Syracuse University Director of Facilities Support Services Michael P. Riley has announced his retirement to take place June 30, concluding 34 years of service to the University.
Effective July 1, his leadership responsibilities will transfer to three of his colleagues within SU's Division of Business, Finance and Administrative Services (BFAS): Allan Breese, director of business and facilities maintenance services, will oversee Parking and Transit Services, and Mail Services; Douglas Freeman, director of purchasing and real estate, will assume responsibility for Drumlins; Tim Sweet, director of energy and computing management, will oversee the Steam Distribution and Chilled Water Systems.
Riley joined the University in August 1974 as a senior budget analyst in the Budget Department. He had previously worked in public accounting and was assistant controller at Colgate University. In 1976, he became director of the Internal Audit Department, reporting to Chancellor Melvin A. Eggers. In August 1982, he assumed his present position and has been responsible for Real Estate Services, Parking and Transit Services, Mail Services, the Steam Station and Chilled Water Plants, Telecommunications, Purchasing and Drumlins.
"I can't think of a more exciting and dynamic environment to work in than here at SU," Riley says. "We've had inspired leadership that has made each day a challenge as the University has continued to improve in its academic programs and facilities. I have enjoyed working with faculty and staff across campus who are truly devoted to this great institution. I am especially proud of the department heads guiding the departments reporting to me over the years and every individual within their operations."
"Mike Riley is a colleague for whom I have the utmost respect. He has willingly applied his talents to successfully address numerous significant administrative challenges, always combining best practices and knowledge with a commitment to achieve what is best for the University," says Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Louis G. Marcoccia, to whom Riley reports.
"Mike's financial and operational experience and knowledge have served the University well and made him tremendously helpful in achieving viable, well-developed solutions to administrative, financial and service opportunities and challenges," Marcoccia says. "Mike is a most special friend and a sincere caring person whose values and ethics have had a very positive impact on colleagues and constituencies, and which contributed to making the University better. I will greatly miss my good friend, but I am pleased that he will be able to focus more time and attention on his wife, children and grandchildren whom he loves so dearly."
Marcoccia envisions a smooth transition in responsibilities from Riley to the three aforementioned BFAS administrators.
"Allan's current responsibilities include the University's Bulk Distribution operation, which makes assigning him the responsibility for Mail Services appropriate," Marcoccia says. "And his oversight of Physical Plant and experience in running auxiliary operations make him a good fit for overseeing Parking and Transit Services.
"Doug is currently functioning in leadership roles directly responsible for Purchasing and Real Estate, and will become a direct report of mine effective July 1. In addition to continuing to lead those functions, he will assume oversight responsibility for Drumlins.
"Tim's experience in managing energy matters for the University and his prior experience at St. Lawrence University in managing energy matters, including its power plant, make him the appropriate person to take over responsibility for the University's Steam Distribution and Chilled Water Systems.
"In addition," says Marcoccia, "what substantially contributes to making the transition seamless is the continuation of strong managers in each of the noted areas, including Al Sauer (Parking and Transit Services), John O?Connor (Mail Services), Claudia Bement (Real Estate Services), Leon Zurro (Drumlins) and Tom Reddinger (Steam Distribution and Chilled Water Systems)."
While Riley's accomplishments during his SU career are many, one of his most visible is his incorporation of the number "44" into the operations he managed. In the mid-1980s, the University's mail department applied to the U.S. Postal Service to obtain a unique zip code, requesting and receiving 13244. And with the installation of a new telephone system in 1988, the telecommunications department arranged to have the University's exchange converted from 423-xxxx to 443-xxxx.
A Syracuse native, Riley graduated from Corcoran High School and attended Le Moyne College, earning a bachelor's degree in accounting. He later earned a master's degree through SU's Executive M.B.A. Program. In addition, he is a certified public accountant.
Riley and his wife, Jeanne, who has served at SU for 18 years and is the administrative assistant to the dean of the School of Architecture, plan to move to Pennsylvania to be closer to their three married children and four grandchildren.
