RIVER GROVE – Follett Corp. today announced that the company’s Board of Directors has elected Mary Lee Schneider as president and CEO, effective Nov. 26.
Schneider joins Follett after serving as RR Donnelley’s president, digital solutions and chief technology officer. She also served on Follett’s Board of Directors for 11 years.
“As a board member, I’ve seen first-hand the critical role that Follett plays in partnering with schools and educators to prepare the next generation of learners,” said Schneider. “I am honored to take on this role and I genuinely believe there is no more exciting place to be right now than on the forefront of changes in the education industry.”
During her career at RR Donnelley, Schneider had responsibility for identifying, building and growing technology-enabled capabilities and businesses, as well as for setting overall research and development strategy and investment direction. Schneider was responsible for building RR Donnelley's Premedia Technologies business – one of the world's largest providers of digital photography, color management and digital asset management services – and had responsibility for new product development.
Schneider started her career in publishing in New York working for McGraw Hill and Time Inc.
“Mary Lee has extensive management experience and a strong track record for driving growth and revenue,” said Alison O’Hara, Follett Corp. chairman. “The Board of Directors unanimously approved Mary Lee’s appointment because of her past success leading technology businesses and operations at large public companies. She has been one of the drivers of RR Donnelley’s transformation from print to digital, which is a critical focus for Follett and our customers throughout education.”
Schneider will work closely with O’Hara to strengthen and pursue Follett’s strategic growth plans. O’Hara joined Follett in 1999 and served as assistant general counsel before being named chairman in 2011. Following the June 2012 retirement of former president and CEO Chuck Follett, O’Hara served as acting CEO while leading the board’s succession process that culminated in Schneider’s election.
“I am confident Follett will continue to lead wherever learning is happening,” said Schneider. “We have a unique vantage point as an unbiased partner in helping schools determine how to make their students more successful, and we’ll continue to be that expert counselor between those who publish content and the schools and students who need it.”
Follett delivers print and digital learning materials, retail services, library resources and school management systems on more than 980 college campuses and across 65,000 elementary and high schools. Headquartered in River Grove, Follett is a $2.7 billion privately-held company.
