Responsibilities

The Director of Sponsored Programs is a senior-level professional position that reports to the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.  Ms. Fonner’s primary responsibility is to direct the pre- and post-award activities associated with the external funding received in support of VIMS research and advisory mission.   These activities include funding identification; proposal preparation and submission; contract negotiation; and regulatory compliance of federal, state, local, and private funding agencies.  All Office of Sponsored Programs work is to protect and support the interests of the Commonwealth, VIMS and the principal investigator.

Education & Experience

Margaret Fonner has been with the College of William & Mary and Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in higher education administrative positions since 2000.  Prior to her current position, Ms. Fonner was the Director of Administration & Finance (2009-2011) for Arts & Sciences at William & Mary and a Sponsored Programs Administrator (2000-2009) at VIMS.  Her financial management career includes service with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, the National Center for State Courts and Ft. Eustis Morale, Welfare and Recreation.  Ms. Fonner graduated from Campbell University with a Bachelor degree in Business Administration in 1989.

Key accomplishments include participating in the implementation of the College’s new finance system to include both the Grants and Fixed Assets modules.  She has also co-chaired a committee to review the classification of Arts& Sciences’ administrative positions to promote consistency among similar positions and departments and served on several selection committees for various positions across campus.  Ms. Fonner serves on the VIMS Administrative Council and the Professional and Professional Faculty Council.

Personal

Ms. Fonner serves as treasurer for the Board of Directors of her Homeowners Association and as secretary for the Band Boosters organization at her daughters Middle School.  Margaret’s husband, Dan Fonner, serves as the Safety Manager for Busch Gardens Williamsburg.  The Fonner’s have two daughters, Allison and Hailey; two dogs, Hattie and Daisy; and reside in Williamsburg, Virginia.