Converse College Announces Two Key Leaders for External Affairs Division

SPARTANBURG, SC – Converse College announces two key additions to the newly formed Division of External Affairs and University Relations: Charlotte Smeak Verreault ’79 as Vice President and Lindsey Duncan Graham as Director of Events, Camps, Conferences and Rentals. Both begin their employment with Converse on June 1.

The newly formed Division will spearhead the College’s efforts to broaden and deepen engagement with and investment in Converse, building on our recent momentum in expanding national visibility and reputation, growing regional and community partnerships, diversifying alumni connections and fundraising. The Division brings together the functions of Alumni and Donor Relations, Philanthropy, Communications, and Events, Conferences, Camps and Rentals.

In this newly formed role of Vice President for External Affairs and University Relations, longtime Spartanburg resident and Converse alumna Charlotte Verreault will lead efforts to develop resources and to engage alumni, donors, and community partners in investing in the College. She will oversee, manage and advance philanthropy and fundraising, alumni engagement and donor relations, special advisory boards including the Alumni Board and Board of Visitors, communications and brand management, media and public relations, and events, camps, conferences and rentals. Charlotte brings 33 years of management and sales experience as an executive at Milliken & Co where she participated in the Management Trainee program and held numerous Director-level positions including Director of the Milliken Customer Center, Fiber Procurement, Global Purchasing and Enterprise Data Management. Charlotte has extensive experience in employee development, leading and managing teams, and strong communication skills. In addition, Charlotte has been actively involved in the community, serving on boards and fundraising. She is currently a Trustee at the Spartanburg Day School, a board member of SCICU and Habitat for Humanity and serves as a member of the Furman University Parents’ Council. She is also a past president of the Converse College Alumni Association.

In accepting her new role, Charlotte said, “I am thrilled to be returning to my alma mater, especially at this time in her history. It is exciting to be a part of the forward momentum that President Fleming and her team are embracing as the College continues to evolve and grow to meet the changing needs of students today. Converse graduates are passionate about their college, and I look forward to rekindling former friendship, as well as making new friendships with alums, as we work together to position our College for future generations of Converse students.”

In the newly formed role of Director of Events, Conferences, Camps, and Rentals, Lindsey Duncan Graham will oversee and manage the auxiliary services for the College to generate revenues and enhance College visibility. She will work to expand relationships, partnerships and visibility with corporations, foundations, and other entities with facility needs that Converse can accommodate, and will serve as a resource for College coaches, faculty and staff to develop College hosted events. Lindsey comes to Converse from Advance America where she has served as External Affairs Specialist since January 2013. Lindsey earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and a MBA from Clemson. A native of Spartanburg, she is active in the community, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Meals, and the Spartanburg Regional Foundation.