Erin Irons Southworth

About Erin Irons Southworth

I’m a higher education professional dedicated to creating strong, well-organized foundations that help institutions thrive. With nearly a decade of experience supporting senior leadership and managing complex operations, I specialize in coordinating the details that make strategic decisions and meaningful connections possible.In my role supporting the Board of Trustees at Middlebury College, I manage the planning, logistics, and record keeping for board and committee meetings, ensuring smooth operations and clear communication across the institution’s leadership. I’m passionate about building systems that foster trust, transparency, and collaboration—always with an eye for detail and a calm, solutions-oriented approach.Rooted in Vermont, I care deeply about community, education, and service. I love working behind the scenes to help people do their best work and to strengthen the institutions that make a difference in our towns, campuses, and beyond.

Experience

1. Assistant to the Board of Trustees & Assistant Secretary of the Corporation

   Middlebury College

   Oct 2025 — Present · Middlebury, VT, US

   Serves as the primary point person for managing the year-round operational aspects for all Boards of Trustees, Boards of Advisors and board committee meetings, including scheduling meetings, preparing, reviewing, collecting, tracking and distributing meeting materials, providing administrative support for the election/appointment of trustee and advisor candidates, drafting motions and working with other Senior Administrative Officers and their staff to ensure the timely and accurate submission of all meeting agendas, documents and presentations- Responsible for all board and committee meeting logistics, including reserving locations, managing and organizing catering, technology/media services, facility and custodial needs, and ensuring that all board and committee-related materials are electronically accessible to all participants- Serves as the primary point person responsible for the preservation of all official board and committee meeting minutes, records and materials to ensure compliance with applicable laws and Middlebury’s policies and procedures- Serves as the primary support staff for all trustees and advisors, including gathering, maintaining and distributing accurate records and biographical information for each board member, and communicating with them in a timely and responsive manner- Manages the board of trustees’ budget, including P-card reconciliation, processing expense vouchers, and working with vendors to ensure accurate billing and invoicing- Serves as the primary support staff to the Chief of Staff, Deputy General Counsel, and Associate Secretary of the Corporation in connection with their board and committee-related duties.

Education

• Southern New Hampshire University

  Master of Science - MS, Higher Education/Higher Education Administration

  2016 — 2018

• Saint Michael's College

  Bachelor's Degree, Political Science and Government, History

  2013 — 2016

• Fitchburg State University

  Graduate Coursework, Educational Leadership and Administration, General

  2019 — 2020