The Daily Bulletin Archive

I am pleased to announce the following personnel changes within the Finance and Management division.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Dawn A. Pustelnik has been named assistant director of administrative operations, pursuing innovative business practices and developing operating strategies that enhance efficiencies. In addition, she provides support for COVID-19 testing operations. Ms. Pustelnik has been part of the Buffalo State College community for 20 years, serving previously as audience services manager for the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Thomas J. Galluch will join Buffalo State as emergency manager on April 14, reporting to Jeffrey Hammer, senior director of environmental health and safety. Mr. Galluch brings to the college extensive knowledge and expertise in emergency and crisis management, including 19 years of experience at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Most recently, he served as agent in charge for the Buffalo field office of the ATF. Mr. Galluch will be responsible for day-to-day planning and implementation of Buffalo State’s emergency preparedness initiatives and will serve as the front-line representative of emergency management for the college community.

FACILITIES

In response to the upcoming retirement of Facilities Director Steven Shaffer, the following department members will assume additional responsibilities and report directly to the vice president for finance and management:

Kris A. Kaufman will serve as officer in charge for the department while continuing his duties as director of maintenance repair and residential planning. Mr. Kaufman will assume on-site responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Facilities Department and will also oversee custodial services.

Daniel R. Herr, energy manager, will continue oversight of the central power plant and will oversee the ongoing renovation of that facility.

Brian D. Wittmer, manager of design and construction, will oversee all matters related to facilities design and construction and will supervise staff in this area.

I thank them for their willingness to temporarily assume these responsibilities to maintain seamless operation of the department. Details about a search for Buffalo State’s next leader of facilities will be announced at a later date.

Other changes in the Facilities Department:

Cheryl L. Byer has been named director of campus business operations, assuming responsibility for business operations support for all maintenance trades, custodial services, design and construction, the heating plant, and the Environmental Health and Safety Office. She is leading the business functions of procurement, human resources, accounting, and budget for these areas while continuing to supervise the facilities operations group, central receiving, the lock shop, and the stockroom. Ms. Byer has added responsibilities for budget development and ongoing workforce planning.

Barry J. Skoney has joined the department as Buffalo State’s maintenance manager, reporting to Kris Kaufman, following the recent retirement of Michael Dombrowski. Mr. Skoney comes to Buffalo State with 24 years of experience in engineering and maintenance management, most recently with Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, where he served as the facilities engineering manager. Mr. Skoney will oversee the skilled maintenance trades shops, grounds, and motorized equipment repair shops.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The Human Resource Management Office has filled two positions following retirements:

Holly S. Powell has joined the staff as a human resources generalist, administering all human resources programs including benefits, leaves, personnel, recruitment, time and attendance, and emergency response. Ms. Powell comes to Buffalo State with 19 years of experience in HR, having served most recently as a human resource assistant for United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Western District of New York.

Sherri L. Wagner has also joined the department as a human resources generalist, executing the full range of human resource functions. Ms. Wagner has 19 years of experience in HR, and most recently was chief personnel clerk at SUNY Erie Community College.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Khaleel M. Gathers has been appointed associate vice president and chief information officer. Mr. Gathers will oversee the Information Technology Department consisting of enterprise systems, technology support services, enterprise infrastructure services, and the project management office. Buffalo State’s IT teams are responsible for support and delivery of client support services, academic technology, IT infrastructure, information security, student information systems, and enterprise applications.

Most recently Buffalo State’s deputy chief information officer, Mr. Gathers joined the Buffalo State community in 1994. He has more than 30 years of experience in the information technology sector and more than 25 years of experience within higher education.

Mr. Gathers holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems management and a master’s degree in higher education administration. He is a 2019 graduate of the SUNY SAIL Institute's CIO Leadership Academy.