Promotions, Announcements & Appointments

Morrisett to lead Cornell Tech

Greg Morrisett, dean of Cornell’s Faculty of Computing and Information Science (CIS) and an international expert in software security, has been named the Jack and Rilla Neafsey Dean and Vice Provost of Cornell Tech.

Morrisett has stewarded CIS through four years of explosive growth, recruiting world-renowned faculty, integrating the computer and information science departments, and spearheading the development of the new Department of Statistics and Data Science.

His research focuses on building provably correct and secure software, with an emphasis on cryptographic schemes, machine learning and compilers.

Morrisett will take the helm of Cornell Tech as it moves into its second phase of development, building on its cutting-edge faculty, strong relationships with industry and New York City leaders, and innovative, cross-disciplinary and socially conscious approach to technology education.

“I know both the great challenges and great opportunities that the campus affords the university,” Morrisett said. “The mission and rise of technology in society demands a new approach to thinking about how we educate students.”

In addition to deepening connections with the Ithaca campus, Morrisett said he looks forward to continuing Cornell Tech’s engagement with New York City through programs such as Women in Technology and Entrepreneurship in New York and the K-12 Initiative.

“As New York City becomes an increasingly important technology hub, we want to help make sure it’s inclusive, representative of a broad range of disciplines and avoids some of the problems we’ve seen emerge as technology becomes more and more central to our lives,” Morrisett said. “We need to teach students to develop not just the new cutting-edge stuff, but to think in an ethically robust fashion.”

Morrisett, who received his B.S. in mathematics and computer science from the University of Richmond, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University, was a member of Cornell’s computer science faculty from 1996 to 2004.

He then served as the associate dean for computer science and engineering, director of the Center for Research on Computation and Society, and professor of computer science at Harvard University before returning to Cornell as CIS dean in 2015.

Westrich named ‘Best Doctor’

Dr. Geoffrey Westrich, an orthopedic surgeon in Fresh Meadows and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in Manhattan, has been named a top orthopedic surgeon in New York magazine’s “2019 Best Doctors” issue.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be among the physicians chosen for this guide,” said Westrich. “I believe it’s one indication that we’re achieving our goal of providing outstanding and compassionate care to our patients.” 

Westrich specializes in diagnosing and treating complex injuries and diseases of the hip and knee.

In addition to his medical degree, which he received from Tufts University School of Medicine,  Westrich has a degree in engineering, which comes into play when he is called on to help design new and improved joint replacements and surgical instrumentation.

Westrich is past president of the prestigious Eastern Orthopaedic Association and belongs to a number of professional societies, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Orthopedic Association, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Medical Association and Arthritis Foundation. 

Epstein to chair Northwell board

The Northwell Health Board of Trustees elected Michael Epstein of as its new chair. of its 31-member board. 

Epstein is a senior partner at the law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in Manhattan and has served as a Northwell trustee for 14 years. He was an associate trustee before that, beginning in December 2002. 

In addition, he has been a board member of Northwell’s Feinstein Institute for Medical Research since 2002.

Epstein also serves on boards of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services and the Jonas Salk Foundation. He is a past member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Arts & Sciences at Lehigh University, as well as advisory panels to Congress and the National Academy of Sciences’ National Academy of Medicine on intellectual property matters.

Epstein is also a sought-after public speaker who has published more than 60 articles on intellectual property law.

“I am deeply honored to be elected chair of Northwell,” he said. “I look forward to working with Michael Dowling, his management team and my colleagues on the board as we continue to achieve new milestones as one of the country’s premier health care organizations.”

Hagan named COO of First Savings Bank

Paul Hagan has been named president and chief operating officer of First Central Savings Bank. Hagan replaces Ed Petrosky, who served First Central Savings Bank for three years.

“Paul’s strength as a leader will be a vital asset to the overall growth and success of our bank,” said board chairman Joseph Pistilli. 

“We are especially grateful for his wisdom and expertise he brings to our community bank as our new president.”

Hagan brings over 30 years of industry leadership experience to First Central. In 1987, he began his career with KPMG, rising to senior manager. 

In previous roles, Hagan spearheaded bank redevelopment and revitalized customer bases for community institutions, and also has experience elevating banks to publicly traded companies, such as Reliance Federal Savings, where he served as chief financial officer.

Additionally, he’s worked as a consultant for Carver Savings Bank and, most recently, as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Hanover Community Bank.

Hagan is a graduate of SUNY Albany and a certified public accountant. He currently resides in Garden City.   

“First Central has enormous opportunities in front of it, and I am both honored and excited to lead our amazing team forward,” Hagan said. “We’re focused on providing top-notch personalized customer service and excellent business and lending opportunities to our valued clients and community partners.”

Cokley named head of Operations at CTK

The Christ the King High School Board of Trustees announced that Veronica Cokley has been appointed as Director of Operations at the high school.

Cokley has been at Christ the King High School over 13 years, serving as executive assistant to the president, Michael Michel, where she assisted in the management and operation of the school and its facilities.

She has also served as assistant to the Board of Trustees. 

“We congratulate Ms. Cokley on her well-deserved promotion,” said Michel. “Her hard work and dedication to Christ the King is constant and unwavering.”

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