SUNY Canton Welcomes Eric Shinnick as New VP for Administration

Eric Shinnick has joined SUNY Canton as the college’s new vice president for administration and chief financial officer.

SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said Shinnick has hit the ground running as a valuable resource since he began his new position on Nov. 3.

“The vice president for administration plays a critical role in maintaining the financial stability and future viability of the college,” Szafran said. “In a few short weeks, Eric has already proven himself to be a valuable resource in administrative and fiscal decision-making. I appreciate his strong focus on optimizing campus revenues and resources. We are all looking forward to benefiting from his business knowledge and extensive background in risk management.”

At SUNY Canton, the vice president of administration leads the college’s Administrative Services division, which includes the Budget Office, Facilities Management, Financial Aid, Information Services, Student Accounts and University Police.

Shinnick comes to SUNY Canton from St. Lawrence University, where he served as the executive director of finance. During his time at St. Lawrence, he oversaw the annual operational and capital budget and led the university's financial planning and analysis efforts. He has extensive experience in insurance and risk management, stemming from his position as chairperson of the New York Colleges & University Risk Managers’ Group and from his years working for a brokerage in the private sector. He also volunteers as an assistant coach with the St. Lawrence varsity men’s soccer team, was a co-founder of St. Lawrence's esports program, and served as a guest lecturer in college courses.

The new Vice President said his strategies include a “listen-first; act second” mentality. He plans to foster an environment that promotes development through taking strategic risks and learning from outcomes. “Above all else, I have found success comes more frequently to those who combine courage, determination, passion and perseverance while maintaining a focus on the long-term goal,” Shinnick said.

He holds a Master of Arts in Economics with a focus on Industrial Organization and Econometrics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Physics from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. He is a fan of the Green Bay Packers and Arsenal Football Club. He currently lives in Canton with his partner, Sahar Milani, Ph.D., an Economist at St. Lawrence University.

College Accountant Amanda Crump filled the Vice President position following the retirement of Shawn Miller in December of 2024. “I would like to thank Amanda Crump for stepping up over the past nine months,” Szafran said. “We greatly appreciate her commitment and dedication to SUNY Canton while she simultaneously fulfilled her regular duties as the College Accountant.”