Suffern, NY: Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed real estate executive, investor and educator Ernst Valery to the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees, filling a vacancy created by the recent resignation of trustee Susan Oelkers-Ramos. The appointment was made under New York State Education Law Section 6306, and Valery’s term will run through June 30, 2029.
The appointment places Valery on the governing board responsible for overseeing Rockland Community College’s policies, long-term planning and institutional direction. As a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, RCC’s Board of Trustees works with college leadership on matters including academic programs, budgeting, strategic planning and student success initiatives.
Valery currently serves as president of EVI, where he oversees the company’s daily operations, project execution and strategic partnerships. According to Rockland Community College, he brings more than 25 years of experience in real estate development and investment, having led projects across eight states and Washington, D.C. His work has included Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments, large-scale rehabilitation projects, mixed-use properties and condominium conversions.
In addition to his work in the private sector, Valery has held teaching positions in higher education. He serves as an adjunct professor of strategic management at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and teaches at Cornell University, where his courses focus on equitable real estate development and strategies intended to reduce displacement in lower-income communities.
Rockland Community College President Dr. William P. Mullaney welcomed the appointment, saying Valery’s background in leadership, education, real estate development and community investment aligns with the college’s mission. Mullaney said he looks forward to working with the new trustee as the college continues efforts to support student success and strengthen its role throughout Rockland County.
Board of Trustees Chair L’Tanya M. Watkins also commented on the appointment, citing Valery’s experience in strategic development, urban planning and cross-sector collaboration. Watkins said those experiences will provide an additional perspective as the board continues its work to expand educational access, support student achievement and respond to the changing needs of the community.
In a statement released by the college, Valery said he was honored to join the Board of Trustees and looked forward to working with fellow trustees and college leadership. He described Rockland Community College as an important institution for county residents and said he hopes to contribute toward expanding educational opportunities and increasing access to economic mobility for people throughout the community.
Valery’s academic background includes a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, a Master of Public Administration and International Affairs from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies, also from Cornell. He is also a Mel King Community Fellow with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Community Innovators Lab.
Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College serves students throughout Rockland County and the surrounding region as part of the SUNY system. The college offers 35 associate degree programs and three certificate programs. Its faculty includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors, according to the institution. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack and the Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg.
The Board of Trustees plays a key role in helping guide the college’s operations, approving major policies, overseeing fiscal matters and supporting long-term institutional planning. Trustees work closely with the college president and administration to help ensure the institution meets its educational mission while responding to the needs of students, employers and the broader community.
Valery succeeds Susan Oelkers-Ramos, who recently stepped down from the board. The college did not announce a reason for her resignation in the press release announcing the appointment