Ernie Katzwinkel, Vice President for Administration, has contributed his leadership, talent, and engineering expertise to RPI across the Administration portfolio after an illustrious and lengthy career in the United States Navy. Recently, Ernie informed me of his plans to retire.

Ernie joined us in 2011 as Director of Physical Plant, a position he held for ten years. During that time, he oversaw several initiatives at RPI that have enhanced the campus and helped to expand our footprint in New York City. His most recent contributions include the successful installation of the Quantum Computer in record time as part of a joint Administration Division/DOTCIO/IBM team, as well as the physical establishment of the Center for Engineering and Precision Medicine in New York City, New York.

Ernie is also a retired U.S. Navy Captain. He managed all land and infrastructure for the U.S. Navy with an operational budget of $650 million. Ernie also envisioned and planned the recapitalization of the Navy’s Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, resulting in a $750 million Military Construction Program. An electrical engineer with degrees from Penn State, Ernie was one of the first Cabinet members I worked with when I joined RPI, and he has led his portfolio with professionalism and excellence.

Ernie will be retiring on November 30, 2024. While we conduct a national search for a new vice president, I’ve asked Lou Padula, VP of Human Resources, and R. May Lee, VP and Chief Strategy Officer to form and co-lead a transition leadership team for the portfolio.

Please join me in thanking Ernie for his dedicated service to RPI and congratulating him on his retirement. Lyn and I wish him the very best in this next chapter, and we are grateful for his leadership and contributions to RPI.