leadership tompkins yearbook, class of 2012

A Community Leadership

Development Program

Leadership Tompkins

www.leadershiptompkins.org 607-272-3025

Tompkins Cortland Community College Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Leadership Tompkins Co-Sponsors:

C l a s s o f 2 0 1 2

Leadership Tompkins www.leadershiptompkins.org 607-272-3025

Sean Kuplen, BorgWarner, Robecca Roberts, CFCU Community Credit Union, and Wendy Franzese, Cornell University making ice cream at Cornell University

Shank Kolhatkar discussing Tompkins County Tourism at the Tompkins Chamber of Commerce

To the Leadership Tompkins Class of 2012

Should work be this enjoyable? Absolutely! Getting to know 24 spirited, bright, energetic and caring participants has made it so.

When I think back to our program year, and your response to the community leaders that we met, what strikes me is your appreciation for all they bring to their jobs and our community. You focused on, not only the immense challenges of community leadership and stewardship, but the humility, honesty, openness and sincerity demonstrated by our speakers and guests.

As we learned from Koozes and Posner, the most highly regarded leadership attribute is “honesty,” so your instincts are spot on.

I know each of you will find the community need that touches your heart, and cries out for your very personal and individual strengths, and you will make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

I look forward to hearing about your journey, and hope you will stay in touch with Leadership Tompkins. We value your contributions and insights.

Warm regards,

Susan Greener Director, Leadership Tompkins


I especially valued….I especially valued….That I felt like I contributed to our community.

Congratulations to Leadership Tompkins Class of 2012 Congratulations and thank you. Our country, our communities and our work commitments ask a great deal of leaders. Thanks for stepping up and taking on that role in a very public way. We ask you as leaders to take responsibility in your intent and in your actions, and we also ask you to use your energy, talent and time to create a better product. Thank you for the time and the commitment you have given to learning about the inner workings of Tompkins County. As you’ve deepened your understanding of government, education, and the social structures that support our community, you’ve strengthened your allegiance to our area, and you’ve gained skills that will make you a better leader.

I hope that the work you have done in this program and the friendships you have made will support you in the leadership roles you take on in the community, your career, and wherever life leads you.

I know that you have the skills, creativity, and enthusiasm to perform well in your new roles.

Jean McPheeters President, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce


I especially valued….I especially valued….That I have a new perspective about the Tompkins community and all that it has to offer.


Congratulations to the Class of 2012 Leadership Tompkins Advisory Board Co-Chairs On behalf of the Leadership Tompkins Advisory Board, we would like to say “congratulations” to the Class of 2011-2012.

Participating in Leadership Tompkins has given you the opportunity to learn the inner-workings of businesses in our community, meet with leaders from all over the county, and form lasting professional networks. With this deepened level of understanding of our community, you are well-positioned to move forward in leadership and service roles in the coming years. We hope that you will not only continue to build relationships with your Leadership Tompkins colleagues, but that you will call on them as you work to improve our community.

Your Community Action Projects have helped local organizations to be better positioned in their efforts and you’ve brought a different perspective to their work that is appreciated. In looking back at your CAP experience, we hope that you value having learned lessons about completing group projects, shared leadership, communication, and more.

We thank you, and especially your employers, for taking the time for monthly sessions and CAP meetings. We hope that you had a positive experience that helped you learn more about leadership and our community. We look forward to continuing to get to know you as you become alumni of Leadership Tompkins.

Sarah Glogowski Adult Services LibrarianTompkins County Public Library Leadership Tompkins Advisory Board Chair

Kristin LiBritz Assistant Director for Alumni and Employer Relations Office of Career Services Ithaca College Leadership Tompkins Advisory Board Co-Chair


I especially valued….I especially valued….The networking connections within the class and through our monthly meetings. . .

