Sarah Letersky, ArtSci ’16, has been appointed as Vice President (University Affairs) following the resignation of Catherine Wright about two weeks ago.

AMS President Kanivanan Chinniah and Vice President (Operations) Kyle Beaudry announced the decision at a special press conference held in Wallace Hall on Wednesday.

Wright resigned as Vice President (University Affairs) on Aug. 12, which she said was due to personal reasons.

2 remaining @QueensAMS exec say they’ve begun to engage in consultation to find VPUA replacement #queensu http://t.co/ERmAOIQbch

— Queen’s Journal News (@QJnews) August 13, 2015

Chinniah said they approached AMS Assembly Speaker Sam Anderson on the morning of the announcement to inform him of their decision. According to Chinniah, it was based on consultation with internal staff and a majority of the members of AMS Assembly.

“Our first priority is to ensure that the AMS can deliver strong programs and services that student rely on,” Chinniah said during the announcement.

“This appointment takes that into account, and we have full confidence in Sarah’s abilities to do exactly that.”

Chinniah added that any confidential information disclosed to Letersky as her capacity as the Human Resources Officers will remain confidential when she assumes her new role.

With her history of involvement in various student services and programing — including an internship with the 2013 Vice President (University Affairs) Thomas Pritchard — Beaudry said Letersky has demonstrated the qualities necessary for the position.

“[Sarah] is approachable, responsible and committed to serving students. We have full confidence in her ability to lead the [AMS] and step into the executive role,” Beaudry said.

@QueensAMS can I tweet in my questions using #VPnewA

— Adam Grotsky (@agrotsky) August 26, 2015

The Vice President (University Affairs) is responsible for all AMS matters of a political and/or educational nature, research and policy development, internal academic issues and university administration affairs.

The position also oversees the operations of six commissions: the Academic Affairs Commission, the Campus Activities Commission, the Commission of the Environment and Sustainability, the Commission of Internal Affairs, the Municipal Affairs Commission and the Social Issues Commission.

In her first year, Letersky studied at the Bader International Study Centre (BISC) in Herstmonceux, England where she served as the student government president. Upon returning to the Kingston campus, she served as an ambassador for BISC on campus and worked for the Student Life Centre. This May, she began as the AMS Human Resources Officer for the 2015-16 school year.

At the press conference, Letersky said she’s been humbled by the support of the AMS team following her appointment to the AMS executive.

“Having the commissioners welcome me in, as well as the directors and everyone in the AMS, with open arms has been one of the most rewarding experience I’ve had to date,” Letersky said.

As with all appointments made by the executive, AMS Assembly must ratify the decision before it’s official. A motion to ratify her as the Vice President (University Affairs) will be presented to Assembly at their first fall meeting on Sept. 24.

Until then, Letersky can’t sign any official documents as the Vice President (University Affairs).

Chinniah will continue to take on the responsibilities of the Vice President (University Affairs) until Letersky is properly transitioned into the position. Chinniah said Wright has agreed to help in the transition process.

Letersky has submitted her resignation as the AMS Human Resources Officer. Details on the process for finding a replacement will be made available in the next few days.