Business Alliance Backs Kessler for MCC ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The Rochester Business Alliance is supporting Dennis Kessler for the new president of Monroe Community College. The regional chamber of commerce is asking the MCC Trustees to name Kessler as president rather than start the search for candidates over again.

In a letter sent Thursday to the MCC Trustees, the business group's CEO -- Sandy Parker -- and Chairman Edward Pettinella said launching a second search would be a setback. They say Kessler was viewed as highly qualified by the faculty and student leaders who met with him during the search -- and they say he's qualified because of his academic and management credentials.

Kessler is owner and operator of Rochester-area Burger King and Friendly's franchises -- and professor at the University of Rochester's Simon School of Business Administration.

Kessler was one of two local candidates added to the MCC search process by the trustees. Both Kessler and former county legislator Bill Smith were initially opposed by MCC students and faculty because they considered them political appointees. But Kessler impressed during interviews with campus leaders and won their support.

The board deadlocked last month between Kessler and Bill Smith and decided to begin a new search process to replace retiring college president Tom Flynn. In the meantime, they plan to appoint an interim president.
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