SUNY New Paltz Appoints New VP For Advancement

NEW PALTZ — Following a nationwide search for a vice president for advancement at the State University of New York at New Paltz, President Roger Bowen announced today the appointment of Richard Podgorski, of Carlsbad, California. Podgorski is currently at the University of California, San Diego, where he holds the position of assistant vice chancellor for development and vice president of UC San Diego Foundation.

“I am immensely pleased that he has accepted the position,” stated President Bowen. “He has a strong record of achievement in the field of fund raising, having worked both in the public and private sectors.” The president noted that Podgorski was the unanimous choice of all who met him when he interviewed for the position. “We are looking forward to his arrival in September,” said Bowen.

The new advancement vice president said that he was grateful to President Bowen and to Eli Basch, chair of The College at New Paltz Foundation, for giving him the opportunity to serve the campus. “New Paltz is clearly a rising star in the SUNY system,” said Podgorski. “The trajectory of that star can only be sustained through the close collaboration of the university and the greater community of alumni, friends, and supporters. It will be my responsibility and pleasure to do everything I can to strengthen those ties,” stated Podgorski.

The advancement vice president at SUNY New Paltz oversees all areas of development, alumni affairs, public affairs, publications and the College Foundation. The new vice president will be responsible for developing strategies and policies for advancement programs, particularly in the area of fund raising for the College. He also serves as a member of the president’s cabinet.

Basch, a Kingston attorney and chair of the search committee for the vice president, said, “Rick Podgorski stood head and shoulders above all other candidates. He is extremely qualified and will be a welcomed member of the university as well as the Hudson Valley community.”

Prior to his appointment five years ago at UC San Diego, Podgorski was the first full-time director of development for the College of Law at the University of Arizona, from 1990 to 1993. He also worked in fund raising for the private sector for more than two years, serving as administrative director of development for Carondelet Health Services, Inc. in Tucson, AZ.

Between 1981 and 1988, Podgorski held positions at the University of Arizona (Tucson), first as director of planned giving for the University of Arizona Foundation and later as the director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Podgorski holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and did graduate work in public administration at the University of Northern Colorado. He earned his law degree from the University of Arizona College of Law.

“For my wife Susan and me, this represents a return to our roots. I was born in Scranton and she was born in Teaneck, New Jersey. We certainly look forward to introducing our children to the many scenic and cultural riches of the region.”

Podgorski, 49, and his wife, Susan, have four children: Michael, 11; Anne, 9; Daniel, 4; and Jennifer, 2.

He succeeds Kenneth Burda, who retired in June after 19 years at SUNY New Paltz.