ALBANY, N.Y. — The SUNY board of trustees has appointed Christopher White as the system’s first-ever vice chancellor for workforce development and upward mobility.

He’s joining SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr.’s cabinet, and his appointment is effective Dec. 12, SUNY said.

In its announcement, SUNY describes it as a “key position” established to advance one of SUNY’s four priority pillars (student success; research and scholarship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and economic development and upward mobility).

White most recently served as deputy commissioner of workforce development at the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). He has experience in workforce development, communications, and public policy.

In this role, White is responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership in creating and implementing workforce-development initiatives, solidifying external partnerships, and “ensuring seamless coordination” across SUNY System Administration and its 64 colleges and universities.

White will also have primary responsibility for implementing SUNY’s goal of ensuring that all undergraduate students complete an internship or other experiential learning opportunity before earning their degree.

“In the nearly two years since Chancellor King took office, he has taken bold action with his team to secure upward mobility for our students including adult learners,” the SUNY Board of Trustees said in the announcement. “With the appointment of Chris White, the connections to the job market in our state will only grow stronger and benefit more New Yorkers.”

“During my time at [NYSDOL], we have expanded partnerships, data collection and technology, and our career center system is now serving more than one million New Yorkers each year,” White said in the SUNY announcement. “I look forward to expanding job opportunities with Chancellor King and campus leaders for the hundreds of thousands of students who come to SUNY for a higher education each year – from traditional-age college students to adult learners. My thanks to Chancellor King, Chairman Merryl Tisch, and the entire Board of Trustees on this appointment.”