Leadership Tompkins Advisory Board 2011-2012

Sarah Glogowski Chair

Adult Services Librarian, Tompkins County Public Library, 2010 [Chair 2011-12]

Kristin LiBritz Co-Chair

Assistant Director for Alumni & Employer Relations, Ithaca College, 2009 [Co-Chair 2011-12]

Minakshi Amundsen University Planner, Cornell University, 2011

Rob Covert Lieutenant, Ithaca Fire Department, 2010

William Dwyer Technical Support Manager, The CBORD Group, Inc, 2011

Kathrin Gehring Executive Assistant, City of Ithaca Public Works, 2011

Tanya Grove General Manager, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, 2010

Linda Koenig Asst Dir, Housing Services & Communications, Ithaca College, 2011

Sarah Manasse Asst VP, Business Relationship Manager, First Niagara Bank, 2005

Jean McPheeters President, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, 2000

Jason Moore Senior Credit Analyst, Tompkins Trust Company, 2010

David Prunty Dir, Campus Life Services, Ithaca College, 2007

Sue Ellen Stuart Exec Dir, Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca & Tompkins County, 2011

Kara Taylor VP, Business & Professional Banking, M&T Bank, 2008

Polly Votaw Quality & Patient Safety Specialist, Cayuga Medical Center, 2005

Leadership Tompkins Scholarships for the 2012-2013 program year will be named in honor of the following individuals who are “retiring” as Advisory Board members this year.

Thank you for your inspired service.

Retiring are Sarah Manasse, Dave Prunty, and Polly Votaw.


I especially valued….I especially valued….That the LT program has opened windows on the services and resources in Ithaca, and it’s up to me now to decide how to engage and what next steps to take.

The McPheeters Award is named in honor of Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce President Jean McPheeters, and is presented each year to Leadership Tompkins alum in recognition of community service, a collaborative spirit, creative thinking and proactive work for the common good.

The 2012 McPheeters Award is presented to John Andrew “Andy” Noel Jr., the Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Cornell University.Andy has led the Athletics and Physical Education program at Cornell University since 1999, and during his tenure has instilled a culture of community service, while building a highly successful department. Through Andy’s leadership, Cornell successfully upgraded or built numerous department facilities, including Schoellkopf Hall, Lynah Rink and Hoy Field , Friedman Wrestling Center and Marsha Dodson Field. He has also been a member of the team that raised $66 million in support of capital projects and endowment, helping secure the fi nancial future of the department.

In addition to his coaching and administrative career, Noel served on numerous committees, panels and associations.

Andy has established a culture where community volunteerism is the norm, and has been recognized every year with the Cornell Cup, a competition organized by Red Key, an honor society recognizing Cornell’s student-athletes for their leadership and contribution to the Cornell and Ithaca communities. Despite the busy schedule of the indoor and outdoor seasons, student-athlete activities have benefi ted GIAC, Gadabout, Feed My Starving Children, CU’s Into the Streets Public Service Day, disaster relief efforts for Japan, Adopt-a-Family, Save the Children, Cops, Kids, and Toys and innumerable others in our community.Please join us in congratulating – and thanking –Andy!

Leadership Tompkins McPheeters Award


I especially valued….I especially valued….Leadership Tompkins re-focused my leadership skills while giving me new opportunities to learn about and connect with my community.

SPONSORS

We recognize with appreciation our generous supporters and sponsors this year:

Co-Sponsors: Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Tompkins Cortland Community College

Scholarships: The Service League Ithaca Downtown Business Women

Meeting Rooms & Tours: Borg Warner Morse TEC Cayuga Medical Center City of Ithaca Cornell Lab of Ornithology Cornell University Finger Lakes Independence Center Franziska Racker Centers Hospicare & Palliative Services of Tompkins County Ithaca College Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention & Visitors Bureau Sciencenter The History Center of Tompkins County Tompkins Cortland Community College Tompkins County Tompkins County Area Transit (TCAT) Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department Department of Labor/WorkforceNY

Lunch/Refreshments: Borg Warner Morse TEC Cayuga Medical Center Franziska Racker Centers Hospicare & Palliative Services of Tompkins County Department of Labor/WorkforceNY

Photography: Dave Burbank Photography http://www.daveburbankphotography.com

Christy Agnese

Christy Agnese works at Ithaca College in the School of Music as senior assistant to the deans. Her primary responsibilities include overseeing ensemble tours and major events, teaching a career orientation course for music majors, managing School of Music special initiatives including the New York City program, working as the liaison to development and alumni affairs, and overseeing School of Music activities related to community engagement.

