Hon. Christopher K. Peace, Esq.
President
Christopher K. Peace is a product of Virginia’s private college system, having graduated from two CICV member institutions: Hampden-Sydney College and University of Richmond School of Law. Immediately prior to becoming the Council’s President in 2023, Peace was engaged in the active practice of law and also represented clients as a lobbyist before local and state governments.
Peace is most proud of his 14-year service as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates (2006-2020) where he chaired the House General Laws Committee. His extensive legislative work includes sitting on the prominent House Appropriations Committee including one term as a state budget conferee, being a member of the Joint Commission on Health Care, and several terms serving as chair of the Virginia Commission on Youth. By his retirement, Peace had accumulated an impressive record as a thoughtful, collaborative, and bi-partisan legislative leader, and was commended by passage of House Resolution 125 in 2022.
Sabena Moretz
Director of Government Relations and Member Services
Sabena Moretz joined CICV in January 2018. As a registered lobbyist in Virginia, she cultivates relationships with state government, supports the Virginia Private College Caucus, and provides research on Virginia’s private colleges to support legislative proposals and communications. She leads grassroots outreach for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant program and collaborates with SCHEV on various initiatives.
Sabena also directs Virginia Private College Week, manages sector awareness communications, and coordinates the CICV Admissions Advisory Committee to enhance recruitment goals including facilitating communication with school counselors. Her responsibilities include collecting admissions data from member institutions, reviewing legislation affecting private colleges, and monitoring federal regulations with our partner organization, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (“NAICU”).
Sabena earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond and her M.Ed. from the College of William & Mary. Before CICV, she worked in state government relations for George Mason University and undergraduate admissions at the University of Richmond.
Deb Thomas
Director, Administration & HR Services
Deb Thomas brings a wealth of expertise to her position supporting Virginia’s private colleges and universities. A CICV staff member since 2018, Deb is CICV’s primary administrative contact. Among other duties, she oversees accounts payable and receivable and manages day-to-day office operations. With over 30 years of administrative experience in not-for-profit and educational organizations, Deb also plays a crucial role in supporting and implementing CICV’s various collaborative projects and advocacy efforts. Deb received a B.A. in history from the College of William and Mary.
Liz Bryant
Manager of Conference, Meeting & Strategic Business Program Operations
Liz Bryant joined CICV in 2023, bringing her extensive experience managing and enhancing the operations of various professional meetings and conferences. She provides logistical support for events facilitating collaboration among college CFOs, HR Directors, and CIOs, ensuring they can access the latest industry insights. Liz works closely with the CICV President and CICV staff to improve member services, including the administration of CICV’s Counselor Tour and advising on the CICV Strategic Business Partner program.
As an award-winning television journalist, Liz holds a B.S. and an M.S. in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her career spans over thirty years and has included leadership roles in corporate, government, and non-profit sectors. Additionally, she is trained and licensed as an intercultural etiquette and protocol trainer by the Protocol School of Washington®.
Tim Klopfenstein, FSA, CERA
Executive Director, Benefits Consortium
Tim is the Plan Administrator and chief executive of the VPC Benefits Consortium.
Tim began working in the actuarial field in 1980 and has 17 years of experience as the chief financial officer of various insurance entities including seven years as CFO for health insurers. He has a Master’s Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Math/Systems from Taylor University, Upland, IN.
Wanda Gardner
Manager of Client Services and Accounting, Benefits Consortium
Wanda is responsible for the accounting of the consortium and provides support for its member colleges. Wanda has over 20 years of experience in various accounting roles in several corporations, as well as five years of experience in benefits administration. She has a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Lynchburg College.
John Boggess
Communications and Health Promotions Coordinator, Benefits Consortium
John is a Bedford native and a proud graduate of an independent college (Davidson). He is back in Bedford after working in DC on the Hill, for the Kennedy Center, for the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and other non-profits. He also lived in Cincinnati, where he worked as a Realtor in Ohio and Kentucky. While in Cincinnati, he was active with CCMpower, which supports students at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati; and was on a grants review panel for ArtsWave, which funds more than 150 projects and organizations in the Cincinnati area. He’s also a lapsed marathoner who enjoys the many walking and hiking opportunities that Bedford and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide.
Luther Griffith
MEP Executive Director
Luther Griffith brings his extensive knowledge of higher education collaboration to his role as CICV Executive MEP Director. He was most recently the Vice President for Finance, Operations, and Auxiliaries Enterprises at Sweet Briar College and has served as Chair of both the MEP and the Virginia Private College Benefits Consortium.
Barb Hatcher
MEP Administrator and Controller
Barb Hatcher joined CICV in September 2023 as MEP Administrator and Controller. Her primary responsibilities are financial and administrative support as well as project management for the MEP. She will also function as a liaison between MEP vendors and member institutions.
Barb is a resident of Franklin County. She most recently served as Vice President for Business and Finance at Ferrum College and Treasurer for the MEP. While the majority of her experience is in higher education, she has also worked for both public and private corporations in the fields of construction and software development. A native of West Virginia, Barb graduated from Fairmont State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.