Hyatt is new head of Pres. Fagin's office

By CARA TANAMACHI As of September 1, Linda Hyatt dropped one word from her administrative title acting. Hyatt is now, officially, executive director of the president's office a position that she's been holding temporarily since October 1992 when John Gould became acting executive vice president of the University. Gould is now vice president and director of planning. Instead of hiring one of several candidates interviewed during a year-long search for a new executive director, Interim President Claire Fagin decided instead to appoint Hyatt to the position permanently. "While I wasn't sure I was going to get it, I was hopeful that I might," said Hyatt, who has worked with the University administration for the last seven years. "[My appointment] represents for me a significant promotion." As executive director, Hyatt is Fagin's chief of staff, and the president's liaison to the University's 12 academic schools. "[My appointment] was a vote of confidence by Claire Fagin in my ability to support her during her presidency," Hyatt said. "I think I'm extraordinarily fortunate to have my job and I think it is one of the most interesting ones out there." Fagin said that she enjoys working with Hyatt, who has been her assistant since she assumed the role of interim president July 1. "Linda brings a wealth of experience and a proven record as a top-flight leader and administrator," Fagin said. Hyatt said she thinks this is a "particularly exciting year to be starting out" as executive director of the president's office, adding that she hopes to "learn a lot from Claire Fagin."