Christy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Art History minor from Ithaca College and a Master of Science Degree in Arts Administration from Drexel University.

Christy’s previous related experience in the arts includes: communications and community partnerships manager and major gifts and planned giving coordinator for The Philadelphia Orchestra.

She has successfully completed the Fundraising School at Indiana University’s Principles and Techniques of Fundraising course and has served on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Grant Panel for Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Award.

She is married to Dr. Daniel Agnese, a physical therapist at Cayuga Medical Center. She enjoys playing with Porter the greyhound, being in water, reading books on her Kindle, laughing loudly, visiting museums, ducks, and, of course, music.

Janice E. Arcangeli

As the Deputy Director of Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga, Jan Arcangeli is responsible for the Samaritan Center, and also assists the executive director with overall management and operations. For the Tioga location, she is responsible for site management and also oversight of the Outreach Center and YES Mentoring, Wheels for Work, and emergency assistance. Another part of this position is grant writing, development, marketing and website maintenance.

Jan has a BA from Syracuse University, with a dual major in Advertising and Policy Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice. This past fall, she also completed an Entrepreneur’s Program at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.

Jan has been involved in the community, including activities for her sons’ school, her church and her work. Since participating in Leadership Tompkins, she is very interested in getting more involved with professional organizations, such as Ithaca Downtown Business Women, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Ambassador’s Program at the Chamber of Commerce.

Jan and her husband own a restaurant in Burdett, New York, and they are parents to two boys, a dog and a cat. Most of her free time is spent gardening and completing home improvement projects. She also enjoys walking, watching movies, reading and getting together with family and friends.

Donald P Austin

Donald Austin is presently the Assistant Director of Community Service in the Offi ce of Student Engagement and Multicultural Affairs at Ithaca College. In this role, he develops, coordinates, and manages various community service-related initiatives for the college. He provides volunteers to more than thirty local non-profi ts in Tompkins County. In addition, in this position, he collects and analyzes service-based information for Ithaca College.

Don received his BA in History from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

When he is not working, Don spends time with family or is outside backpacking, fi shing, or kayaking.


Leadership Tompkins Class of 2012

Mary Beth B Bunge

Mary Beth Bunge has served as Development Director at Alternatives Federal Credit Union/Alternatives Community Ventures since 2011, seeking funding for the Alternatives’ community programs and initiatives to build wealth and create economic opportunity for underserved people and communities. She also teaches “Fundraising in the Arts” at Ithaca College and knitting at Homespun Boutique.

Before joining the Alternatives group, Mary Beth worked for arts, cultural and educational organizations during her more than twenty years in Ithaca (Hangar Theatre, Light in Winter Festival, Discovery Trail, Cornell University Libraries and College of Engineering).

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English/Theatre (Macalester College), an MS in Textiles & Clothing (Miami University) and a Master of Library Science (Kent State University).

Mary Beth is a member of the Ithaca Rotary Club and Association of Fundraising Professionals-Finger Lakes Region. She serves on the Boards of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, Foodnet/Meals on Wheels and is an associate Board member of the Kitchen Theatre.

A proud mother of a collegiate daughter, she lives in the Town of Ulysses with her husband, dog and two cats. Passions include singing early and new music and making textile-related things.

