Meeting of the Board of Regents | October 2007

SUMMARY

Issue for Consent Agenda

Reappointment of Dr. John Jay Iselin to the Board of the Archives Partnership Trust.

Reason(s) for Consideration

              Required by State statute.

Proposed Handling

The reappointment will come before the Cultural Education Committee on October 22, 2007.  I recommend approval to the full Board on October 23, 2007.

Procedural History

              The New York State Archives Partnership Trust Act (Chapter 758 of the Laws of 1992, as amended) gives the Board of Regents four (4) appointments to the Trust Board.  The other Regents appointments are:  Ms. Barbara A. Brinkley, Dr. Ann L. Buttenwieser, and Mr. Harold Holzer.

              Dr. Iselin’s term has recently expired and he is eligible to serve for another three-year term.

Background Information

The Archives Partnership Trust is a 501(c)(3), public benefit corporation for the sole benefit of the New York State Archives.  The Trust provides private funds, services and support to sustain the excellence of the State Archives, particularly in the areas of education, public programs and preservation to ensure that one of New York’s most valuable cultural assets is available for future generations.  The Trust is governed by a Board of leading citizens, appointed by the Governor, Legislature and the Board of Regents.  It is requested that the Regents reappoint Dr. John Jay Iselin to a three-year term beginning on October 23, 2007.

              John Jay Iselin currently serves as Vice Chair of the Archives Partnership Trust.  He is president of the Marconi Foundation, president-emeritus of the Cooper Union, formerly president of Thirteen/WNET, and former senior editor at Newsweek and Vice President and Publisher of Trade Books at Harper & Row.  A leader in educational, cultural and civic affairs in New York State, Dr. Iselin brings over thirty-five years of exemplary experience in community affairs to the Archives Partnership Trust Board.  Dr. Iselin has led an extraordinary professional life with careers in book publishing and broadcasting, as well as another career as an educational leader in the State.  He holds both an A.B. and Ph.D. from Harvard University, a B.A. and M.A. from Corpus Christi College of Cambridge University, as well as an honorary degree from Adelphi University.  Mr. Iselin has been an enthusiastic Board member, opening doors for us with several foundations and potential donors and providing sage advice with respect to fund raising strategies.

Recommendation

The Regents should approve the reappointment of John Jay Iselin to the Board of the Archives Partnership Trust.

Timetable for Implementation

October 23, 2007.