University of Albany To Oversee Rockefeller Institute Think Tank - UAlbany News 2009

The State University of New York's Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute is in for some changes and possibly a higher profile. The venerable think tank, which focuses on state and local government finance, has been around since 1981, but not everyone knows what it does.

The most obvious change will be its absorption into the University at Albany campus, with the Institute's yet-to-be-named director reporting to UAlbany President George Philip.

But just as important, the coming changes at Rockefeller Institute may provide one of the first indications about how new SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher plans to put her stamp on the SUNY system and in the process take on its vast, Byzantine central bureaucracy and some of the entrenched players there.

Rethinking the Rockefeller Institute was occasioned when its longtime director, Richard Nathan, said he would retire at the end of the year.

Last winter, SUNY set up a search committee, but according to several sources familiar with the situation, the effort to find a new director appeared to be breaking down amid internal discord. Zimpher arrived in New York from Ohio in June and launched a tour of SUNY's 64 campuses, which is still ongoing.

Last week, Zimpher stepped in and via a memorandum to the search committee, told members that Philip would replace SUNY New Paltz President Steven Poskanzer as the chairman of the committee.

"I am grateful for the initial support and work Steve has provided as chair, and I know the committee will move ahead well in the capable hands of George Philip," wrote Zimpher.

Less clear was how much authority Zimpher would give to John O'Connor, SUNY's vice chancellor and secretary who served as Officer in Charge until Zimpher's arrival. According to several people familiar with the situation, search committee members complained O'Connor appeared to be taking charge of the Rockefeller Institute search.

Ultimately, the SUNY trustees have to approve the new director, but it would be unusual for them to reverse a choice by the search committee. That group is working with the Korn Ferry International search firm, which has been hired for $81,500.

SUNY officials wouldn't comment on the search, citing confidentiality in personnel issues. And several search committee members didn't return calls.

But others said O'Connor became a lightning rod amid fears that he was trying to influence the search.

From that standpoint, Zimpher's memorandum last week could be viewed as an attempt to assert her authority over O'Connor, who is viewed as one of the system's most seasoned insiders.

Regardless of the search to replace Nathan, a nationally recognized expert in government finance, the Rockefeller Institute will be in for some other changes.

It will open a New York City office and perhaps one in Washington, D.C., Zimpher said.

In her outline, Zimpher also noted the new director will be expected to develop a plan to increase revenues. Currently, the Rockefeller Institute operates on an approximately $3.5 million to $4 million budget, with about 70 percent coming from foundations, government agencies and contracts to conduct research and studies.

By Rick Karlin