Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has initiated working meetings for its Southampton Community Advisory Committee. This committee is responsible for offering strategic advice and guidance concerning the future development of the university's Southampton campus.

The committee, which convenes monthly, consists of 35 members from various sectors including community representatives, government officials, and campus leaders. Among the participants are members from the Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees, Long Island Association, Long Island Federation of Labor, Long Island Farm Bureau, Southampton Arts Center, and Suffolk Community College.

Notable elected officials on the committee include Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., Senator Anthony H. Palumbo, Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker, Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore, and Village of Southampton Mayor William Manger.

Key figures from Stony Brook leadership involved in this initiative include Dr. William Wertheim (Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine), Carol Gomes (CEO and Chief Operations Officer at Stony Brook Medicine), William Herrmann (Vice President for Facilities), Wendy Pearson (Vice President for Strategic Initiatives), Carl Mills (Assistant Vice President for Government Relations), Barbara-Jo Howard (Executive Director of Communications and Marketing at Stony Brook Hospital Southampton), among others. Wendy Pearson is leading these meetings.

“It was important that the committee accurately reflect the constituencies and industries in the East End. It took some time to assemble this amazing group, and we are off to a great start,” said Wendy Pearson. “We will continue to add more voices to ensure we have the right mix and balance.”

Pearson further stated that "the committee members are not here to serve as a rubber stamp but as a sounding board on our plans, advocates for the East End, and co-creators of our future."

The primary responsibilities assigned to this committee include providing strategic advice on proposed initiatives for the Southampton campus; collaborating with other members and university leadership to develop shared goals; and serving as ambassadors within their communities.

In the coming six to nine months, this advisory body will collaborate on creating a comprehensive plan informed by stakeholders' input for developing the Southampton campus.

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