At an April 26 meeting the Ramapo College Board of Trustees welcomed George C. Ruotolo, Jr., CFRE, as its newest member.

Ruotolo is Chairman and CEO of Ruotolo Associates Inc., a fundraising and communications firm for philanthropic organizations. His term is effective immediately and will continue through June 2012.

With more than 35 years in the industry, Ruotolo’s expertise encompasses annual development, capital campaigns, planned giving, marketing and public relations programs for education, health and hospitals, churches, arts, social service, and community organizations on local, regional and national levels.

“It is obviously an honor to have been selected to serve as a trustee for Ramapo College,” said Ruotolo. “I look forward to working with President Mercer, Chairman Sabath and my fellow trustees in advancing the mission of Ramapo. I also look forward, given my background, in collaborating with the foundation on the many opportunities that will address the philanthropic needs of the college.”

Ruotolo has served as chair of the Giving Institute, and is a former board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is a founding member of the Ridgewood Education Foundation, and served four years on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, Bergen-Hudson Chapter.

“We are thrilled to have someone with George’s background and achievements join us,” said Board of Trustees Chairman A.J. Sabath ’93. “Certainly his knowledge and skills will serve the College well as we ensure that the promise of a Ramapo education remains accessible and affordable to all New Jersey residents.”

Mr. Ruotolo has often been designated as a spokesperson on key philanthropic issues impacting society, most recently appearing on National Public Radio to speak about the impact of the economic crisis on generosity. He has presented at conferences throughout the nation and served as a guest lecturer at Columbia University and Baruch College.

“I look forward to working with Trustee Ruotolo in the months and years ahead and know he shares our unwavering commitment to excellence in higher education,” said Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer. Mr. Ruotolo resides in Edgewater, New Jersey, with his wife, Joanne, who is a nurse practitioner at Englewood Hospital, Englewood, NJ. They have three grown children.