Board of Trustees

Gerri Warren-Merrick New York, New York

For the past 20 years, Gerri has held several executive positions in community relations, public affairs, government relations and communications for Time Warner Cable and Time Warner Inc. In those roles she was instrumental in directing company resources to innovative philanthropic initiatives that leveraged Time Warner's wide-ranging expertise, global presence and fundamental commitment to service the public interest.

Most recently, she was Vice President of Global Public Policy for Time Warner Inc., where she was responsible for building and maintaining relationships with local, state and national policy leaders communicating company objectives and creating partnerships and programs related to public policy, education and the arts. She acted as a primary liaison with institutions and communities served by Time Warner and its divisions, including Home Box Office, Time Inc., New Line Cinema, Time Warner Cable. Turner Broadcasting, Warner Bros. and America Online. Warren-Merrick retired her position at Time Warner, Inc. in January 2008.

A graduate of Penn State University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism, Warren-Merrick has been dedicated to corporate philanthropy and public policy that enriches lives and strengthens communities. As a New York City Partnership David Rockefeller Fellow, she affirmed her interest in building a better New York City by studying the effective use of public policy and governance to advance corporate responsibility.

A former Harlem YMCA Black Achiever and Chairperson of the Harlem YMCA Board of Managers, she currently serves on several boards that promote diversity, champion the cause of New York City's neediest people and support New York City's most important civic and cultural institutions, including NYC & Co.; CORO, Brothers/Big Sisters and Aaron Davis Hall. She is also a member of the Greater New York Chapter of the LINKS, and serves as chairperson of their Services to youth Facet.

Gerri's work has been recognized with awards from numerous organizations over the past two decades. Most recently, she received the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor; The Penn State University College of Communications Alumni of the Year Award; New York Women's Agenda Star Award; Medgar Evers College Legacy Award for Outstanding Corporate Leadership; the Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction Award; and the Abyssinian Baptist Church Unsung Heroine Award.

Originally from Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, Gerri lives in New York City with her husband Dr. Leon Merrick.

Gerri was appointed to the SUNY Board of Trustees on June 15, 2006.