SUNY New Paltz names new community and government relations associate

Richard Winters

NEW PALTZ – Richard Winters has joined the President’s Office as the new community and government relations associate at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

In this role, Winters, a SUNY New Paltz alumnus, supports and assists the work of the president and the chief of staff/associate vice president for communication with key institutional initiatives outlined in the college’s strategic plan and supports the Power of SUNY system-level strategic plan. Winters will use previous advocacy experience as a district representative for former Congressman John Hall to serve as a liaison between the President’s Office and government officials, chambers of commerce, and other key business and community organizations. In addition, he will provide critical support for the college’s participation in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s new Start-Up NY initiative.

Previously, Winters worked for nearly three years as a freshman admission advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at New Paltz. He was responsible for advising prospective students through the admission and enrollment processes. He also reviewed and fully evaluated applications for first-year admission, conducted on- and off-campus information sessions to prospective families, and coordinated with academic faculty to design and implement the admission process for the college’s seven-year joint medical programs. Winters has also served as a member and chair of the Campus Judicial Board and, in support of the President’s Office, represented New Paltz at SUNY system-wide events, advocacy days, and other key legislative opportunities for the college.

Winters began his professional career working for former Congressman John Hall from 2008 to 2011, initially as a staff assistant and then as a district representative. He led outreach efforts to constituents within the congressman’s district, which included parts of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Westchester, and all of Putnam counties.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from New Paltz in 2008. He will receive a Master of Arts degree in higher education administration from Stony Brook University in December 2013. Winters currently resides in Pleasant Valley with his wife, Alex, a 2009 graduate of New Paltz.