College picks two new trustees

            STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., June 27, 2008 — At its most recent meeting, the Wagner College Board of Trustees elected its two newest members: Robert Bonvino, M.D., of Morganville, N.J., and Howard G. Meyers Jr., of Staten Island. These new members will begin serving on the board at its next meeting in October.

Robert Bonvino, M.D.

            A 1971 graduate of Wagner College, Robert Bonvino has served as a consultant to two presidential administrations on issues of health care.

            With David Goldschmitt, Bonvino is co-author of the upcoming book, “Medical Disaster Response: A Survival Guide for Hospitals in Mass Casualty Events.” To be released next January by CRC Press, the book is based on Bonvino and Goldschmitt’s professional experiences in the aftermath of 9/11. Each chapter of “Medical Disaster Response” addresses one type of disaster, illustrated by recent disaster events like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and SARS. An entire chapter is devoted to weapons of mass destruction, highlighting the unique challenges of preparing for a medical response to their use.

            An OB/GYN by training, Bonvino has served at the highest levels of his profession in New York city and state. Following his graduation from Wagner College, he earned his M.D. from the University of Bologna, serving his internship and residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Staten Island.

            Currently a private consultant and physician, Bonvino served until recently as the senior vice president for government relations and corporate development for the NYU Downtown Hospital. He also served previously as the chief of OB/GYN outpatient services at Bayley Seton Hospital, Staten Island.

            Bonvino is a past president of the Medical Society of the State of New York and the Richmond County Medical Society. He is currently a member of the boards of directors of both the American Medical Association Political Action Committee in Washington, D.C., and the Medical Society of the State of New York Political Action Committee in Albany.

Howard G. Meyers Jr.

            Howard Meyers is a partner in the Manhattan law firm of Meyers, Meyers & Tonachio. A 1963 graduate of Wagner College, Meyers earned a bachelor’s degree in history, cum laude. He graduated from Columbia University School of Law in 1966.

            A practicing attorney for over 40 years, Meyers began his practice with Seward & Kissell in New York before becoming general counsel at Hornblower, Weeks, Hemphill-Noyes Inc., a predecessor of Smith Barney. He stayed with Hornblower until 1975, when he started his own firm with state Senator John J. Marchi. His current practice specializes primarily in not-for-profit, securities, health, and trust and estate law.

            Meyers has been an adjunct professor at Wagner College and St. John’s University, lecturing on constitutional law, securities regulation, and business law.

            Meyers is returning to the Wagner College Board of Trustees, where he previously served as vice chairman. He also serves as chairman of Eger Lutheran Home and Services, a 378-bed residential healthcare facility on Staten Island. Previously, he was president of the Harbor Repertory Theater, Staten Island. He also served on the board of RSVP/SERVE, a senior volunteer agency on Staten Island, and has been a member of Staten Island Community Board 1, a local representative body within the government of New York City.