Governor Hochul appoints Valery of EVI to Rockland Community College board of trustees

Suffern, NY Ernst Valery, a real estate development executive, investor and educator, has been appointed to the board of trustees for Rockland Community College (RCC) by governor Kathy Hochul. Valery was appointed pursuant to New York State Education Law Section 6306 and will serve a term expiring June 30, 2029. He succeeds Susan Oelkers-Ramos, who recently resigned from the board.

Dr. William Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College, welcomed the appointment. “Ernst Valery brings extensive experience in leadership, education, real estate development and community-focused investment,” Dr. Mullaney said. “His commitment to expanding opportunity and fostering economic mobility strongly aligns with RCC’s mission. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue advancing student success and strengthening the College’s impact throughout Rockland County.”

“Ernst Valery’s expertise in strategic development, urban planning and creating opportunities for underserved communities will bring an important perspective to the RCC board of trustees,” said board chair L’Tanya Watkins, Esq. “His experience leading complex initiatives and building partnerships across sectors will be an asset as the college continues working to expand access to education, support student achievement and serve the evolving needs of our diverse community.”

Valery is president of EVI, where he oversees daily operations, project execution and strategic relationships. Throughout his more than 25-year career, he has successfully developed and invested in a diverse range of real estate projects across eight states and Washington, D.C., including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit new construction, large-scale rehabilitation projects, mixed-use properties and condominium conversions.

In addition to his work in real estate development and investment, Valery has extensive experience in higher education. He serves as an adjunct professor of strategic management at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and as a course professor at Cornell University, teaching courses focused on equitable real estate development and strategies to prevent displacement in low-income communities.

“Rockland Community College is foundational to the continued success of the dynamic and diverse people in our County,” Valery said. 

“I am excited to join my fellow Trustees and College leadership and contribute my passion for expanding educational opportunities and access to upward mobility for all of our residents, especially the most vulnerable.”

Valery holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, a Master of Public Administration and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies from
Cornell University. He is also a Mel King Community Fellow with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Community Innovators Lab.

Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College (RCC) provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The College offers 35 degree and 3 certificate programs, supported by a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg.