Senate Approves Members To SUNY, HESC Boards

(Albany, NY) Today, the New York State Senate announced the appointment of four individuals to critical positions on the boards of the State University of New York (SUNY) and the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). In successfully filling these positions, the Senate continues to demonstrate its commitment to a quality, efficient and well-run educational system for all New Yorkers.
 
The appointments are: John L. Murad Jr., Member, Board of Trustees of the State University of New York; Cary F. Staller, Member, Board of Trustees of the State University of New York; Charles DeLaney, Member, Board of Trustees, New York State Higher Education Services Corp., and Leslie Talbot, Trustee, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry.
 
“These qualified and dedicated individuals have demonstrated their commitment to education across the state through decades of diverse experience,” said Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith. “Their commitment to progressive and inclusive education will serve as an invaluable asset as the state works to continue to provide quality education to those across the state. I am pleased that these confirmations have been approved, and look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”
 
"I want to thank the four nominees for their willingness to serve the people of our state,” said Higher Education Committee Chair Toby Ann Stavisky.  “They bring a unique breadth of knowledge and experience to their respective appointments, and that will benefit the people and the students of New York State.  I commend the Governor for choosing this diverse, talented and dedicated group of trustees.
 
 These are exciting times for SUNY and for HESC.  We have a new chancellor and new opportunities to expand the unique SUNY mission.  SUNY can be an engine driving the economy throughout the state.  For more than sixty years, SUNY has provided an affordable, quality education. 
 
 The Higher Education Services Corp. is also on the cusp of new responsibilities as it begins to administer the new student loan program.  Great opportunities exist here, too, and I congratulate all nominees as they begin their service."
 
John L. Murad Jr. is a partner of the law firm Hancock & Estabrook, LLP, where he has worked since 1983. Mr. Murad is also a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor awarded by invitation to the top 1 percent of lawyers in each state.  He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Hamilton College.
 
Cary F. Staller is currently the President of Staller Associates, Inc. a commercial real estate firm with offices in Happauge, New York. She served as the Mayor of the Village of Old Field from 1999 through 2008 and has also worked in Real Estate Development for Prudential-Bache securities and as an attorney at Hughes Hubbard & Reed. Ms. Staller is a graduate of Harvard Law School and the University of Pennsylvania.
 
Charles DeLaney has served as the General Manager of Distance Education since 2004, and is the  Director of the New York Institute of Photography. Mr. Delaney is a licensed school director and photography teacher, and also serves as a part-time instructor in the New School University’s photography department. He is a graduate of Columbia College.
 
Leslie Talbot was reappointed to her current position of Trustee at SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry. Ms. Talbot is also the Senior Vice President of K12connect, Inc., where she had provided evaluation and technical assistance services to schools, school districts, non-profit organization, state education agencies and foundations since 1993. She was formerly the Director of Research & Evaluation for Teach for America. Ms. Talbot is a graduate of Stanford University and received a masters degree in sociology and education from Teachers College, Columbia University.