The Daily Bulletin

Cheryl Byer will retire from her position as director of facilities business operations and services after 35 years of service to the Buffalo State University community. Her last day on campus will be Friday, March 15.

Ms. Byer, who began her career at Buffalo State in 1989 as a keyboard specialist, holds an associate of applied science in business administration from SUNY Erie and a bachelor of science in business studies from Buffalo State. She progressed through various titles within the campus services and facilities area, including coordinator of business systems, maintenance management coordinator, campus maintenance business systems, and facilities business operations and services. She was named to her current position in 2022.

Ms. Byer has served the campus with commitment and dedication and has managed many broad initiatives that have served Buffalo State well. For example, she converted the campus work request process from manual to online in 1998, developed complete keying schematics for the nine most recently constructed or renovated buildings, and led the complete re-keying of the residence halls and athletics facilities. Under her leadership, Facilities Business Operations was the first campus department to fully implement Bengal Buy. Additionally, Ms. Byer created the original emergency response planning template used by SUNY, was instrumental in bringing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to campus, and was a key member of the Incident Management Team (IMT) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Byer’s commitment is further demonstrated in her service on the Leadership and Disability Access Task Force, the Commencement Operations Group, and numerous search committees. She has also participated in several leadership and communication training courses.

In retirement, Ms. Byer plans to travel and enjoy leisure time with family and friends. Please join me in extending to her our gratitude and best wishes, and join us for a celebration of Ms. Byer’s many accomplishments at an open house on Thursday, February 29, from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Grande Conference Room, Cleveland Hall 418. RSVP by email by Thursday, February 22.

Staffing Update
As we acknowledge Ms. Byer's impending retirement and consider the recent retirements of Steve Shaffer (former director of facilities) and Kris Kaufman (former officer in charge of facilities), we recognize the need for continued leadership and expertise in our facilities area. After an unsuccessful national search for an assistant vice president for facilities in fall 2023, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael J. Lewis as interim assistant vice president for facilities.

Mr. Lewis’s previous position as senior director of administrative operations provided him with invaluable ongoing experience, including oversight of the Design and Print Center, Events Management, Moving Operations, the Campus Mail Room, Parking Services, and Sustainability Programs. This breadth of proficiency, coupled with his proven leadership capabilities and comprehensive understanding of campus infrastructure and operations, makes Mr. Lewis exceptionally qualified to ensure the smooth continuation of operations for our Facilities unit. In this interim role, Mr. Lewis has taken on responsibility for Maintenance Operations, the Campus Stockroom, Central Receiving, Custodial Services, Grounds, Garage, and Power Plant.

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Lewis to this important role. His office is in Clinton Center 203, and he can be reached at (716) 878-5538.