Columbia State Community College announced Gary Rothstein as the new associate vice president for planning, effectiveness and special projects.

“Mr. Rothstein brings to Columbia State diverse experience in community college education and leadership,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “We are excited he chose to be a part of the Columbia State family.”8

Rothstein, a Nashville resident, previously served as the director of budget and finance, continuing education and online learning at the Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland. The regional community college serves the 827,000 residents of Baltimore, Maryland and York, Pennsylvania. As the director of budget and finance, Rothstein provided leadership for all fiscal planning, financial forecasting, reporting, financial policy matters, billing and accounts payables/receivables, program development and special projects related to the School of Continuing Education and Online Learning. Through his leadership the institution reduced expenses and produced the college’s highest revenue. During his time there he also decreased the college’s debt by $110,000 and was appointed to the college’s emergency response leadership team.

“I am very excited to be joining such a great team as the one here at Columbia State,” said Rothstein. “I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the success of our students and all of the communities served by Columbia State.”

Rothstein served in the United States Navy from 1997 to 2001. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in business with a concentration in finance from Liberty University in Virginia in 2007. In 2013, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from West Virginia University. He also was a Morgan County, West Virginia Economic Development Authority member in 2015.

As the associate vice president for planning, effectiveness & special projects at Columbia State, Rothstein will be responsible for leading and overseeing strategic planning, institutional research, assessment, effectiveness and college special projects. Working in concert with the president, he will serve as the college representative, advising the cabinet and college leadership of areas in need of attention and improvement. He will also lead the creation of data-based benchmarks that support the development and implementation of a strategic effectiveness plan that will aid in the continuous growth and effectiveness of the college and its units.