SUNY New Paltz appoints Pacheco Dunn as first Executive Director for Compliance and Campus Climate

NEW PALTZ – The State University of New York at New Paltz announced today that Tanhena Pacheco Dunn, Esq. has been appointed its first executive director for compliance and campus climate. She will assume her duties on June 18 and will report directly to President Donald P. Christian.

In this new role, Pacheco Dunn will be responsible for monitoring the college’s compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures as they apply to: Title IX provisions that deal with sexual assault, sexual harassment, and hostile workplace issues; affirmative action; and New York State ethics legislation. This includes resolving complaints, making policy recommendations, designing and facilitating training for students and employees (with support from Student Affairs and Human Resources respectively), and coordinating interdepartmental efforts to comply with these employment legislations.

Additional duties include developing and administering the college’s affirmative action plan; determining outcomes of employee accommodation requests; participation in the college’s various employee search processes and serving as the point of contact on relevant compliance questions from state, federal or other regulatory agencies.

Commenting on her appointment, Pacheco Dunn said, “I am looking forward to joining the New Paltz community. Along the way, I hope to inspire collaboration, enthusiasm and action to carry forward the important work of this position,” she added.

President Donald P. Christian said Pacheco Dunn will be an excellent addition to New Paltz. “Tanhena brings a wealth of experience and capability to the position. She is well-regarded by her Vassar colleagues as a thoughtful problem-solver who works effectively and collegially with faculty, staff, students, and fellow administrators. She will play a key role in working with the entire community to advance goals outlined in my inaugural address to continue improving the campus climate for all members of the College. I am excited that we have been able to recruit her to join us at New Paltz,” he stated.

For nearly 11 years, Pacheco Dunn has served as the assistant director of human resources at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where she was responsible for employee relations issues including compliance, performance management and staffing needs for over 1,100 employees. She also worked with the EEOA office to support continued training in regards to harassment, non-discrimination and Title IX. In addition, Pacheco Dunn managed the Worker’s Compensation, Family Medical Leave, and Disability processes; had administrative oversight of three collective bargaining agreements and assisted with drafting policies and responses to legal matters. Prior to her position at Vassar College, Pacheco Dunn was an alumni recruiter for the Albany Law School in Albany, N.Y.

Pacheco Dunn holds her juris doctor degree from Albany Law School of Union University and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Vassar College. She is also certified as a New York State mediator.

Pacheco Dunn resides in Walden, N.Y. with her husband, Bruce C. Dunn Jr., Esq. and two sons, Lucas and Marcus.