Alta Colleges, Inc. Taps George A. Burnett as New CEO
Selection signals Denver-based company's commitment to continued growth
Denver (August 29, 2006) - Alta Colleges, Inc. Monday announced the appointment of George A. Burnett as chief executive officer. Burnett comes to Alta from R.H. Donnelly, Inc. where he served as chairman.
Burnett's acumen for innovating product lines; building senior leadership teams; leading large, multi-site, public organizations; and delivering superior financial results brought him to the top of a talented pool of potential CEO candidates. In his role as CEO, Burnett, who has earned a solid reputation as a business leader through his successful roles with companies including AT&T and Dex Media, Inc., will lead Denver-based Alta and its national system of privately operated colleges.
Prior to Burnett's appointment, Kirk Riedinger and James Turner shared the office of the CEO, as they have done since Alta's inception. According to Riedinger, who will continue his role as Chairman of the Board, Burnett joins the company at a pivotal point in its growth. "Typical of fast growing, entrepreneurial companies, there often is a logical succession of executive leadership as the company matures. We believe Alta is at the appropriate stage in its growth to add a seasoned executive of George's capabilities.
"This is an exciting time for Alta Colleges," Riedinger said. "George's selection is indicative of our commitment to sustain Alta's current momentum, enhance the student experience and continue to grow the organization."
Burnett joined Denver-based Qwest Communications International as its chief marketing officer in 2000. In 2002, he became President, CEO and Director of Dex Media, Inc., where he led the successful leveraged buyout of the company, which was purchased by R.H. Donnelley, Inc. in 2006.
Prior to joining Qwest, Burnett held several positions at AT&T, including vice president of the Developing and Education markets, and president of AT&T Local Services, where he managed AT&T's entry into local residential service.
Burnett sits on the Board of Trustees of Special Olympics Colorado and the Board of Directors for Cott Corporation, a publicly traded company and one of the world's largest non-alcoholic beverage companies.
Riedinger and Turner will work closely with Burnett, assisting with his transition over the next few months. Turner will continue as president of Alta Colleges, while also assuming the role of vice chairman.
