MEDIA STATEMENT

July 11, 2018

Media Contact:
Greg Ward
Director of Communications & SAGA Editor
noblemen@sigtau.org

Vanessa Ryan Named Interim CEO and COO of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity

Steve Latour to step down after serving as CEO since January 2015

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – Sigma Tau Gamma announced today the hiring of Vanessa Ryan as its new interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Ryan takes over for Steve Latour, who is stepping down after more than three years leading the organization

Ryan has nearly 20 years of higher education experience in student affairs, including facilities management, supervision, training, housing, and conference and event services. She previously served as Sigma Tau Gamma’s Director of Education and Standards from August 2016 – January 2017 and the Director of WPN Housing from January 2017 – June 2018, where she was instrumental in the first year of the Noble Man Institute and providing leadership in the growth of WPN National Housing Company to 11 properties. Ryan was also the lead staff member for the Headquarters relocation project including the expansion and renovation of the Fraternity’s new Headquarters facility. Prior to coming to Sigma Tau Gamma, she served as the first Director of the Anderson Student Center at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and was involved with student affairs at Oakland University and Central Michigan University. Ryan received her Bachelor’s Degree and Master of Arts Degree in Education Administration from Central Michigan University and is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta.

“I could not be more excited to lead one of the strongest fraternities and professional staffs in the world as the organization approaches its centennial celebration,” Ryan said. “I’m looking forward to working with our undergraduate members, alumni and staff to build and maintain chapters focused on creating lifelong friendships and developing future leaders that make our world a better place.”

Ryan will take over as interim CEO and COO immediately. Sigma Tau Gamma will conduct a thorough search for a permanent CEO, and Ryan will be considered for this position.

Under Latour’s leadership, Sigma Tau Gamma has grown to include 16 staff members, 85 active chapters, 3,000 undergraduate men and 61,000 living alumni. In 2015, Latour helped develop the Fraternity’s Strategic Plan 2020, which addresses issues, challenges, opportunities and environmental factors anticipated during the next five years. He also oversaw the move of the organization’s headquarters earlier this year.

“I am honored to have served as CEO of this great fraternity, and want to thank our Board, staff, alumni and undergraduate members for this rewarding experience,” said Latour. “The work we’ve been able to accomplish together has given me hope for and confidence in the fraternity experience.”

“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Steve for his vision and leadership,” said Jim Johnston, 40th National President of Sigma Tau Gamma. “We believe Vanessa’s personality and two decades of experience in higher education make her the ideal person to serve as interim CEO and COO of the organization moving forward.”

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY
Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920, the organization will commemorate its 100th Anniversary in 2020. With a presence on 85 campuses in 31 states, our membership includes 3,000 undergraduate men and 61,000 living alumni. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation, and WPN Housing Company, is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, 12 miles from the center of downtown. Visit https://sigtau.org for additional information.