Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro has been named to the SUNY Erie Presidential Search Committee. Todaro is the Minority Caucus appointment to the committee, which began meeting this week to select SUNY Erie Community College’s next president.
“I am honored to have a seat at the table in making this very important decision,” said Legislator Frank Todaro. “The school has faced a number of challenges over these past several years. That’s why I take this role very seriously. It’s important we find the right person to lead the school into the future.”
An 18-member committee will recommend a replacement for former president David Balkin, who resigned last December. He served just 10 months in the job.
Todaro is a staunch advocate for students at the college. Last June he was one of only three legislators to oppose ECC’s 2022-2023 operating budget because it was balanced, in part, with a tuition increase.
“College has to be kept affordable for the students. They shouldn’t have to pay for past mistakes or mismanagement. This is an important process. Our community colleges provide a great opportunity for so many. ECC needs stability moving forward. The right president can help do that.”
Acting president, ECC Provost Adiam Tsegai is also a candidate for the job. It’s expected the committee will recommend finalists to the board of trustees by the 2023 fall semester.