ECC names interim president
by TERRI MEDINA East Aurora Editor

William Reuter

The Erie Community College Board of Trustees appointed William Reuter to interim president of the college at its meeting on Nov. 29.

The appointment will become effective Jan. 1 pending approval by the State University of New York Board of Trustees. He will serve as interim president until the next president of the college is named.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for me," said Reuter, who has been with the college since 1998, serving as the chief administrative and financial officer.

"I'm very grateful that the Board of Trustees has placed their confidence in my ability to serve as the interim president and to continue the great things that ECC has accomplished under the leadership of President (William) Mariani," he said. "I am fully committed to this institution, the students we serve and the staff that it employs."

Reuter, who resides in East Aurora and serves as councilman for the Aurora Town Board, said he looks forward to working closely with students and tackling tough financial issues that the college faces.

"In my current role, I see just about everything that occurs at the college and will continue to work with that level of involvement," he said.

"Finances are a big concern - from the control board to hiring positions, grants, collective bargaining and Erie County's financial struggles," he added. "The colleges will not receive additional funds any longer, and if there is no support, either the state or student will have to provide more support. It's always a challenge and will continue to be a challenge."

Reuter previously served as chief financial officer and treasurer at the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, deputy comptroller in the Erie County Comptroller's Office and as a management consultant in the Erie County Budget Office. He is a former president of the East Aurora School Board.

Reuter earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Binghamton University and is a certified public accountant.

He is also a member of the Community College Business Officers Association Board of Directors, the Institute for Community College Development Advisory Board and the New York State Community College Business Officers' Association. He was named the Outstanding Chief Business Officer by the Community College Business Officers Association in 2005.

Mariani, ECC's outgoing president, announced his resignation in October and will be leaving the college on Dec. 31.

Reuter has asked to return to his post as chief administrative and financial officer when a permanent president is named.

Every student deserves 100 percent of our attention," he said. "I am committed to every single one of our students."