Making the Next-Gen Intellectually Rich

Hanna Hotes, as the Senior Operations Officer at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), plays a pivotal role in our mission. Her collaboration with the Chief Operational Officer/Senior VP of Finance spans across various domains, including finance, event planning, and human resources. Hanna's commitment to excellence in human resource practices, as demonstrated by her SHRM-CP credential, is a testament to her dedication to maintaining high standards at ACTA.

“I work to ensure each employee feels valued and appreciated. I think it’s vital to know everyone you work with personally and professionally because it shows people you care about them,” says Hanna. “Every morning, I walk around the office and tell each person good morning, checking in with something happening in their life because I value them and want them to know that.”

At Christopher Newport University, Hanna pursued an education in American Studies and Political Science, reflecting her academic journey. Her passion for the arts is evident in her minors in Photography and Video Art, which adds a creative dimension to her professional profile. “I believe in leading by example and being kind and considerate. I am a strong advocate for respect and compassion in and outside of the workplace,” she adds. “I make it a point to attend every presentation by my team members, encourage discussions on new ideas and career advancement, and balance advice-giving with allowing newer team members to develop their own abilities.”

As a Society for Human Resource Management member, Hanna holds the SHRM-CP credential, showcasing a commitment to excellence in human resource practices. Her story is an excellent example of women supporting future women's leadership. “The support of Lauri Kempson, ACTA’s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance, has been instrumental in my professional development, and I am incredibly grateful for her mentorship,” states Hanna, who in return has aligned her goals towards providing inspiration and mentorship to the employees and those in need, hence taking the council to new heights.

The American Council of Trustees and Alumni was launched in 1995. It is the only organization that collaborates with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States. Their mission is to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.

ACTA “support[s] liberal arts education, uphold[s] high academic standards, safeguard[s] the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure[s] . . . intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price” for the next generation. “I support this mission by helping our staff administratively on a day-to-day and larger strategic basis. As a recipient of a rich liberal arts education from a school receiving an A+ rank from ACTA, I am inspired to assist ACTA in giving the benefits I enjoyed to others,” explains Hanna.

“As a member of HR, I need to ensure that I am supporting our staff to the best of my ability so that they can carry out our mission to ensure the next generation receives a quality education. I am a people person, and I will always advocate for what’s right,” elucidates Hanna. “ACTA tackles problems in higher education with a comprehensive approach. We work to advance ideas and policies that mobilize trustees, alumni, donors, and the higher education community to uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and control costs.”