CANTON – Dr. Joseph C. Hoffman of the SUNY Maritime College has been appointed acting president of the SUNY Canton as of June 1.

SUNY Canton Interim President Carli Schiffner is leaving the North Country to be vice president of instruction at Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Wash.

Hoffman has held academic and administrative positions at SUNY Maritime College since 1997, and is a distinguished teaching professor there.

Hoffman is a delegate on the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization, representing the International Association of Maritime Universities. He has co-authored two books, and co-founded the Maritime Academic Council which consists of deans from all six State Maritime Academies.

Hoffman and his wife Nancy are both natives of Long Island. She will be joining him in his move to Canton.

"Nancy and I are looking forward to becoming members of the SUNY Canton community," Dr. Hoffman said "And we look forward to living in the North Country."

Hoffman served as Maritime’s provost and vice president for academic affairs between August 2006 and May 2012. He holds a B.S. from Maritime College, a master of science from Adelphi University, and a doctorate from LaSalle University.

Hoffman’s appointment is effective June 1 at an annual salary of $170,000.

Schiffner was appointed interim president until an acting or regular chief executive could be appointed. The former provost started in September 2012 when President Joseph Kennedy stepped down.

“Carli Schiffner has been a tireless advocate for SUNY Canton both as provost and interim president, and should be commended for her accomplishments,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher said when Schiffner's intent to leave was announced. “Dr. Schiffner’s guidance and her belief in shared services were of great benefit to both her campus and the entire system. We wish her success in her new role and know that Wenatchee Valley is getting a stellar academic leader in their new provost.”

“SUNY Canton and the Canton community are like my adopted family,” said Schiffner at the time of her announcement. “But, my family and I are also extremely excited about living just a short car ride from our children’s grandparents, who live in Washington. This was a very difficult decision for me to make, however, this is an opportunity that both personally and professionally I could not turn down. I would like to thank Chancellor Zimpher and the Board of Trustees for entrusting in me the role of interim president at a great institution in this great system.”