Vice President for Strategic Relations & Communications
Lenore VanderZee
- Ph.D, Political Science and Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame
- J.D., LL.M., International Human Rights Law, Notre Dame Law School
- B.A., Calvin University
VanderZee joined SUNY Canton as an adjunct instructor teaching Contemporary Global Issues, American Government and Politics, and Middle East History and Politics. She was appointed Chief of Staff in 2013 and has since served as Executive Director of University Relations and, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Legislative Affairs. She was appointed to Vice President for Strategic Relations and Communications in 2023.
VanderZee leads SUNY Canton's economic development, entrepreneurship, and government relations efforts, and serves as the Operations Manager for the Research Foundation at the College and the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Officer. She oversees the Center for Workforce, Community, and Industry Partnerships, Liberty Partnerships, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Office of Public Relations, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She also serves on several local and national non-profit boards, including the University Economic Development Association, Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.
VanderZee was named an emerging leader in 2015 by Northern New York Business Magazine. She received the President's Meritorious Service Award in 2021 for her service and accomplishments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also received the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Day Award in 2022.
On her off time, VanderZee likes to hike in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, read and listen to books, play music with her folk-Americana band Uprooted, and spend time with her husband and two teenage kids.