CW Names Karen Smith New President as Del Balzo Announces Retirement

There’s been a changing of the guard at The College of Westchester with the recent announcement that President Mary Beth Del Balzo is retiring from her role as President, effective December 31, 2023. She will remain on the Board of Trustees as President Emeritus, on the CW Charitable Foundation Board, continuing to create outreach to the local, regional and national community. It was also announced that the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Karen J. Smith as the new President effective January 1, 2024.

Del Balzo has been with CW since 1977, full-time since 1982, and President since 2014. Prior to serving as President, she worked in various positions at the college, including Senior Executive Vice President, overseeing development of all facets of CW’s distance education division as well as overseeing and expanding CW’s high school, corporate and community relations. Prior to that, she has served in many roles across the college, including Vice President, Assistant Vice President for Student Life & Community Outreach, Director of the Counseling Center, Assistant to the President and Assistant to the Chairman.

“Serving as President has been the greatest privilege of my professional life.  Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside some great individuals, our dedicated faculty, staff, as well as students and alumni, all who are deeply committed to the values and mission, and help sculpt CW’s vision for the future,” said Del Balzo.

Holding the position of President is one that Smith is well-versed with as she served as President of CW from 1997 to 2014. She stepped back from the day-to-day operations of the College but remained actively involved as Vice Chair of the Board.  Most recently she has been back on campus serving as Chief Operating Officer. Smith has been with the college since 1985. Throughout her 38 years she held various leadership roles lending her strategic mindset and expertise to help shape the vision and fulfill the mission.

“I am truly excited to embrace the role of President once again.  It’s been invigorating to step back into the day to day and work alongside our amazing students, faculty, and staff. Together, we will embark on a journey of learning, innovation, and shared success. The future is bright, and I am eager to contribute to CW’s 108 year history however I can,” said Smith.