The College of Westchester Appoints New President

 

The College of Westchester Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Beth Del Balzo, LCSW as President and CEO.  She replaces Karen Smith, president of the college since 1997 who had recently stepped into the position of Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees. 

“I find that my professional training in psychotherapy and social work bring a slant to my position as President of The College of Westchester which is unique.  It enhances my world view of student success, staff and faculty interactions, and the bigger community of which CW is a part, including our corporate, academic and community based organizations,” stated Del Balzo.”

Since 1982, Mrs. Del Balzo has helped create innovations in various departments of the college, most recently as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer leading the college in its day to day functions and strategic planning and implementation. It also included the development and inception of the online division and widening the corporate relations reach to better serve the adult community in our area.  Marissa Brett, President of the Westchester County Association, applauds the news, “Mary Beth is, without a doubt, the right person to lead The College of Westchester into the future.  She has demonstrated passion and commitment along with thoughtful leadership.  I look forward to continuing a wonderful working relationship with Mary Beth and her team for many years to come.”

Mrs. Del Balzo has represented CW by interfacing with external constituents such as Middle States Commission on Higher Education and New York State Education Department.  Additionally she served on The Distance Education Committee for the New York State Board of Regents and advocated for students by appearing before the United States House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Mrs. Del Balzo’s appointment resounded in many other institutions such as the YMCA and the Association of Proprietary Colleges. “On behalf of APC, I congratulate Mary Beth Del Balzo on her new role as president. For many years, Mary Beth has been a valued member of APC and a tremendous resource for the association and its membership. I look forward to continuing our work together in the future as we advance the interests of higher education and the students we serve,” commented Donna Stelling-Gurnett, APC’s Executive Director. Also, Cindy Rubino, President/CEO of the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester added, “Mary Beth Del Balzo is an outstanding choice to continue the vitally important work of preparing CW students for career success.  These students and graduates are professionals, experienced, and ready to meet the needs of the region’s workforce for economic development growth.”

Mrs. Del Balzo also sits on the boards of the Westchester County Association and the Westchester/Putnam/Rockland Counseling Association.  For over two decades Enrique Cafaro, School Counselor of the White Plains High School and Past-President of the WPRCA has witnessed the evolution and success of Mrs. Del Balzo’s career. “Mary Beth Del Balzo has been the finest and most approachable college professional that I have had the privilege of working with over my past 25 years as a school counselor and guidance administrator. She has consistently gone above and beyond to assist our department and give our students resources, programs, awards and options. She has been a pivotal and crucial member of the WPRCA as host and more importantly as an expert in technology and academic programs for students. She is deeply respected and sought out for advice by our membership and throughout our counseling community. This is a wonderful accomplishment for Mary Beth and a tremendously exciting moment for The College of Westchester,” said Cafaro.