Background
Cotter, William Donald was born on June 5, 1921 in Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Son of William Joseph and Alice I. (Murphy) Cotter.
newspaper editor state commissioner
Cotter, William Donald was born on June 5, 1921 in Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Son of William Joseph and Alice I. (Murphy) Cotter.
Bachelor of Arts, Fordham University, 1943; postgraduate political Science, St. John U., 1956-1957; postgraduate political Science, Syracuse University, 1958.
Reporter, Long Island Star-Journal, Long Island City, 1947-1951;
night city editor, Nassau Review, Rockville Centre, New York, 1952-1953;
night editor, Jersey Journal, Jersey City, 1954;
magazine, Sunday editor, Long Island Press, Jamaica, New York, 1955-1958;
city editor, Syracuse Herald-Journal/American, 1958-1966;
editor, Syracuse Herald-Journal/American, 1966-1983;
chairman, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, 1983-1992;
commissioner, New York State Energy Office, 1983-1992;
commissioner, New York State Public Svc. Commission, 1992-1996. Trustee New York Power Authority, 1989-1992.
Instructor journalism Syracuse University,1960-1966.
Former board directors Community General Hospital, Boys Town of Italy, Erie Canal Museum. Past chairman communications committee Le Moyne College College. Chairman Onondaga County Energy Committee, 1975-1983.
Served with United States Naval Reserve, 1943-1946. Member New York State Society Newspaper Editors (president), Auburn Golf and Country Club (director).
Married Alice K. Liller, January 22, 1944. Children: Carol A., Mary L., Alice E., William J., James D., Donald W.