Robert J. Gaffney

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Robert J. Gaffney Appointed President of Dowling College The Dowling College Board of Trustees has appointed Robert J. Gaffney, former Suffolk County Executive, and most recently a partner in the law firm of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C., the College’s fourth president. Mr. Gaffney took office on October 1 succeeding Dr. Albert E. Donor, who has served since 1999 and will remain with the College in the role of advisor.

“Bob Gaffney brings a high profile and keen knowledge of Long Island to the helm of Dowling. He is among the most accomplished public servants in Suffolk County’s history and will be intensely engaged in our fundraising efforts,” said David Bonagura, Managing Partner of Ernst & Young's Long Island office and Chairman of the Dowling College Board of Trustees. “As Dowling College moves into the future we are excited about the great depth in leadership that will guide us to success on many fronts, particularly the expansion of our campus in Brookhaven.”

Mr. Gaffney was elected Suffolk County’s sixth County Executive in 1992, and held the office for twelve years, being re-elected overwhelmingly in 1995 and 1999. He retired from elective office on December 31, 2003. He was elected a Trustee of Dowling College in June, 2004.

Born and educated in New York City, Mr. Gaffney moved to Suffolk County in 1973, after serving as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Detroit and Washington, D.C., field offices. He practiced law in Suffolk, concentrating in real property, litigation, corporate and commercial law.

During his three terms as Suffolk County Executive, Mr. Gaffney played a major role in promoting the interests of the Long Island region on the state and national levels. Mr. Gaffney, who was featured as a “Long Islander of the Century” by Newsday in 2000, has received honors for his work in environmental protection and land preservation from The Nature Conservancy, the Peconic Land Trust, and the Long Island Pine Barrens Society. He was instrumental in the creation of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission and served as its first chairman.

Robert J. Gaffney was the sixth County Executive of Suffolk County, New York. First elected in 1991, he served through 2003.

Born and educated in New York City, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Fordham University School of Business in 1965 and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1969. After working as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gaffney moved to Suffolk County in 1973. There he practiced law, concentrating in the areas of real property, litigation, corporate and commercial law.

In 1985, Gaffney was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the Fourth Assembly District. He served as the ranking Republican member of the Real Property Tax Committee and the Committee on Corrections, as well as the Assembly Standing Committees on Codes, Higher Education, Environmental Conservation and the Judiciary. He also co-chaired the Assembly Republican Task Force on Crime Victims' Rights.

During his three terms as Suffolk County Executive, Gaffney was President of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) from 1994-1995 and President of the New York State County Executives Association from 1995-1996. He served on the New York Metropolitan Transportation Coordinating Committee from 1992-2003. As an adjunct professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he taught Public Policy and Administration in the Graduate School of Political Science from 2000-2003.

Gaffney currently serves on the boards or committees of Dowling College, Central Suffolk Hospital and the Long Island Housing Partnership. In 2005, Mr. Gaffney was appointed by Governor Pataki to the New York State Commission on Healthcare Facilities in the 21st Century.

Preceded by Patrick G. Halpin

County Executive of Suffolk County, NY 1991–2003

Succeeded by Steve Levy