Council of Arts & Sciences

The Council of Arts & Sciences (CAS) is a broad group of alumni, parents, community members, and donors who provide counsel to the Arts & Sciences Dean's Office. A philanthropic advisory board, the group considers ways to strengthen and expand the impact of Arts & Sciences, build community within Arts & Sciences stakeholders, expand the range of possibilities through consultation with accomplished individuals outside of the professional sphere of higher education, and provide support for programming and initiatives.

Members

	Laini Boyd '18 Richmond, VA Laini Boyd earned her B.A. in Government from William & Mary in 2018 and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She currently manages external affairs for local Teach For America regions.
	Eboni Brown '17 Hopewell, VA Eboni Brown double-majored in government and Africana studies at William & Mary, graduating in 2017. During her time on campus, Eboni was actively involved with the WMSURE program and served as the Student Body President for the Student Assembly. After graduation, she dedicated seven years to public education as a math teacher and instructional coach. Eboni now serves as an Education Program Specialist for the U.S. Department of Education, continuing her commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students.
	Bruce Christian '73 Lynchburg, VA Bruce Christian holds an undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies from William & Mary, and a Master of Arts from Tulane University. He has served on the William & Mary Libraries Board, Foundation Board, National Campaign Committee, Campaign for William & Mary, Strategic Planning Board, and the Alumni Association Board. He is Chairman Emeritus of N.B. Handy Co.
	Michael J. Clem '81 Libertytown, MD Mike Clem double-majored in history and government at William & Mary. He served on For the Bold campaign's DC Metro Regional Campaign Committee. In 2006, after two decades spent as a journalist, ad copywriter, creative director, and direct mail fundraiser for nonprofits, Mike launched his own editorial services and public relations consulting business that continues today. He and his wife are the patrons of the university's Michael and Kathleen Clem History Writing Center.
	Brian Diffell '99 Falls Church, VA Brian Diffell holds a B.A. in International Relations from William & Mary and a master's degree from the U.S. Naval War College. He has served on the multiple class gift committees and on the W&M Public Policy Board of Advisors from 2014 to 2021. Diffell is a partner at a lobbying and consulting firm, and a former congressional staffer.
	Tom Flesher '73 San Francisco, CA Tom Flesher obtained his undergraduate degree in Mathematics from William & Mary and has served on the boards for the Annual Fund, Fund for William & Mary, Alumni Association, as well as the Class Reunion Committee, and the Crim Dell Association. He has had a career in computer software, held numerous technical and marketing roles, and served as a church organist.
	Mike Foradas '78 Richmond Hill, GA Michael Foradas obtained his B.A. in Philosophy and Government from William & Mary, and J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law. He was a partner with Chicago-based Kirkland & Ellis, LLP for over 30 years and is currently Of Counsel. Foradas has served as board member and chair of the William & Mary Foundation and as co-chair of the For the Bold Central Region Campaign Committee.
	Joe Gofus '18 (Honorary) Reston, VA Joe Gofus obtained a B.S. in Meteorology from Penn State University, and an M.S. in Computer Systems Applications from American University. Joe retired from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service after a successful career in meteorology and computer systems.
	Craig Hoffman '77, Vice-Chair Washington, DC Craig Hoffman obtained his undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Linguistics) from William & Mary, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut and J.D. from the University of Texas. He is a professor of U.S. legal discourse at Georgetown Law School.
	Lisa Roday '23 (Honorary), P '13, '14, Chair Henrico, VA Lisa Roday holds an undergraduate degree in English from the State University of New York at Binghamton and J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and is an Honorary Alumna of W&M. Roday practiced as an attorney in New York City and is now the president of FireIce Solutions, VA. She is a former member of the Board of Visitors from 2014 to 2022 and a proud parent of two W&M alumni.
	Caleb Rogers '20 Williamsburg, VA After obtaining a B.A. in Public Policy from William & Mary, Rogers was elected to the Williamsburg City Council. He has served on the Annual Giving Board, Students for University Advancement, and the Working group on Principles of Naming & Renaming. He is currently a sales director at Voltus in Williamsburg, VA.
	Khalil Russell '21 Davis, CA Khalil Russell earned his B.A. in Biology from William & Mary in 2021 before pursuing a Ph.D. in Population Biology at UC Davis. He has also served on the Annual Giving Board and the Students for University Advancement.
	Betsy Page Sigman '78 McLean, VA In addition to earning her B.A. in Government from William & Mary, Betsy Sigman earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Betsy serves as a member of the W&M Graduate Studies Advisory Board (GSAB) and now is its president. She served as the Director of Assessment and Analytics and holds the title of Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
	Jeanie DeBolt Thomas '90, P '20 Falls Church, VA Jeanie Thomas majored in Economics at William & Mary. She is a proud parent of a William & Mary alumna. Jeanie has served on the Young Guarde Council, the DC Metro Alumni Chapter Board, and as a Class Ambassador. She formerly worked in human resources as an executive compensation analyst and consultant.
	Diane Thompson '77, J.D. '81, P '20 Chesapeake, VA Diane Thompson obtained a B.S. in Mathematics from William & Mary, J.D. from William & Mary Law School, and LLM in Taxation from New York University. She taught as an adjunct in William & Mary Law School from and is a proud William & Mary parent of an alumnus. Diane is an attorney with Pender & Coward.
	Susan Trice '68 Arlington, VA Susan received her A.B. in English in 1968 from William & Mary. She was a representative for Arts & Sciences during the For the Bold campaign and served as a co-chair for her 50^th class reunion.
	Lisa Trivits '97 Bethesda, MD Lisa Trivits obtained her B.S. in Psychology from William and Mary in 1997, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Virginia. She has worked for 20 years as a research analyst on policy issues affecting children and youth.
	Olympia Trumbower '08 Bellevue, WA Olympia Trumbower holds a BA in Public Policy from W&M and an MPA from the University of Washington. She previously served on the W&M Annual Giving Board of Directors and she is a Charter member of the Society of 1918. Olympia’s leadership advisory and strategic partnerships expertise spans the philanthropic, health, and tech sectors. She is currently the Executive Briefing Lead at UiPath, an Agentic Process Automation company.
	David Wagner '96 Bethesda, MD David Wagner earned his B.A. in Economics from William and Mary in 1996 and his M.B.A from the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business in 2000. David has worked as an Investment Analyst and later a Portfolio Manager focused on small cap equities.