Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Campus Community–
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kara Jones as Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations (OWIER) at SUNY Oswego, effective September 10. Kara will report directly to me and serve on the President’s Cabinet and the President’s Council.
Kara brings more than a decade of leadership experience across workforce innovation, economic development, entrepreneurship, strategic communications, and cross-sector partnership development. Her record of convening industry, government, higher education, and nonprofit partners to advance economic growth, talent development, and innovation closely aligns with SUNY Oswego’s Vision 4040 and our commitment to serving as a catalyst for opportunity across Central New York.
She joins SUNY Oswego from CenterState CEO, where she currently serves as Director of Programs and Engagement for the INSPYRE Innovation Hub and as Executive Director of GENIUS NY. In these roles, Kara provides strategic leadership for a portfolio of startup, workforce, and accelerator initiatives, oversees more than $8 million in annual program budgets, and cultivates partnerships with higher education institutions, industry leaders, investors, and public-sector stakeholders.
As Executive Director of GENIUS NY, Kara leads one of the world’s largest accelerator programs focused on uncrewed aircraft systems and advanced mobility. During her tenure, she has overseen a $5 million annual program, helped build more than 200 strategic partnerships, and supported companies in securing significant follow-on investment, contributing to job creation and economic growth in our region.
Kara is also no stranger to SUNY Oswego. A proud alumna, she earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and marketing from SUNY Oswego and later pursued a master’s in integrated marketing communications at Marist College. She returned to SUNY Oswego as an adjunct professor of Entrepreneurial Marketing and Sales, connecting students with industry leaders and experiential learning opportunities.
Kara succeeds Kristi Eck, who served as the inaugural leader of OWIER when I established the office in 2023 to strengthen SUNY Oswego’s connections with industry, government, and community partners and to advance workforce and economic development across our region. Kristi brought deep knowledge of SUNY Oswego and extensive institutional leadership experience, including her previous service as chief of staff to President Emerita Deborah F. Stanley. I am deeply grateful to Kristi for the leadership, vision, and commitment she brought to establishing the office and to building a strong foundation for its continued growth and impact. Her contributions have helped position SUNY Oswego to deepen our external partnerships, respond to the evolving needs of our region, and advance our mission in new and meaningful ways.
In this key leadership role, Kara will lead OWIER, which serves as a gateway to SUNY Oswego for industry, nonprofit, public, private, and community partners seeking to connect with the university’s expertise and resources. Based at our newly expanded Syracuse campus and with a strong presence in downtown Oswego, OWIER is strategically positioned to deepen SUNY Oswego’s connections and impact across Onondaga and Oswego counties and throughout Central New York. She will guide our institution-wide government and legislative affairs strategy, cultivate and sustain cross-sector partnerships, advance external grant and investment efforts, and help align evolving regional workforce needs with SUNY Oswego’s academic programs, people, and resources.
This work takes on even greater significance as Central New York undergoes transformational growth and rising workforce demand across advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, public service, and emerging technologies. Kara’s deep understanding of our region, demonstrated ability to build productive partnerships, and experience aligning workforce and economic development priorities position her to help SUNY Oswego seize these opportunities and expand our impact.
For Kara, this appointment also marks a homecoming. In reflecting on the opportunity, she described SUNY Oswego as the place where she built the foundation for her career, formed lifelong relationships, and deepened her connection to Central New York. I am delighted that she will now bring her experience, relationships, and commitment to our region back to her alma mater in this new leadership role.
Please join me in welcoming Kara back to SUNY Oswego and in congratulating her on her appointment. I look forward to working with her as we advance Vision 4040, strengthen our partnerships, expand educational and workforce opportunities, and create lasting economic and social impact across Central New York and beyond.
Remain well,
Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D.
President