After Kurt Gosselin resigned as the Associated Students of Madison’s Student Services Finance Committee chair Thursday, new Chair Carl Fergus said he’s ready to assume the position and complete Gosselin’s unfinished business.

“I was very surprised,” Fergus said. “It’s something he’s been joking about for the [last] couple months, and he has been very active, so it doesn’t surprise me that he wanted to quit to focus on academics. But he is a student first, and I respect his decision.”

Fergus added though he may not be as knowledgeable about the intricate workings of the University of Wisconsin and ASM policies as Gosselin, he is confident his strengths and abilities will help him become an efficient SSFC chair.

“I think Kurt was an excellent chair who led the committee and knew the process,” Fergus said. “But I’ve been on the committee for two years, and I think I’m quite capable.”

Since the committee has finalized the majority of the budget decisions, Fergus is now responsible for heading the completion of the auxiliary budgets being presented to the council for the remainder of the month.

Though SSFC has no say in the finalized auxiliary budget outcome, the groups, including University Health Services and Recreational Sports, will come before the council to present their budgets for the remainder of the month.

SSFC is then responsible for developing budget recommendations for the respective groups.

Fergus said his background in auxiliary budgets will help him be an effective leader.

“I’m the only one that’s looked at auxiliary budgets before, so I think I’m going to be working with the administration, and I will also be helping the committee understand the process,” he said.

Fergus added his ultimate goal for the year is to “finish on a good note” and serve as a liaison between the SSFC and the rest of the ASM committee.

ASM Chair Brittany Wiegand voiced her confidence in Fergus’ leadership abilities as well.

“It’s going to be hard to follow Kurt,” Wiegand said. “But Carl has been on the committee for both this year and last year, so I think he has the knowledge necessary and the leadership capacity to do a good job as chair.”

Wiegand added Fergus’ critical thinking skills paired with his approachability and stand out communication skills will definitely contribute to the completion of a successful term.

“Kurt was a great leader, but Fergus will be just as efficient and professional with all of his communication with the groups he has to work with,” Wiegand said.

Fergus added the encouragement from the council has boosted his confidence in his own leadership skills.

“I’m glad they have faith and trust in my leadership, and I think we have a strong team that really know the process and will be ale to carry out the year very smoothly,” Fergus said.

Fergus will hold office until the new committee takes over in April.