M E M O R A N D U M


							January 11, 2011

To:		Members of the Board of Trustees

From:		Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor

Subject:	Appointment of William F. Howard as Vice Chancellor and General Counsel

Action Requested

	The proposed resolution appoints William F. Howard as General Counsel reporting to the Board of Trustees; and Vice Chancellor, reporting to the Chancellor through the Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer.

Resolution

I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution:

	Resolved that William F. Howard be, and hereby is appointed Vice Chancellor and General Counsel of the State University of New York; and be it further 

	Resolved that Mr. Howard will be compensated at an annual salary of $250,000, effective March 1, 2011, with an initial minimum appointment of two years. 
	
Background

	Appointed by the Board of Trustees and reporting to the Board and the Chancellor through the Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel is the legal adviser to the University.  The Vice Chancellor and General Counsel provide legal advice and opinions for the Board of Trustees and officers of the University on matters concerning University affairs.  When requested by the Board of Trustees or Executive Staff, the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel shall conduct negotiations and prepare legal documents for the University, and represent the University in legal actions.

	
		After an extensive national search process, Mr. William F. Howard candidacy was supported by the Search Committee, which included representation from across the System, and the senior leadership at SUNY System Administration. 

      Mr. Howard is currently the Chief Counsel at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, and Associate Vice Chancellor and Deputy General Counsel.  He has also served as Deputy General Counsel as well as Interim Vice President and General Counsel at the George Washington University.     
      
      Mr. Howard has also served as Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, served as Law Clerk for the United States Court of Appeals in Baltimore, Maryland, and was employed as an Associate in the Corporate Department in a large private Law firm.  
      
      Mr. Howard received his B.A degree in Economics from Michigan State University, and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.  His resume is attached for further examination.
      
      
Attachment



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Board Resolution		January 11, 2011