John L. Buono

John L. Buono
Chair of the New York State Thruway Authority
In office
2003–2011
Succeeded byHoward Milstein
President of Hudson Valley Community College
In office
1998–2003
Preceded byStephen M. Curtis
Succeeded byMarco J. Silvestri (interim)
Executive Director of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
In office
1995–1998
Rensselaer County Executive
In office
1986–1995
Preceded byWilliam J. Murphy
Succeeded byHenry F. Zwack
Rensselaer County Clerk
In office
1979–1985
Personal details
Born1943 (age 82–83)
EducationHudson Valley Community College
University at Albany, SUNY

John L. Buono (born 1943) is an American politician and government official who previously served as chair of the New York State Thruway Authority[1] and president of Hudson Valley Community College. A native of Rensselaer County, he held county office there for more than fifteen years before a series of state appointments under Governor George Pataki.

Early life and education

Buono graduated from Hudson Valley Community College in 1968, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from University at Albany, SUNY. His first job was that of an administrator and teacher at St. Agnes School in Loudonville, New York. By the mid 1970s, he had switched to civil service, becoming commissioner of employment and training for Rensselaer County and deputy county executive.[2]

Career

Rensselaer County

He was elected Rensselaer County Clerk in 1978, and Rensselaer County Executive in 1985.[2] He served as county executive from 1986 until 1995.

State appointments and college presidency

In 1995, George E. Pataki appointed Buono to direct the New York State Dormitory Authority. In 1998, Buono assumed the presidency of Hudson Valley Community College.[3] He was the first alumnus of the college to lead it, having graduated in 1968. The college records that his administration expanded articulation agreements with four-year institutions to ease student transfers, and that three major construction projects were completed during his presidency: Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, the Guenther Enrollment Services Center, and a cogeneration plant.[4] In 2007, he was inducted into the college's athletics hall of fame.[5]

New York State Thruway Authority

In 2002, Pataki appointed him to lead the Thruway Authority. He served until the expiration of his term in 2011.[6] He was succeeded as chair by Howard Milstein.[6] The authority, which also oversees the New York State Canal Corporation, raised tolls during his chairmanship, and in 2007 State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli directed auditors to examine its finances and operations, including capital spending and uncollected E-ZPass tolls.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Who's Who at the Thruway". Albany, New York: New York State Thruway Authority. Archived from the original on January 11, 2010. Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  2. 1 2 "John L. Buono", Community College Week, vol. 16, no. 6, Fairfax, Virginia: Autumn Publishing, October 27, 2003, ISSN 1041-5726
  3. ↑ "John L. Buono", Community College Week, vol. 16, no. 6, Fairfax, Virginia: Autumn Publishing, October 27, 2003, ISSN 1041-5726
  4. ↑ "Past Presidents". Hudson Valley Community College. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  5. ↑ "John Buono". Hudson Valley Community College Athletics. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  6. 1 2 Spector, Joseph (May 31, 2011). "Milstein To Head Thruway Authority Board". Democrat and Chronicle. Rochester, NY.
  7. ↑ Assessment of the Thruway Authority's Finances and Proposed Toll Increases (PDF) (Report). Office of the New York State Comptroller. August 14, 2012. Retrieved August 13, 2026.