Amy Sebring has spent her career working in public policy and higher education. For the first twelve years of her career, she served in a variety of roles including research associate for the Education Commission of the States in Denver, Colorado, budget analyst for the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget, director of finance policy for the State Council on Higher Education, and legislative analyst for the Virginia Senate Finance Committee. In 2008, she transitioned to a role in higher education administration, ultimately serving as senior associate dean for finance and administration with Virginia Commonwealth University’s medical school and as executive director of VCU’s physician practice plan. After almost 10 years at VCU, she accepted a role with William & Mary, where she started as chief financial officer and was promoted to chief operating officer. In 2022, she moved to Blacksburg and began a new position at Virginia Tech as executive vice president and chief operating officer. She has a bachelor’s degree in public policy studies from Duke University, a master’s degree in public policy analysis from William & Mary, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University.

1. What are some of your proudest accomplishments over the course of your career?

I've been the beneficiary of great mentors along the way who have invested in me and helped shape me as a professional. I have learned the importance of building strong teams, not only for the work they can accomplish in the short-term but for the long-term benefit they bring to the institution. I am happy I was able to build great teams at both VCU and William & Mary. At the national level, I also did a lot of work with the Association of American Medical Colleges while I was serving at VCU. AAMC has an extensive professional development program, and I was able to serve as chair of several of their committees focused on building capacity and expertise in medical school finance and administration across the country.

2. What projects are you currently working on at Virginia Tech?

I am 7 months into my new role, so I'm continuing to learn more about the culture. In March, I announced a realignment in my area, and my team is working to identify priorities for the upcoming year. Strategically, for the university, I’m focused on how we ensure that the infrastructure – people, programs, facilities, and funding – are sustainable as we seek to implement the university’s strategic plan. I’m also focused on our expanding presence in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area and Roanoke. Part of the reason I'm excited about the GO Virginia work is I'm also spending a lot of time in the region working to understand how Virginia Tech can help advantage the community more broadly. Virginia Tech’s success and the success of the region are inextricably tied together. The work of GO Virginia Region 2 is essential to that success.

3. What made you want to join the GOVA Region 2 council?

Some of the decisions we make in the next five years will foreshadow what this region looks like 20 years from now. The region's got some critical items ahead of it, and I’m excited about being part of the thought process to foster growth moving forward. This part of the state has typically not gotten as much attention as the Golden Crescent, where I have spent most of my career, so being able to elevate this portion of the state and think about how we make sure it's secure in its future is important to me.

4. How has your work with Virginia Tech tied into your work on the GOVA Region 2 council?

Virginia Tech is a major cultivator of workforce talent as well as a major employer. As with many of the other employers in the area, we have an important role to play, even indirectly, in terms of how we shape the region’s future. Also, some of the research and scholarship that Virginia Tech is doing can help us have well-informed discussions as we track and think about where we need to be positioned 10, 15, or 20 years from now.

5. What activities and hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?

I'm an avid reader and have had great book clubs throughout most of my adult life. I love walking, and I work out every day. I also love cooking; it's very relaxing for me. My husband, Roy, and I will celebrate our 29th anniversary in a few weeks. We have 24-year-old twin sons and enjoy traveling together.

6. What is the most memorable place you’ve ever visited?

Iceland; it’s so different from anywhere else I've ever been. I look forward to going back this summer!