Elizabeth Praetorius named new Vice President of Finance and Administration

Fredonia today announced that it has named Elizabeth Praetorius as its new Vice President for Finance and Administration.

She most recently served at SUNY Maritime College as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Finance and Administration, a position she held from 2010 through March of this year. She will begin her new role at Fredonia on August 1.

Ms. Praetorius has enjoyed a 25-year career that has been spent entirely within the State University of New York system. During her tenure at Maritime, she was responsible for an operating budget of more than $41 million, coordinated the implementation of the SUNY five-year capital plan, developed and implemented major policies for business operations, provided leadership and overall guidance to the Finance and Administration division, and oversaw 135 professional and unionized employees. She also served as the volunteer Head Coach of the Maritime Women’s Volleyball team from 2011-12, and as Assistant Coach in 2010.

“I am very pleased to welcome Elizabeth Praetorius to the community,” said Fredonia President Virginia Horvath. “She has a breadth of experience within the SUNY system, both at the administrative and campus levels. She also possesses a solid knowledge of the political landscape in Albany, and her leadership skills will aid her well as she guides Fredonia’s dedicated and capable team within its Division of Finance and Administration.”

Praetorius will oversee an annual consolidated operating budget of more than $100 million, as well as a variety of administrative offices such as Accounting, Budget, Internal Control, Payroll and Purchasing, as well as the departments of Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities Planning, Facilities Services, the Faculty Student Association, Human Resources, Student Accounts, and University Services, which collectively employ more than 360 staff members.

“I am honored to be joining the Fredonia family and its surrounding community. Fredonia is a well-recognized, high-quality educational experience with exceptional leadership, faculty, staff, students, academic programs and facilities,” Praetorius said. “The warm and collegial atmosphere, combined with the college’s outstanding academic programs and progressive culture, make this an exciting opportunity and place to contribute. I look forward to being part of the wonderful things that are happening here.”

Praetorius spent the majority of her career serving the University at Albany’s Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, including 19 years as its Director for Finance and Administration. Prior to her time with SUNY Maritime in the Bronx, she also served for one year as Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director in the Office of Strategic Planning and Accountability within the State University of New York System Administration, in Albany, and was a member of the SUNY Chancellor’s Shared Services Steering Committee from 2012-14.

Praetorius holds a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Finance from Rockefeller College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Business from the University at Albany.

An avid, longtime volleyball player and fan, she served as a player and coach for USA Volleyball from 1993 to 2003. She has also served on the USA Volleyball Regional Board of Directors, including as Vice President from 1999 to 2001, and Secretary from 1994 to 1999. She also served on the Albany YMCA Board of Directors from 1994 to 2004, including as its Finance Chair from 1994 to 1999.