HESC Presidents

For decades, the leaders of HESC have helped open the doors to higher education for millions of students. Their vision and dedication shaped the grants, scholarships, and financial aid programs that continue to support New York families today.

Dr. Guillermo Linares

2019-2025

Dr. Guillermo Linares served as President of HESC from 2017 until his retirement in 2025. Dr. Linares implemented the NYS Dream Act, expanding financial aid access to undocumented students and the Excelsior Scholarship, the first program in the U.S. offering tuition-free public college education at NYS Public Colleges. 

A pioneering Dominican American leader, Dr. Linares was the first Dominican-born member elected to the New York City Council. He also served as Chair of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, where he championed greater educational opportunities for Hispanic students. 

James C. Ross

2005-2009

James C. Ross served as President of HESC from 2005 to 2009. Prior to leading HESC, he served as President of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) from 1994 to 2002, where he was a prominent advocate for New York’s independent higher education sector. 

Michael R. Wilton Jr.

2003-2004

Michael R. Wilton, Jr., served as President of HESC from 2003-2004. Prior to his tenure at HESC, he was a senior aide to New York Governor George Pataki, where he played a role in state government and public policy.

Peter K. Keitel

1999-2002

Peter Keitel dedicated nearly three decades to HESC, beginning his career with the company in 1976. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming Executive Vice President in 1984 and Special Assistant to the Executive Director in 1988. In 1999, Keitel was named president of HESC, a role he held until his retirement in 2003. His long tenure reflected a deep commitment to HESC and its mission of helping New Yorkers access higher education.

Robert J. Maurer

1995-1999

Robert J. Maurer served as President of HESC from 1995 to 1999. During his tenure, he was recognized for his commitment to expanding access to education and the arts, while helping strengthen opportunities for students and families across New York. One of Maurer’s notable accomplishments was launching NYSaves, one of the nation’s largest state-based college savings programs. The initiative helped families plan and save for higher education and laid the groundwork for what is now New York’s 529 College Savings Program. 

Cornelius J. Foley

1988-1994

Corenlius J. Foley served as president HESC from 1988 to 1994. His career reflected a lifelong commitment to education and public service, beginning as a social studies teacher in New York. Foley spent a decade working with the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee. He went on to serve as Assistant Secretary and later Deputy Secretary to the Governor for Education, advising on issues affecting New York’s education system. In 1988, he was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo as the president of HESC.

Delores E. Cross

1981-1988

Dolores E. Cross served as president of HESC from 1981 to 1988. An accomplished educator and university administrator, she dedicated her career to advancing educational excellence and expanding opportunities for students. 

Before leading HESC, Cross was the first female president of both Morris Brown College and Chicago State University, she also served as Vice Chancelor for Student Affairs and Special Programs at the City University of New York (CUNY). 

Eileen D. Dickinson

1975-1981

Eileen D. Dickinson served as the first president of HESC from 1975 to 1981. Appointed by Governor Hugh Carey, she helped establish HESC’s early leadership and advance its mission of expanding access to higher education and financial aid for New York students.

Before joining HESC, Dickinson served as financial and business researcher for Time and Fortune magazines from 1947-1955. After her tenure at HESC, Governor Mario Cuomo appointed Dickinson as his Special Assistant.