William M. Pollak clearly has made significant contributions to the Johnstown area. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Mr. Pollak received a BA degree from St. Lawrence University and a Masters from SUNY at Albany.

He began his 36-year career as a high school social studies teacher in 1960. In addition to teaching, he served as a football and basketball coach, as well as advisor to the student council, yearbook and school newspaper. He was also active in writing state examinations and served 18 years as social studies department chairman.

In 1991, he was elected to his first of three two-year terms on the Fulton County Board of Supervisors. In 1997, he was elected to a four-year term as Mayor of Johnstown. During his term, major strides were made in beautification, clean-up and economic development in the city.

He was selected as Executive of the Year for 1999 by the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce. Bill’s active civic involvement, for which he received the Fulton County Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award in 2003, also included the Jaycees, YMCA Board of Directors, “The Cave” youth center, the Veterans Memorial, the City Planning Board, and a founder and hall of fame member of the Glove Cities Colonials. He was elected to the Board of Education in 2002 and was named curator of the school museum, a project which he spearheaded.

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