The Smith School of Business will soon begin its search for a new executive director of the Commerce program.

Current Executive Director of Commerce Lori Garnier is stepping down and pursuing a new leadership role.

In an email to The Journal, Brenda Brouwer, interim Dean of Smith School of Business, said Garnier will be joining the Dean’s office as the new Director of Strategic Program Development & Accreditation effective Aug. 15.

Garnier will be replacing Erin Leblanc, current Director of Strategic Program Development of the Office of the Dean at Smith School of Business. 

“I was very happy that Lori was willing to take on this important role at Smith and thank her for extraordinary efforts with the Commerce program. Lori brings 12 years of program leadership experience to the new role—first with Smith’s MBA and then with the Commerce program—including academic planning, strategic program innovation, and collaborative relationships,” Brouwer commented in a statement shared with The Journal via email.

“The Commerce program will be planning its interim, and applications for the next leader will be sought out shortly.”