Fredonia, N.Y. — Chuck Cornell of Jamestown, N.Y., has been named the Interim Director of SUNY Fredonia’s Center for Rural Regional Development and Governance (CRRDG).
He replaces Dr. Len Faulk, who recently retired. Cornell will be responsible for leading the Center’s operations, which includes advancing regional development and governance, and overseeing the SUNY Fredonia/Dunkirk Community Partnerships (COPC).
The Center was established in 1998 to increase public understanding of the value of regionalizing or sharing local government services. SUNY Fredonia President Dennis Hefner said at the time, “The goal is to keep the agenda of regionalism moving forward in Chautauqua County.”
The formation of the Center, now 10 years old, followed the Chautauqua Conference on Regional Governance, which brought together leading scholars and practitioners of regional cooperation. Dr. Len Faulk was one of the organizers of the event that drew national attention.
“We are pleased that Chuck Cornell is on board to assist in advancing the goals of the Center,” said Kevin Kearns, Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research. “Regionalism remains alive and well in Chautauqua County, as does SUNY Fredonia’s commitment to serving as a catalyst. Chuck brings the background and experience needed to continue to advance the goal of regional development and governance.”
Cornell is currently serving his second term in the Chautauqua County Legislature representing the City of Jamestown’s north side. He currently chairs the Legislature’s Planning and Economic Development Committee. Prior to his election he served as Clerk of the Chautauqua County Legislature. While living in Washington, D.C., he was on the staff of U.S. Senator Carl Levin of Michigan and U.S. Representative Paul Kanjorski of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Before relocating to Washington, Cornell spent three years as the Executive Assistant to Chautauqua County Executive Mark Thomas. He has taught courses in public speaking, American politics and interpersonal communications while serving as an adjunct faculty member of Jamestown Community College.
Cornell is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in management. He completed his master’s degree in public administration from SUNY Albany’s Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater Jamestown Empire Zone and the Manufacturing Technology Institute at Jamestown Community College. He is also a member of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) board.
Cornell lives in Jamestown with his wife, Lori, and three sons, Benjamin, Nathaniel, and Zachary.
