Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Appoints New Executive Director
April 29, 2022
Dr. Denise Fernandez-Pallozzi has been named the new executive director of the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC).
Prior to joining the EOC, Fernandez-Pallozzi held several leadership roles at BOCES throughout the Capital Region, as well as serving on the BOCES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity task force. She has worked as director for career and technical education for Questar III BOCES in Castleton; assistant director for curriculum and instruction for Capital Region BOCES in Albany; and as coordinator for adult/continuing education, business and workforce development for Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES in Saratoga Springs. Fernandez-Pallozzi also served as president and CEO of Furlocity, Inc. in Schenectady and as COO at Ventana Capital Partners in LaJolla, California. Her background also includes several years of teaching and leadership positions on both high school and college levels throughout New York, California and Florida.
In addition to her professional experience, Fernandez-Pallozzi has participated in several organizations, including as secretary to the Board of Directors for the Upstate NY Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Capital District Chapter of 100 Hispanic Women; and vice president of the Board of Directors for the East Greenbush Education Foundation and the Capital District BOCES chapter of the Professional Associates Organization (union). In 2021, she received the Association for Career and Technical Education Region I Administrator of the Year Award for her leadership.
Dr. Fernandez-Pallozzi holds a Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from The Sage Colleges; a School District Leader Certificate of Advanced Studies from The College of St. Rose; a Master of Science in Education Administration from National University in San Diego, California; and a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from SUNY Oneonta.
Fernandez-Pallozzi was appointed following the retirement of Dr. Lucille Marion, who served as the EOC’s executive director since 1995. Marion was appointed to the position after serving Hudson Valley Community College in various leadership roles since 1983.
“I would like to congratulate Dr. Denise Fernandez-Pallozzi on her appointment as the new executive director for the Capital District EOC. Her experience in education and leadership will be a wonderful asset to the EOC and the students we serve, and we are so pleased to welcome her to the Hudson Valley community,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Dr. Roger Ramsammy. “I would also like to congratulate Dr. Lucille Marion on her retirement and thank her for nearly 40 years of service and commitment to the college, her exemplary leadership of the EOC over the past 27 years, and the difference she has made in the lives of so many students.”
The Capital District EOC, a division of Hudson Valley Community College, is located in Troy and funded by the SUNY University Center for Academic and Workforce Development. The EOC delivers comprehensive, community-based academic and workforce development programs, and provides support services leading to enhanced employment opportunities, access to further education, and increased personal growth and development. SUNY operates 12 Educational Opportunity Centers throughout New York State.