UNM-Gallup Acting Director Named

For release -- April 10, 2008

University of New Mexico interim Provost Viola Florez has named management and organization expert Barry Cooney as acting executive director of the UNM-Gallup branch campus. Cooney started work on April 9.

Cooney will serve a six-month appointment while a national search for executive director is conducted. Dr. Beth Miller, who served in that post since 2003, resigned last month. On July 1, she will begin working with the UNM Vice President for Rio Rancho operations, Dr. Marc Nigliazzo, on plans for the new campus in that community.

In 1985, Cooney founded Alliance for Creative Management, Inc., a management and organization consulting firm that works with public and private institutions on strategic planning, internal communication development, leadership training, management development, conflict resolution and team building. In this capacity, he has worked with UNM’s Anderson School of Management, the College of Education and Office of the Comptroller.

In 1991 – 1993, Cooney served as deputy assistant to the New Mexico Secretary of Health. During his career, he has also served as director of operations for Canyon Ranch Resort in Tucson, AZ; as executive director of the Rio Grande Center for Alcohol Treatment in Embudo, NM; and as an instructor in human behavior at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA.