SUNY foundation president faces 2nd probe

ALBANY -- The top officials at the State University of New York are seeking an audit into the management of the SUNY Research Foundation by its president, who is already facing an ethics charge, according to a memo sent to other SUNY trustees.

The memo obtained by The Associated Press shows concern about Research Foundation president John O'Connor. He is facing an accusation by the state Commission on Public Integrity that he kept Susan Bruno, the daughter of powerful former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, in a no-show job.

The memo from SUNY Board of Trustees chairman Carl Hayden and Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, dated Monday, calls for a special meeting on O'Connor and his role with another foundation, as well as his management performance.

The memo raises questions about O'Connor's role with the American Ditchley Foundation and an allegation that O'Connor may have directed Susan Bruno to "perform work for Ditchley during her RF [SUNY Research Foundation] work hours . . . we feel strongly that we have an obligation to look into the matter on behalf of both SUNY and RF."

O'Connor's attorney, Karl Sleight, said O'Connor had obtained approval from SUNY and the state's ethics board to work for the American Ditchley Foundation since 2001. SUNY spokesman David Belsky declined to comment but confirmed the memo.

The American Ditchley Foundation website lists O'Connor as executive director. The Ditchley Foundation's federal tax return from 2007 states he was paid $80,000.

The memo also says Democratic state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky of Queens has asked for "information and documentation regarding any payment, employment, or other relationships between Ditchley and SUNY or the RF." Stavisky's office said she had no immediate comment.

The Ditchley Foundation was created in Britain in 1958 "to advance international learning and to bring trans-Atlantic and other experts together to discuss international issues," according to its website.

SUNY's memo calls for a review of O'Connor's role with Ditchley.