R. Carlos Carballada, a top executive with M&T Bank and former Chancellor of the state Board of Regents, has agreed to serve as chairman of The Business Council's Education Committeeand as The Council's chief advocate for higher standards in the education system.
Carballada served on the Board of Regents from 1978 until March 1999, and he chaired the Board of Regents as Chancellor from 1992-1995.He is currently a director of M&T Bank and M&T Bank Corporation and assistant to the Chairman. He is also chairman of the M&T Charitable Foundation, Rochester Division. Previously he was president and chief executive officer of First National Bank of Rochester. "I am pleased to have this opportunity to serve the students and businesses of New York State," Carballada said. "How well New Yorkers teach and learn is a key factor in the quality of our business climate-because today's students are tomorrow's entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and employees."That's why improving teaching and learning is a top priority of The Business Council, and that's why The Council will work harder than ever to ensure that business make creative and positive contributions to the ongoing dialogue on how New York can help its schools, teachers, and students improve." Business Council President Daniel B. Walsh said, "Carlos Carballada and The Business Council for many years have shared a belief in the importance of enacting and enforcing higher education standards for all of New York State's schools, students and teachers."He has a strong commitment to helping low-income and at-risk students get the education they need to improve their lives and become contributing members of society," Walsh added. "And he knows that this means both helping kids earn diplomas and ensuring that those diplomas signify true achievement."The Education Committee helps The Business Council formulate its policy agenda on issues related to education at all levels. It includes some 300 managers and employees of Business Council members with a special interest in education, especially professionals and managers in human resources and community relations. Carballada is active in Rochester in various organizations, including the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber, the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Rochester Charter School Group.Statewide, he is also affiliated with the Independent Bankers Association of New York State. He is also chairman of the New York Bankers Association.