Morinello Joins SUNY Niagara board of trustees

SUNY Niagara press release

SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees Chairman Bryan DalPorto announced Assemblyman Angelo Morinello as the college’s newest trustee. Morinello, who represents the New York Assembly’s 145th District, succeeds William Ross, who had been a trustee for over 20 years.

DalPorto said SUNY Niagara is fortunate to welcome such a seasoned, respected public servant to its board.

“Assemblyman Morinello brings a unique combination of government leadership, community focus, and business acumen to our college,” DalPorto said. “His deep experience and reputation as a collaborative, ethical, practical problem-solver will be tremendous assets.”

Prior to joining the State Legislature, Morinello spent 50 years in the Western New York legal community. Between 1974 and 1990, he served as a Niagara County assistant district attorney, as counsel to the Niagara Falls Department of Community Development, and as counsel at Certo Brothers Distributing in West Seneca. He practiced law privately from 1990 to 2002 before being elected judge in Niagara Falls City Court, a post he held until 2015.

Morinello earned his J.D. from Cleveland State University, and holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. He also served in the U.S. Army and is a Vietnam War combat veteran.

“SUNY Niagara stands as one of our region’s most important resources,” Morinello said. “I look forward to continuing to build its value not only as an educational institution, but also as a center for community, partner to industry, and economic driver.”

Morinello took office June 30 following his appointment by the Niagara County Legislature. His SUNY term will run through June 2033.

The SUNY Niagara board of trustees establishes the policies under which SUNY Niagara operates. The Niagara County Legislature appoints five of the board’s 10 members. Four are gubernatorial appointees. One is a student elected annually by the student body.