About us
The COS Consortium, and the Chief of Staff Summit, arose from conversations among Chiefs of Staff seeking community and shared resources in a challenging field. The five leaders below, representing a diverse range of institutions, formed this group in late 2025 with a vision of creating an in-person convening focused on professional growth, the exchange of ideas, and the cultivation of a strong and enduring network. This Consortium and Summit are specifically focused on Chiefs of Staff who serve Presidents and Chancellors of higher education institutions.
Our Team
Kerry Calnan
Kerry brings a blend of Fortune 500 global business experience and higher education leadership, focused on innovation, speed of execution, and data-informed decision-making. She brings a multi-lens perspective to complex challenges and a track record of turning strategy into measurable results; she now serves as Chief of Staff to the President at Springfield College, partnering closely with the President and Board of Trustees to lead cross-campus initiatives that align governance, strategy, and execution.
Chief of Staff, Springfield College
Genevieve Evans Taylor
Genevieve serves as Chief of Staff to the President at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). In this role, she supports strategic initiatives, conducts policy research, and ensures alignment across campus to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive academic community where all members can thrive. Prior to joining CSUN, Genevieve served at CSU Channel Islands as the inaugural ASI Executive Director and later as Chief of Staff. She also held various roles in student affairs at the University of South Dakota.
Chief of Staff, California State University, Northridge
Chief of Staff, Colorado CollegeSamilja Heim
Sam brings more than 20 years of strategic, operational, and fundraising experience to her role as Colorado College’s Chief of Staff. After many years working with nonprofits in the cultural and social service sectors, she has found higher education to be the perfect blend of passion projects and loves the work of forwarding institutional priorities alongside the CC and regional communities.
Chief of Staff, Hamilton CollegeMiriam Merrill
Miriam is a strategic and growth-focused executive leader in higher education with a proven track record of supporting executive leadership and driving long-term institutional initiatives. An accomplished educator and presenter, she leverages her background in communication and athletics to successfully navigate complex organizational operations and workflow optimization.
Chief of Staff, Occidental CollegeLindsay Nyquist
Lindsay has over 18 years of experience in higher education, primarily in the marketing and communications arena, at small liberal arts institutions, including Fort Lewis College, University of Puget Sound, and now at Occidental College. She is passionate about effective communication, measurable institutional goals, and building relationships across campus.