USM Names VP for Advancement

A specialist in corporate communications and community relations has been named interim vice president for advancement at the University of Southern Maine.

The University of Maine System Board of Trustees confirmed the appointment of Elizabeth O. Shorr of Portland at their meeting held earlier this spring, in Bangor. Shorr, former senior vice president of corporate affairs with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine, will assume her new duties on Monday, June 18. She replaces Vincent Pellegrino, who resigned upon completion of his doctoral dissertation to seek opportunities closer to out-of-state family members.

"Beth brings to us many years of experience in corporate communications and public relations," said USM President Richard L. Pattenaude, "and a reputation as a highly regarded community leader. Her experience and skills will be invaluable as we identify sources of support and continue to position USM as an institution that is vital to the future of the region and the state."

Pattenaude added that he has appointed Shorr to a two-year term and has asked that she "review the position's responsibilities and our organizational needs." As USM's interim vice president for advancement, she will oversee a variety of offices and functions, among them alumni, corporate relations, development, media/community relations and publications/marketing.

As senior vice president for corporate affairs at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine she was responsible for the development and implementation of communication, public affairs and community relations strategies that led to Blue Cross and Blue Shield's position as a market leader.

Shorr, a USM graduate, is past chair of the Maine Technical College System's Board of Trustees, the Greater Portland Children's Leadership Council, and a past board member of the University of New England, Hospice of Maine and Junior Achievement of Maine. She currently serves as a member of the Maine Women's Forum and chair of the United Way of Greater Portland's Board of Directors. Shorr is a 1998 recipient of the New England Council's Leadership Award to Women in Business and a 1991 recipient of the YWCA's Tribute to Women in Industry Award.

"As a graduate of USM and a member of the Greater Portland community I'm excited about the continued growth and commitment to excellence in education at USM. I look forward to being a part of the team continuing to position the university as a top-ranked institution and a leader in the economic growth and development of southern Maine," said Shorr.