York College of PA names Jeff Vermeulen as first Chief of Staff

York College of Pennsylvania has named Jeff Vermeulen as its first Chief of Staff, a new position reporting to President Thomas Burns, effective on Dec. 1, 2023. He will provide tactical and strategic support to President Burns, serving as the primary government relations contact on behalf of the College, managing special projects, and helping the President’s Office function as effectively as possible.

Vermeulen currently serves as Assistant Vice President for External Relations and Executive Director of York College’s Knowledge Park and J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. As such, he is responsible for representing the College’s interests to the region’s business community and public officials, and maintaining relationships with city, state, and federal government leaders. He also helps lead the College’s economic development initiatives, overseeing the work of the Knowledge Park and J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship and special projects at the direction of the President.

“Jeff has done wonderful work on behalf of York College for the past 13 years and has taken on increased responsibility during his tenure,” said President Burns. “He has proven himself to be the perfect person to step into this new position. I look forward to working more closely with him as a member of my Cabinet.”

Before coming to York College in 2010, Vermeulen worked for the University of South Florida system, helping launch a business incubator system in Polk County, Fla. Prior to his work in higher education, he served as President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in Media, Pa., and as Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties in Westtown, Pa.

Vermeulen is currently Chair of the York County Economic Alliance Board of Directors, Vice Chair of the York Catholic High School Board of Directors, York Advisory Board Member at Traditions Bank, and a member of the Rotary Club of York County.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a Master of Science from Neumann University. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in York Township, Pa., with their three children.

Oscar Winters, who currently serves as Associate Director of Entrepreneur Programs and Engagement, will replace Vermeulen as Executive Director of the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship.