Michael Metzger has been named the new Vice President for Finance and Administration. He will assume his duties at Fredonia on July 3.
Mr. Metzger has 30 years of experience in the private sector. He currently serves as Vice President and Strategic Advisor for Blackstone Advanced Technologies LLC of Jamestown, a position he has held since 2014. In previous positions, Mr. Metzger was president of Blackstone Business Enterprises from 2010 to 2013, Chief Financial Officer for Acu-Rite Companies from 1985 to 2010 and worked at Bausch & Lomb from 1976 to 1984.
"Mr. Metzger brings a range of experiences in operations management, including in the not-for-profit and government sectors,” said Fredonia President Virginia Horvath, "He has a successful record of motivating and leading employees, and he has managed significant budgets and physical facilities."
“I am honored to accept the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration,” Metzger said. “It has been a dream of mine to be part of the rich tradition of this exceptional educational institution. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Horvath and the entire Fredonia community.”
"Mr. Metzger's academic credentials, and his extensive experience as a business executive and chief financial officer for major international corporations provide an ideal background for taking on the complex duties of the Vice President for Finance and Administration position at Fredonia,” said Kevin Kearns and Jennifer Costa, co-chairs of the search committee. “Of equal importance, his caring attitude, and genuine interest in the Fredonia community and the challenges that we face, convinced the search committee that he was the best candidate for the position.”
Mr. Metzger holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from St. Bonaventure University, and M.B.A. from the
Rochester Institute of Technology.
Mr. Metzger is involved in several organizations throughout Chautauqua County. He is a past member of the Bemus Point Central School Board, United Way Board of Directors, Red Cross of Chautauqua County Board of Directors, The Resource Center Board of Directors and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Board of Directors. Additionally, he is the current chair of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors, is on the INSYTE Board of Directors and was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council.
“As a resident of Chautauqua County, he is committed to this region and sees Fredonia as an important employer and resource for the region,” President Horvath said. "Mr. Metzger is eager to learn about the campus and the SUNY system, bringing fresh perspectives to our operations and practices. During his interviews, he showed strong interest in people and processes, and he demonstrated that he is open to learning about our governance processes."
