After serving the Town of Hempstead in some capacity for more than two decades, Supervisor Rich Guardino officially announced his intention to resign as town leader during a press conference at Hofstra University Monday, Jan. 13. The supervisor will officially step down during a Jan. 28 town meeting.

He's opted to leave the political world to become executive dean of the Hofstra University Scott Skodnek Business Development Center, where he will oversee operations of the Business Development Center, a multidisciplinary center offering human and technological resources for business support and education, as well as research and community service. This position is effective Feb. 1.

According to Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz, Guardino will also serve as executive dean of the newly created Hofstra Center for Suburban Studies, which will serve as a national think tank on issues such as smart growth, affordable housing, homeland security in local communities, energy policy and the revitalization of downtowns.

On announcing his resignation, Guardino said, "It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of Hempstead Town. Over the last five years, municipalities on Long Island have faced immense challenges. In Hempstead Town, we have met those challenges successfully."

Guardino added, "In my more than two decades of municipal service, I have been pleased to serve with some of the best professionals in government. Town residents are truly blessed by the many bright and dedicated employees who work at town facilities. I sincerely hope that my new responsibilities will keep me in continued contact with them."

The Scott Skodnek Business Development Center's mission is to help businesses and public agencies on Long Island and in the metropolitan area succeed in their various enterprises while simultaneously enhancing the opportunities for and the reputation of Hofstra University. The Center serves the community in various capacities by providing residents with workshops, seminars, programs, facilities and training for individual projects related to economic development.

"Rich Guardino has served most successfully as chief executive officer of the nation's largest town, Hempstead," Rabinowitz said. "He has shown remarkable leadership, financial management and fiscal skills. I am delighted that he has accepted my invitation to bring his proven talents to Hofstra in support of the mission of Hofstra's Scott Skodnek Business Development Center."

Guardino received his bachelor's and juris doctor degrees from the College of William and Mary. He served as councilman from 1981 to 1993, was appointed supervisor from 1993 to 1995, became councilman again from 1995 to 1998 until elected supervisor in 1998. He was an attorney with Banno and Guardino, Esqs. from 1980 to 1997.

"Combining the most respected members of academia with our business community and governmental agencies, Hofstra's Business Development Center is poised to address a host of complex issues which confront a broad spectrum of business and governmental entities," Guardino concluded. "I am excited to be joining Hofstra University and I believe the Scott Skodnek Business Development Center will continue to be pivotal in assisting the business community and public agencies in our region to succeed."

The Hempstead town board, which consists of Guardino, who doesn't count as a vote, Dorothy Goosby (D), Joseph Kearney (R), James Darcy (R), Anthony Santino (R), Angie Cullin (R) and Gary Hudes (R), will appoint Guardino's successor, who will serve as supervisor until January 2004. If the board became deadlocked, a deputy supervisor, who is a town employee, would fill the vacancy until the board either agreed on an appointment or someone was sworn in after the November election.