Clarissa L Coombs

Claire Coombs has worked in the Financial Services Industry for 15 years, focusing on company sponsored retirement plans. She is currently a Senior Retirement Plan Manager at Chemung Canal Trust Company, splitting her time between Ithaca and Elmira. Claire works directly with local business leaders and their employees with the goal of helping them secure a comfortable retirement.

She was born in Kentucky, and will always thing of herself as a Kentuckian. She has lived in Louisville, Pittsburg, Columbus, and Lexington. She currently resides in Ithaca with her husband and two children. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky with an undergraduate degree in Psychology (Go Big Blue!)

Claire is an active volunteer at her children’s schools, South Hill Elementary and Coddington Road Community Center. She enjoys spending time exploring nature with her family and keeping in touch with the friends she has made over the years. She loves to travel, cook, and try new experiences.

Claire believes it is more important to be interested than interesting.



Shane K Cameron

Shane Cameron has worked for the past four years at Tompkins Trust Company, located in Ithaca, New York. He is currently working at the East Hill Plaza location as the Branch Manager. Previous to this position, he was located at the Main Offi ce location on the Ithaca Commons.

Shane is a native of Ithaca, except for a few years during his college career when he lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shane is a graduate of Ithaca High School and has a BA in Political Science from Calvin College. He is currently working on his MBA with Oswego State University.

Amie M Hendrix

Amie Hendrix has been employed by Tompkins County just over a year as the Director of Tompkins County Youth Services. With a departmental mission of investing time, resources, and funding in communities to enable all youth to thrive in school, work and life, Amie is charged with overall departmental supervision, budgeting, strategic planning; coordination and consultation among youth service providers; serving as the Project Director of the Community Coalition of Healthy Youth; and providing support, resources and research on youth issues to all Tompkins County municipalities and agencies.

She holds an undergraduate degree in Theater from Niagara University and a master’s degree in Science of Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College.

Amie is acting VP of New Generations for eTompkins Rotary, and the current chair of the Youth Employment Council of the Workforce Investment Board.

As a fairly new home owner and resident of Tompkins County, much of Amie’s time is dedicated to her various gardens and home projects as well as spending time with her 18- month old Labrador, Ruca.



Wendy K Franzese

Wendy Franzese has worked nine years at Cornell University in the department of Facilities Services. She has led the division’s diversity initiative, serves as Facilities Coordinator for Commencement, is content administrator for the divisional website, and supports the Facilities Management Director’s Offi ce. She is a native of Richmond, Virginia and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with a degree in Business Administration from the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Wendy has a Professional in Human Resources certifi cation, and has worked in communications and program management roles in higher education and the hospitality industry. Former employers include: Planet Hollywood International and Clemson University. Wendy is a hockey mom and volunteers with the Ithaca Youth Hockey Association. She and her family live in Dryden and enjoy lake time in the summer and the rinks in the winter months.

Kelsey L El Fassy Fihry

Kelsey El Fassy Fihry has worked in the Marketing Department for The Shops at Ithaca Mall for fi ve years. As the Marketing Director, she is responsible for Center events, advertising and leasing support, as well as managing the Customer Service Department. Kelsey graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Human Biology, Health & Society. She also has an associate’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Rockland Community College. Kelsey enjoys supporting the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of the Government Affairs Committee and the Ambassador’s Council. She also volunteered for the Chamber membership drives in 2011 and 2012. Kelsey is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Kelsey loves spending time with her family, especially her young cousins. She also enjoys gardening, salsa dancing, reading and snuggling with her cat.

Jessica D Jones

Jessica Jones joined Franziska Racker Centers’ Quality Enhancement Department in 2003. In her role at the Centers, Jessica supports innovative projects and works directly with programs and families to support continued growth and opportunity.

Jessica provides workshops to professionals and families including: Facing the Challenge; FLIP It Approach; Challenging Behavior: Prevention & Intervention; and a series of leadership development workshops.

Jessica serves on a number of committees in our local community, as well as being engaged in statewide committees and forums dedicated to pursuing quality initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities. Jessica has a Bachelor’s of Arts from Wells College and a Master’s of Arts in Jungian and Existential Psychology from Union Institute.



