James G. Webster, III, of Reno, Nevada, joined the board in 1994, and was chairman from 1998 until 2001.
Webster has been in the investment and finance business since 1958, and was in charge of First Boston Corporation’s Zurich, Switzerland office from 1977 to `79. Since 1979 he has been an investment/portfolio manager for Gabelli & Company, Inc. He is the founder, former president, and trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Nevada, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals, families and organizations meet their own philanthropic goals, and supports other area nonprofits through grant making and endowment building services.
A native of Englewood, N.J., Webster graduated from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Mass., and Brown University in Providence, R.I. At Cazenovia College's 182nd Commencement, held in May 2007, Webster was presented with an honorary doctorate, Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. He also served as an officer in the United States Navy.
He and his wife, Karlene – generous benefactors to the College – have four children. They divide their time between homes in Rockport, Ontario and Reno, Nevada.