Following the departure of Keith Dennis as Saint Mary's vice president of finance, John Hollenkamp has been tapped to lead the department on an interim basis.

Hollenkamp will serve until a committee headed by College President Marilou Eldred hires someone to the position permanently.

"I am now in the process of forming a search committee composed of faculty and staff," Eldred said. "I believe the search will begin by early October," Eldred said. "It is hard to

estimate how long it will take – probably a few months. We will keep the search

in process until we find the best person for this important position at Saint

Mary's."

Due to confidentiality reasons, Eldred cannot said she couldn't discuss the circumstances of Dennis' leaving the College. She said the search process would yield a qualified candidate for the position.

"We are always looking at how we can improve service to students and the Saint Mary's community, so I'm sure the next person will try to do that."

Though Hollenkamp has been in the finance office for only a few days now, is not

new to the Saint Mary's campus. He previously worked with the Congregation through Holy Cross Resources through its insurance benefits, retirement trusts and health care plans.

Currently Hollenkamp is becoming familiar with College staff, administrators and

directors. He also plans to review procedures and reports to explore if "there is any way to streamline or make it more efficient."

"Things appear to be very well-run. It's more taking the next step in information systems and making the process more efficient," Hollenkamp said. "I want to explore using technology by providing a Web-based system so that information can be available to faculty and financial aid information to parents and students."

He plans to submit his name for consideration by the committee formed to hire the new vice president. In the meantime, he has plans to resolve imminent issue, but realizes that the scope of some of his projects may be limited.

"Communication is the key right now," Hollenkamp said.

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