Expanding William & Mary’s reach in regional partnerships
Summary
W&M has appointed Monty Mason ’89 as Senior Director for Community Affairs & Partnerships. The appointment is part of a long-term effort to reimagine the university’s Government & External Affairs team.
Full Description
Aligned with Vision 2026’s goal to expand William & Mary’s reach, the university is enhancing efforts to build partnerships and connections across the region.
As part of that effort, W&M has appointed Monty Mason ’89 as Senior Director for Community Affairs & Partnerships. The appointment is part of a long-term effort to reimagine the university’s Government & External Affairs team.
The role, which reshapes a previous position, focuses on the critical need to maximize professional partnerships from Richmond to Hampton Roads. Supporting W&M and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the senior director represents the university and the president to external partners. The position is charged with forging new connections to support collaborative research, community engagement, and economic development in the region.
Mason was selected following a competitive search process. He begins March 11 and joins a new Government & External Affairs team, led by Assistant Vice President Ashley Hood and reporting to Carlane Pittman-Hampton, the president’s chief of staff. Mason will also spend a portion of his time supporting VIMS priorities.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Monty Mason as he joins our reimagined Government & External Affairs team,” Pittman-Hampton said. “As we think about the university’s future, expanding partnerships across the region and beyond is vital to our continued success. Realizing new opportunities for our faculty, staff and students and building new streams of revenue are all critical components of William & Mary's future. Mr. Mason brings such a breadth of experience across all these areas. This is a perfect fit.”
Mason comes to the position following extensive experience in public service, community engagement and economic development roles, including serving as chair of the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority from 2008 to 2013. Previously, Mason served in senior roles at both VISA and LandAmerica Financial Group. He has served in numerous leadership roles within the community and the Commonwealth, including serving in both the Virginia House of Delegates (from 2014 to 2016) and Senate of Virginia (from 2016 to 2024).
After graduating as a government major at W&M, Mason remained an engaged alumnus and volunteered in a number of roles, including the Strategic Planning Committee and the Athletic Educational Fund and Tribe Club Executive Board. In 2002, Mason received the W&M Young Alumni Service Award, and in 2018 he was honored with the Alumni Service Award.
