SUNY Erie Board of Trustees Appoints Tsegai as Officer-in-Charge

The SUNY Erie Board of Trustees voted today to officially appoint Provost and Executive Vice President Adiam Tsegai as officer-in-charge, to act in place of President David Balkin during his suspension with pay. The suspension was announced late last week, in the wake of allegations filed with the college’s Human Resources Department. The complaints centered on interactions that Dr. Balkin had recently with members of the college community concerning aspects of the college’s operations.

Dr. Tsegai will have responsibility for the day-to-day operations at the college during the investigation, which will commence immediately. She will also maintain her role as provost and executive vice president during this time.

The board appointed Lippes Mathias LLP Partner Amy Habib Rittling as the independent, third-party that will investigate and report to the board on the allegations. Ms. Rittling heads the firm’s Employment Practice Team.

Board Chair Jeffrey Stone said that the trustees have asked Ms. Rittling to oversee a thorough yet expeditious independent investigation that will be grounded in fairness to all concerned.