Institutional News

Lorraine Atwood Appointed Vice President for Finance and Administration

Lorraine Atwood has been named Vice President for Finance and Administration at Bennington College.

Image of Lorraine Atwood

As part of the College’s leadership team, Lorraine will oversee the College’s financial operations, facilities management and planning, human resources, and information technology as well as conference services and dining services. She will also staff the Budget & Finance, Audit & Risk, Investment, and Campus Planning committees of the Board of Trustees. She will report to President Laura Walker. 

Most recently, Atwood was the Vice President of Finance and Administration at Vermont Law and Graduate School. During her 22-year career, Vermont Law and Graduate School launched new revenue-generating initiatives. She recently implemented a bold strategic plan that includes expanding current programs and launching a graduate school. 

Atwood is known for her strategic approach to financial planning, her energy for innovative programs, and her ability to renew core revenue streams. She has managed sustainable building projects and technology initiatives, including implementing online programs. In addition, she has served on numerous accreditation committees for other smaller liberal arts schools. 

“Lorraine has so many qualities that make her the perfect fit for this important position on the College’s senior leadership team,” said Bennington College President Laura Walker. “Lorraine comes with amazing experience and a love for Vermont. She received strong support from the community and will make a great addition to the senior leadership team.”

Prior to her work in higher education, Atwood worked as a certified public accountant in a firm specializing in start-up and high-tech companies. She was among the second graduating class of the Vermont Leadership Institute at the Snelling Center. Atwood holds a master’s in Accountancy from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s in economics from Williams College.

“I am very excited to become part of the Bennington College community,” Atwood said. “Bennington is a very innovative school. I appreciate the opportunity to work with everyone and to move the mission forward.”

Atwood will begin work at Bennington on July 17.