Barba, Duker Elected to Saint Rose Board of Trustees

The College of Saint Rose Board of Trustees has elected James J. Barba and Sharon M. Duker as new members of the Board.

“The College of Saint Rose is charting a strong course into its next 100 years,” said Sister Mary Anne Heenan, chair of the Saint Rose Board of Trustees. “The addition of Jim and Sharon to the College’s Board marks another step in this exciting journey. Their vision and commitment to this region is unquestionable, and we are so pleased that they have chosen to share their talents and expertise on behalf of The College of Saint Rose.”

“On behalf of the Saint Rose community, I am thrilled that Jim and Sharon are now Trustees of the College.  I am excited to work with two such dynamic individuals who share our vision of transforming lives through education,” said Saint Rose President Carolyn J. Stefanco. “I look forward to partnering with them as we fulfill our Strategic Plan, connecting Albany with the world and preparing our students for bright futures.”

Barba has led Albany Medical Center, the only academic health sciences center in northeastern New York and the largest locally governed health care system in 25 counties, as its president and chief executive officer since 1995. There, he oversees a workforce of more than 9,000; one of the nation’s oldest medical schools, Albany Medical College, where 40 percent of Capital Region doctors and health care professionals are trained; its research operations; and a Physician Practice Group of more than 450.

An established leader in health care, Barba has served on numerous special commissions and councils, including the board of directors of the Greater New York Hospital Association and the Health Care Association of New York State. In recognition of his dedication to regional economic development, in 2011, he was named by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to the Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council, where he currently serves as co-chair. Barba also serves on the boards of the Center for Economic Growth and Park Playhouse and is former chairman of the board of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, The College of Saint Rose named him a recipient of the Community of Excellence Award.

“The College of Saint Rose has been an integral part of our region for 100 years.  During that time, it has educated tens of thousands of students whose contributions have both advanced and inspired their professional fields. I look forward to participating in its mission,” said Barba.

Duker received her Master of Science in Education from The College of Saint Rose in 2015. Duker and her family are known for their philanthropic work, and she has served on numerous boards, including Albany Medical Center and the Doane Stuart School, where she is currently President of the Board. For her dedication to the betterment of the community around her, Duker was recognized as a Community of Excellence Award recipient by Saint Rose in 2017.

In accepting her appointment, Duker said she is proud to give back to the College where she earned her Master of Science in Education. “I experienced how the personal learning environment in my graduate courses enabled the students to grow intellectually and personally. I am truly gratified to be able to give back to my alma mater now as a Trustee.”

Barba and Duker were elected to terms that expire in 2021. The Saint Rose Board of Trustees consists of 29 members.