Dr. Jim Malatras was named the 14th chancellor of The State University of New York on August 21, 2020.

Prior to his role leading the SUNY system, Dr. Malatras served as the fifth president of SUNY Empire State College. Prior to joining SUNY Empire in May 2019, he served as president of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, where he led the Institute’s modernization effort to offer policymakers evidence-based policy analysis and recommendations on timely topics.

Dr. Malatras has held several high-ranking positions in New York State government, including director of state operations to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, where he managed the day-to-day operation of state government and served as the administration’s point person on policy development and implementation.

An education policy expert, Dr. Malatras served as the executive director of the governor’s New NY Education Reform Commission from 2012-2014, executive director of legislative affairs and state policy to Attorney General Cuomo, and legislative director to former assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky. Dr. Malatras served as Chief of Staff for Chancellor Nancy Zimpher from July 2013 to August 2014.

Dr. Malatras received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in political science from the University at Albany.