Rich Guardino directs the Business Development Center and is the executive director for the Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies. In addition, the director of Campus Planning, Design and Construction and the director of the Plant report to Vice President Guardino. The mission of the Business Development Center is to assist businesses, public entities and community organizations on Long Island. Through the programs of the Business Development Center the faculty, technological resources and facilities of the university are made available to both the private and public sector.

Before coming to Hofstra, Rich was the supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead, NY. He served as chief executive officer of the largest town in the United States with over 2,100 employees and a budget of 313.3 million dollars. The population of the town is larger than six states. Rich raised the town's general obligation bond rating twice during his tenure. He produced budget surpluses for four consecutive years. He provided for and facilitated the largest affordable rental housing project on Long Island and converted a landfill into a 50-acre Park & Preserve. As a result of several environmental initiatives, he received endorsements from the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters.

A graduate of William & Mary College and Law School, and admitted to practice law in New York and Florida, Rich was a partner in the law firm of Banno & Guardino. He served as counsel to State Senator John R. Dunne, and was investigative counsel to the NYS Senate Judiciary Committee. He also served as a trustee of LIPA and an arbitrator with the New York State Employment Relations Board.

Mr. Guardino is the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Living the Dream" Award; the American Committee on Italian Migration Award; and the NYS Society of Professional Engineers Nassau County Chapter Citizen of the Year award. He has served for many years as honorary chairman and grand marshall of the March of Dimes WalkAmerica, and honorary chairman of the Long Island Walk to D-Feet ALS. As an enthusiastic supporter of children's athletics and participant in many athletic endeavors, he has served as honorary chairman of the Women's Sports Foundation's Annual Golf Outings. He has had the privilege to serve as honorary chairman of Friends of Reach, and co-chairman of the 20th Anniversary celebration of Circulo de la Hispanidad. He has also served as honorary vice chairman for the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots drive.