UTICA, NY – Rome Health President and CEO AnneMarie Walker-Czyz, RN, Ed.D., NEA-BC, has
been appointed to the SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) College Council by New York
State Governor Kathy Hochul.
“We are delighted to welcome AnneMarie Walker-Czyz,” said RoAnn Destito, chair of the SUNY
Poly College Council. “She is an accomplished healthcare executive and respected community
leader whose extensive experience in organizational leadership, education and healthcare
innovation will bring tremendous value to the council. Her commitment to advancing
healthcare opportunities across our region and fostering strong partnerships aligns closely with
SUNY Poly’s mission, and we look forward to the insight and perspective she will bring to our
campus community.”
In her role at Rome Health, Walker-Czyz oversees strategic growth and healthcare operations
for the community-based health system. Prior to joining Rome Health, she held several
executive leadership positions at St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse, including senior vice president
for operations, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer.
Throughout her career, Walker-Czyz has led major healthcare transformation initiatives,
including implementation of enterprise electronic health record systems, expansion of patient
care services and operational improvements focused on quality and patient outcomes. She has
also played a significant role in nursing education and workforce development, serving as
adjunct faculty and interim dean for St. Joseph’s College of Nursing.
Her academic achievements include a doctor of education degree in executive leadership from
St. John Fisher College, a master of science degree as a clinical nurse specialist from Upstate
Medical University, and a bachelor of science in nursing from Upstate Medical University.
Walker-Czyz has received numerous professional honors throughout her career, including the
NYONEL Transformational Nurse Leader Award and recognition as one of Central New York’s
“40 Under 40” leaders.
“I am honored to join the SUNY Poly College Council and support an institution that plays such
an important role in preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators,” said Walker-
Czyz. “SUNY Poly’s commitment to academic excellence, workforce development and
community partnership is vital to the future of our region, and I look forward to contributing to
the university’s continued growth and success.”
The SUNY Poly College Council, which meets quarterly, holds a vital role, offering valuable
advice and guidance to campus leadership, while also fostering meaningful connections
between the institution and its surrounding communities. This collaboration ensures the
university remains deeply rooted in and responsive to the needs of its students and the local
region.
Community members on the council, in addition to Destito and Walker-Czyz, are Mitchell Ford,
F. Christopher Giruzzi, Nichole Hinman, Amela Hrustic, Keith Levatino and William Thickstun.
Each year, the council also has a student representative elected by peers. Prospective college
council members are appointed by Governor Hochul.
For more information about the SUNY Poly College Council, visit
http://www.sunypoly.edu/about/office-president/college-council.html.
About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N.Y., is a vibrant and inclusive community where
students, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education and
dynamic campus experience. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60th
anniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and
beyond. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters innovation and
interdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and
Health Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research and
transformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, and
humanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities. For
more info, visit http://www.sunypoly.edu.
