Staffing changes in the Office of Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion

Dear Colleagues:

Shana Gainey, Associate Director of Human Resources, has left to pursue a new and exciting opportunity. Shana was hired in 2013 and during her time with us she has improved systems and processes that support our civil service recruitment. In addition, Shana served as the President’s designee for labor relations and was a great partner in launching our integrated model of Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Shana delayed her departure to provide training and support to her staff and successor, an act that speaks to her generosity and for which I am very grateful. Her departure is bittersweet for me and her colleagues, but we wish her the very best and are excited for her as she takes the next steps in her career.

We have the good fortune of being able to promote Irene Okwang into the position formerly held by Shana. Irene officially assumes her position as Associate Director – Classified Service on April 20, 2020.

Irene has been with the Office of Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion (HRDI) for two years in the Benefits Office, where she has lent her experience and compassion to supporting employees. Irene holds a master’s degree in human resources and completed her Ed. D. in January. We are proud of her academic accomplishments and look forward to her continued success as she transitions to a new position.

I am also pleased to announce that Nicholas Scarchilli has joined the Office of Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion. Nick began in late March amid our transition to remote working and brings with him incredible energy and positive outlook. Nick has previously worked in Human Resources at both SUNY Ulster and Vassar College and holds a bachelor’s degree from Marist College. He joins Irene in supporting employment needs for all our classified service employees. We hope to provide a more fitting welcome in the near future, but until then we are so pleased to welcome Nick to HRDI and to SUNY New Paltz.

Tanhena Pacheco Dunn
Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer