College Council
The College Council is comprised of local community leaders who are appointed by the Governor. The Council serves in an advisory capacity. Members bring their own particular expertise to the College and advocate on issues of importance to Farmingdale State. They are required to meet with the college administration four times per year to review college operations and new initiatives.
Randi Shubin Dresner, Chair
East Meadow
“I always wondered why someone doesn’t do something… and then I realized, I am somebody.” — Lily Tomlin
Randi Shubin Dresner’s four-decade career in the non-profit sector is a testament to this quote and the power of proactive, community-based leadership.
Paul F. Caroleo
North Babylon
Paul Caroleo graduated from Ithaca College with a B.S. degree in 1978 and embarked on his dream vocation in law enforcement. He completed 20 years of service with the New York City Police Department and retired in 2001 with the rank of Detective 2nd Grade. Following that, he became a special investigator for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for 16 years. During his tenure, his fellow Investigators elected him to represent them as their union vice president. In his 36 years of law enforcement, he has been recognized with numerous awards and citations including eleven letters of Commendation from the FBI and 23 awards for exceptional police work.
David M. Curry, Esq.
Lindenhurst
David Curry is a real estate attorney representing owners and developers of commercial
real estate assets including office, industrial, hotel, retail, and mixed-use properties.
A versatile transactional lawyer, he advises clients in leasing, financing, purchase
and sale, Industrial Development Agency, air rights, and construction contract negotiations.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and recognitions, including
Super Lawyers, New York Metro Rising Stars, Real Estate, 2013-2014; Long Island Business
News, Leadership in Law Award, 2012; Long Island Business News, Ones to Watch in Construction;
Long Island Business News, Who’s Who in Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law;
Queens Chamber of Commerce, Queens Building Awards Competition, Judge, 2008-2009.
James E. Durant '68
Port Jefferson
James Durant's Farmingdale roots run deep. He earned an AAS in Aircraft Operations, back when the College was known as State University Agricultural and Technical College at Farmingdale. He worked on campus as housing counselor, admissions counselor, and recruiting director for special programs. He is also a past member of the Aerospace Technology Curriculum Advisory committee. He currently serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and was its Alumnus of the Year in 2004.
Laiba Idrees, Student Representative
Dix Hills
Laiba Idrees is a junior at Farmingdale State College studying Applied Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies. She serves as President of the Student Government Association and is the founder of a newly formed nonprofit, ACTUALIZE, applying psychology to leadership development. On campus, Laiba founded Farmingdale’s first Pre-Law Society, serves on the President Student Advisory Council, and will be serving as an ACE mentor. With legal internship experience and a passion for family law and public policy, Laiba is honored to receive the President’s Award for Student Leadership.
Ralia E. Polechronis, Esq.
Manhasset
Ralia Polechronis is a Partner at Wilkinson Stekloff and serves as the co-chair of the firm’s DEI Committee. She is a trusted advisor and experienced litigator who counsels Fortune 100 companies on complex, high-stakes civil matters in all phases of litigation. Ralia has defended clients in products liability, breach of contract, fraud, and trademark infringement cases, in addition to high-profile investigations by federal antitrust regulators. In recognition of her professional accomplishments, Ralia has been named a Crain’s New York Business Notable Woman in Law in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and is recognized as one of Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Litigators in America.”
Natalie Ryan
Bellmore
Natalie Ryan is a strategic partnership builder and government affairs professional with more than a decade of experience connecting organizations, communities, and leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Currently serving as Senior Manager of Government Relations & Corporate Affairs at Henry Schein, Inc., Natalie leads a portfolio spanning three distinct but interconnected areas: overseeing the company's Employee Resource Groups as a trusted advisor and coach, setting the strategic direction for Team Schein Engagement and leading the team behind it, and driving the company's government relations efforts.
Robert Sweeney
Lindenhurst
Bob Sweeney is a lifelong Lindenhurst resident. A graduate of Lindenhurst Public Schools, he received a Bachelor's degree from Adelphi University and a Master of Public Administration from C.W. Post.
Mr. Sweeney served over 14 years as Lindenhurst Village Clerk. During that time he received his designation as a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC), held by less than 5% of all municipal clerks in New York State. He is also a past president of the New York State Association of City & Village Clerks.
Mr. Sweeney was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election held March 1988.
Actively involved in the area of health care, Sweeney authored a number of new laws including those that expand and ensure health insurance coverage for people with diabetes and coverage for reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. In 1995 Sweeney received the National Public Policy Leadership Award from the American Diabetes Association.
College Council Minutes
office of the president
Horton Hall, 2nd Floor
934-420-2145
president@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm