Member
This past summer, I completed two consecutive interim leadership roles — first as Interim Chief of Staff and then, at the university president’s request, as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs.
These experiences reaffirmed for me the unique value of interim executive leadership: stepping into transition with clarity, stabilizing operations quickly, and strengthening an institution in ways that last beyond one’s tenure.
In the President’s Office, I focused on creating a structure to help advance the president’s priorities, strengthening communication, and creating a welcoming environment for staff, faculty, and students. In Student Affairs, I focused on organizational realignment, improved business operations, rebuilt cross‑campus partnerships, and helped shift the culture toward collaboration and accountability. One highlight was partnering with Advancement to transform Athletics’ major fundraiser — tripling the amount raised.
But the real impact came from encouraging directors and AVPs to take ownership of their areas and lead boldly. When people feel trusted and supported, they step forward — and the institution moves forward with them.
Across both roles, I learned that interim executives set the tone immediately. Executive presence, transparent communication, and a welcoming culture are stabilizing forces. But empowerment is what creates lasting change. When leaders feel trusted, supported, and encouraged to lead boldly, the institution moves forward — even in transition.
This experience strengthened my belief that interim executives can do more than maintain continuity. They can rebuild confidence and trust, reinforce governance, empower teams, and position divisions for long‑term success. I am proud of what we accomplished together. My time at this University reaffirmed that the most powerful interim leadership contribution is enabling others to lead.
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