Remembering Robert “Bob” McEvoy

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy is sad to announce that longtime public service professor Robert “Bob” McEvoy passed away on Monday, January 31st at the age of 85. Professor McEvoy instructed, advised, and helped place Rockefeller College students in local government career positions for nearly 40 years. 

Bob began his professional education in public administration at New York University where he received his MPA degree in 1973 and was admitted to the doctoral program. During the process of completing his course requirements and assembling his committee, he was recruited to become the county manager of Schenectady County where he served for 22 years. 

Professor McEvoy’s teaching and research focused on local government management, urban policy analysis, local government systems and services throughout the world, including professional management, forms of government, and performance measurement/management. He received the Rockefeller College Distinguished Service Award in 2004 and the 2006-2007 SUNY President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching by part-time faculty. He served on the National Civic League’s Model City and County Charter Committees and the Government Accounting Standards Advisory Council where he was a member of the GASB SEA (performance reporting) Task Force. He also consulted with and addressed members of governments from South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, including members of the Parliaments of Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and Malawi. 

Professor McEvoy served as the executive director of the New York State City/County Management Association and was a former vice president of the International City/County Management Association where he was awarded ICMA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2004. 

Bob taught through storytelling and reinforced the importance of ethics and compassion in public service. He cared deeply for his students and for his profession. His kindness, enthusiasm, and mentorship will be greatly missed. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters Karen, Patricia, and Victoria; grandchildren Dagim, Lucas, Silvio and Willa; and a sister-in-law and two nephews.

Information regarding a memorial service will be shared in the coming days.
 

In the news:

Bob McEvoy dies at 85; managed Schenectady County government for 22 years (The Daily Gazette)

Robert McEvoy, Schenectady County's longtime manager, remembered for austere spending, social conscious (Times Union)