MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – Thomas D. Weddell, newly elected Chair of the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees, has been named Treasurer of the New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT) executive board. NYCCT represents the appointed board members who govern the 30 community colleges within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Weddell now joins a prestigious leadership team, continuing a legacy of SUNY Orange trustees contributing at the state level.

Weddell steps into the treasurer role following the retirement of former SUNY Orange board chair and trustee, Frederick A. Watson, who concluded his board service this past summer. Other NYCCT board members include Chair George Cushman of Finger Lakes Community College, Chair-elect Wendy Waters of Mohawk Valley Community College, Secretary Margaret Coffey of SUNY Broome, and Immediate Past Chair Allen K. Williams of Monroe Community College.

“I am honored to continue serving both SUNY Orange and the broader community college system through this new role with NYCCT. Community colleges are the backbone of education and opportunity in New York, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees to ensure our institutions remain strong and accessible for all.”

A lifelong resident of Newburgh, Weddell was appointed to the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees by County Executive Steve Neuhaus in 2018. Over the past three years, he served as vice chair before being named board chair in September 2023. In addition, he has chaired the Board’s Audit & Finance Committee and led the successful Enrollment Task Force, which was elevated to a full board committee in Spring 2024.

Weddell recently retired as managing partner of RBT CPAs, bringing over 40 years of experience in accounting and auditing across diverse sectors including transportation, manufacturing, non-profit organizations, and retail. He has been recognized for his leadership within RBT CPAs, joining the firm in 1978, becoming a partner in 1984, and serving as managing partner for two decades starting in 1996.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Weddell has long been active in community service. His leadership roles include serving organizations such as the Orange County Citizens Foundation, Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress, and the Orange County Community Foundation. He is currently a board member of The Newburgh Armory Unity Center and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

A graduate of Cornwall High School, Weddell earned his associate’s degree in accounting from SUNY Orange and his bachelor’s degree in accounting from SUNY Albany.

For more information or to contact NYCCT, please email nycct@suny.edu. For information about the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees, email Secretary to the Board Charissa Gonzalez at charissa.gonzalez@sunyorange.edu.

About NYCCT: The New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT) is a statewide organization that provides a collective voice for the appointed trustees who serve on community college boards across the SUNY system. NYCCT offers professional development, advocacy, and support for trustees as they guide and govern their respective institutions.