LATHAM, N.Y. – The United East Conference has announced updates to its leadership structure, with new appointments taking effect on July 1. Dr. Michael Reed, Penn College, and Dr. Wesley Fugate, Wilson College, will serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the Presidents’ Council, respectively, while Dr. Ashley Wagner, Notre Dame of Maryland University, and Erin Foley, Penn State Abington, will lead the Athletic Directors as Chair and Vice Chair.
 
"With the start of a new academic year on the horizon, we are grateful to welcome our incoming group of conference leaders that will assist in guiding our institutions in the year ahead," said United East Commissioner Stephanie Dutton. "As a membership-driven organization, leadership by our conference constituents will always be a key part of our forward-progress, and I look forward to working closely with this group in the upcoming year."
 
Reed and Fugate succeed Dr. Todd Williams of Cairn University and Dr. Tommy Kiedis of Lancaster Bible College, who will conclude their terms as Presidents' Council Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. Crystal Gibson, athletic director at St. Mary's College (Md.), completed her tenure as Athletic Director Chair at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.
 
"We also appreciate the service and leadership of Dr. Todd Williams, Dr. Tommy Kiedis, and Crystal Gibson over the last two years," added Dutton. "All three leaders were instrumental in leading our conference during a transformational time and we thank them for their dedication to the United East."
 
Reed has led Penn College since 2022, bringing extensive experience in both higher and secondary education to the role. Reed previously served as the vice president for academic affairs and provost at Penn College after providing leadership to the institution’s liberal arts and sciences unit. Reed is an engaged member of the Williamsport community and has worked to launch Penn College forward as a national leader in applied technology education.
 
Serving alongside him as Vice Chair is Fugate, who has guided Wilson College as President since 2020. Fugate was the catapult to the College’s new strategic plan and has seen growth within retention, academic program additions, and alumni engagement on campus. Fugate’s background spans across student affairs, enrollment, and advancement within the higher education setting, coupled with his previous experience in government affairs.
 
Wagner has served as the Director of Athletics and Wellness at Notre Dame of Maryland University since 2021. Wagner has been at the helm of significant growth throughout Gator Athletics since being appointed, including the addition of men’s athletics, while also engaging in NCAA committee work. With a background that is rooted in athletic training, Wagner brings over a decade’s worth of athletic administration experience to her role.
 
Foley has led the charge as Director of Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation at Penn State Abington since 2021. A graduate of the institution, Foley has previous experience at both the NJCAA and Division III levels where she excelled in strategic planning and development. Since arriving at Abington, Foley has marked success within fundraising and engaged alums through various programming, including the institution’s inaugural Hall of Fame.
 
This leadership team will collaborate with the conference office and member institutions to support the mission, values, and competitive excellence of the United East.