McNelis Appointed Director Emeritus At REDC

The Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) Board of Directors recently appointed Dr. Donald T. McNelis as a director emeritus.

From 1970 to 1995, Dr. McNelis was an administrator with St. Thomas Aquinas College. In 1970, he was appointed Academic Dean and in 1974 was elected President, a position he held for 21 years. During his stewardship the college doubled in size, both in enrollment and its physical space and delivered 21 consecutive balanced budgets. 

Since his retirement, Dr. McNelis has served as chair of REDC’s Task Force on Economic Growth, and for a number of years co-chaired the REDC Forty Under 40 Program. In addition, he consulted at more than 50 colleges and universities and served held the position of director on the boards of Provident Bank, the Rockland Country Club Foundation, and several charitable, cultural and professional organizations.

“Over the past 18 years, Dr. McNelis has contributed his leadership, intelligence and analytical skills to the REDC Board,” said Sandra Grannum, chair of the Board.

He joins Dr. Karim A. Abood, Burt Steinberg and Alan Yassky who also share that title. They are non-voting directors whose opinions are sought by the board of directors.

"Dr. McNelis has the leadership talents to achieve success in whatever is set before him, added Michael DiTullo, REDC president & CEO. "His purpose, integrity and generosity are the very characteristics we seek in our directors.”