In 2024, Chris White was appointed SUNY's first Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Upward Mobility, a role designed to advance one of SUNY's core priorities—economic development and upward mobility. He provides strategic leadership in workforce development, strengthens external partnerships and ensures coordination across the SUNY System. Previously, he served as Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the New York State Department of Labor overseeing 100 career centers and leading key initiatives like modernizing workforce systems and launching a statewide Virtual Career Center. With a background in workforce development, public policy, journalism and digital media, White has also played a key role in major statewide campaigns on labor issues including the $15 minimum wage and workplace sexual harassment prevention.