(SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York – Sept. 27, 2019) David Henahan has retired as communications director at SUNY Empire State College after 10 years in the position and more than 20 years of service to the State University of New York.

During his tenure at SUNY Empire, Henahan helped develop the college’s digital presence, cultivated relationships with media in the Capital Region and around the state, and brought attention to the college’s remarkable students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

“Dave Henahan has been an effective champion of SUNY Empire State College and the entire SUNY system throughout his career,” said SUNY Empire President Jim Malatras. “He’s a public servant with a big heart who will be missed by those who worked with him. Although he’s retiring, as SUNY Empire communications director emeritus he will always be a part of the SUNY Empire family.”

"I would like to express my gratitude for the professional collaborations I have built over my years at Empire State College with wonderful colleagues,” Henahan said. “The determination of SUNY Empire students to complete their degrees, the creative and inspirational teaching of the faculty, the innovations of professional staff, and the persistence and patience of the support staff, who knitted the fabric of college life together every day, will inspire me for the rest of my life. I am grateful to have been able to share some of their remarkable stories.”

Prior to joining SUNY Empire, Henahan was director of media relations for 12 years at SUNY system administration. During that time, he served as the spokesperson for three chancellors, including Robert King, John Ryan, and Nancy Zimpher.

His retirement plans include photography lessons and touring New York State’s parks.

Henahan’s retirement is effective Friday, Sept. 27. The search for a new communications director is underway.

Kyle Adams, assistant vice president for communications and marketing, will manage media relations during the search for a new director. He can be reached at Kyle.Adams@esc.edu, or 518-580-2993.

About SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College educates more than 17,000 students in person, online, and through a blend of both, at more than 30 locations in New York and at eight international sites worldwide. Together with one of SUNY Empire’s more than 1,300 faculty mentors, each student designs their own individualized pathway to a college degree that accommodates their schedule and awards credit for prior college-level learning. SUNY Empire awards more than 3,000 degrees annually and 94 percent of graduates stay in New York state. Today, more than 87,000 SUNY Empire alumni are entrepreneurs, veterans, and active members of the military, professional athletes, teachers, medical professionals, and leaders in their field, as well as in their communities. To learn more, visit www.esc.edu and follow the college on social media @SUNYEmpire.