CIC is pleased to introduce staff members who have joined us over the past few months. They will work on a variety of programs and initiatives to serve member institutions.
Marina Esteve Wagstaff
Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Programs and Program Coordinator
Marina Esteve Wagstaff joined CIC in September 2023 and is the assistant to the vice president for academic programs and program coordinator. In this role, she supports the work and coordinating aspects of leadership development programs and grant-funded projects that fall within the scope of the vice president for academic programs’ role. Prior to joining CIC, Esteve Wagstaff was the program specialist at Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital and the community programs director at Frost Valley YMCA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and film studies from the University of Exeter and a master’s degree in elementary education with a specialty in foreign languages from the University of East Anglia.
Ellen Peters
Director of Strategic Research and Assessment
Ellen Peters joined CIC in December 2024 as the director of strategic research and assessment. In this role, she provides leadership for CIC’s member engagement initiatives, utilizing data to make informed decisions about future programing and offerings to current and prospective members. Prior to joining CIC, Peters was the associate provost for institutional research, planning, and student success at the University of Puget Sound (WA), a CIC member institution. She’s worked in institutional research roles at Puget Sound, Bates College (ME), and the George Washington University (DC). Peters is working on a doctorate in education leadership from the University of Washington, and has a master’s degree in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and theater from Bates College.
Simone Smith
Director of Sponsorships
Simone Smith joined CIC in February 2024 as the director of sponsorships. In this role, she is responsible for the cultivation, recruitment, and management of sponsorship relationships with companies providing services to independent colleges and universities and supporting CIC activities, as well as managing existing, and securing additional, multi-year agreements. Prior to joining CIC, Smith was the director of corporate relations at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) in Washington, DC, and before that the senior manager for corporate relations and meetings manager also at ADEA. She also worked at Northrop Grumman and the American Public Power Association. Smith obtained certifications in exhibition management from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE); in event management from the George Washington University (DC); and from the Carlson Travel Academy.