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MCC Daily Tribune

CFO & Vice President Heze Simmons to Retire in June

Dear MCC Family,

After 18 years of leadership and service to MCC, Chief Financial Officer & Vice President of Administrative Services Heze Simmons announced his plans to retire on June 30, 2021.

Following a 20-year career with Xerox, Heze joined MCC in 2003 as the assistant vice president of Administrative Services under then President Tom Flynn. He was promoted to CFO & vice president in 2008.

Heze’s leadership continues to positively impact our students’ experiences. His many contributions to MCC’s mission of access and innovation include the construction of the Downtown Campus, the launch of MCC’s Return to Complete program for former students, and our Universal Bus Pass (formerly U-Pass) partnership with Regional Transit Service to help students overcome transportation challenges.

He represents MCC as a member of the East House Board of Directors, Greater Rochester Health Foundation Board of Directors, and the SUNY Community Colleges Business Officers Association (CCBOA).

Under Heze’s leadership, the Administrative Services division serves the entire College in respectful, varied, and important ways—from accounting and budgets to public safety and technology services. His legacy will be one of strong fiscal stewardship through both good and challenging times. It has been my privilege to serve with him this past year.

Incoming MCC President Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna shared, "Vice President Simmons reputation of excellence precedes him not only for us at MCC but throughout SUNY. His institutional knowledge will be irreplaceable and his longstanding commitment to the success of MCC enduring.

“Given the significance and alignment of the duties of the role he will leave vacant in terms of MCC’s strategic priorities under my leadership, a search for Heze’s replacement will be expedited for a September 1 start date and an interim appointed until such time that a permanent appointment can be filled to maintain MCC’s high standards,” she said.

Please join me in congratulating Heze on his decision to embark on the next chapter of his life.

Katherine Douglas
Office of the President
02/02/2021