Judy Hoffman

Judy Hoffman is a Registered Nurse who has worked for the Ithaca City School District for the past 18 years. She began her career as a school nurse, and is currently the head nurse for the District. Prior to working for the school district, she worked as a public health nurse for Tompkins County.

She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1977. She went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Vermont in 1987. And in 2009, Judy fulfi lled her dream of completing a Masters of Science in Community Health Nursing at Binghamton University. She is a member of the National Association of School Nurses and the New York School Nurses Association.

Judy is an active volunteer in the community working on numerous health and human services committees, including the Community Health and Access Committee of the Human Services Coalition, the Immunization Coalition and the Asthma Coalition. She also worked to bring a mobile dental clinic to the Ithaca area, and has volunteered at the Ithaca Free Clinic since its inception.

Judy moved to Ithaca 24 years ago with her husband and two children. She has a passion for traveling, and when she is at home, fi nds time to work on pottery. She enjoys participating in community events, and living in a vibrant and active community.

Erik A Herman

Erik Herman is the Science Outreach Coordinator at the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator based Sciences and Education. With a die-hard mission to get people hooked on science, his days are anything but typical. Random snapshots might include prototyping simple wind generators for community-builds, producing science-themed music videos, dumpster diving for electro-mechanical parts, and, of course, tinkering and science-play with kids and their adults.

Erik spent most of his adult life in Tucson, Arizona in an eccentric orbit around the University of Arizona. After getting his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Physics, he continued for a Post-Baccalaureate for secondary certifi cation in Physics. After a few years as an educator, he returned to the U of A to earn his Master of Arts in Science Education -- a one-way ticket to his dream job.

Beyond the local community involvement associated with his position here in Ithaca, he has a strong record of community action with his founding and development of the Physics Factory, a veggie-oil powered science outreach non-profi t in Tucson. He is also an active presenter at national conferences such as the Association of Science and Technology Centers and the American Association of Physics Teachers.

When he’s not doing science, Erik loves to ride bikes and play tag at the park with his high school sweetheart and their two thoughtful, creative, and energetic kids. Last but not least, he enjoys singing in the car, learning guitar on the porch, and playing piano when nobody is home.

Sean T Kuplen

Sean Kuplen has enjoyed working in Ithaca for BorgWarner Morse TEC for the past thirteen years, and has also been employed in the automotive manufacturing sector for over two decades. He is currently a Program Manager which allows him to lead cross-functional teams in bringing products from imagination to production implementation.

He pursued his education at The Pennsylvania State University while working at the Applied Research Laboratory of State College, PA in conjunction with the Offi ce of Naval Research. He holds a BS in Engineering Science, and graduated cum laude with an MS in Engineering Mechanics.

In addition to his career in manufacturing, Sean is a principal of Kuplen Properties LLC, a land-development fi rm that specializes in the engineering and construction of private, gated communities.

Sean holds two patents in powder metal technology, enjoys amateur wine making, and has affection for scuba diving in the Caribbean, but his heart is on South Hill with his wife and family, and in challenging his sons to basketball in the driveway.



Shashank Kolhatkar

Shashank Kolhatkar has worked 23 years at Borg Warner Morse TEC. He is currently program manager for automotive engine timing systems, responsible for managing projects for Borg Warner from business acquisition to production. Shashank was born and brought up in India, and went to graduate school to study Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology 25 years ago. Shashank has also completed an MBA from Cornell’s Johnson School.

During his time at Borg Warner, he and his family had the opportunity to live in Japan to work at Borg Warner’s plant in Nabari City, near Osaka. Since their return, the Kolhatkar family (Shank, wife, and two children) have settled in the Northeast neighborhood of Ithaca. Shashank has been involved in community activities mainly through his children’s schools and sports teams. He plans to pursue volunteer opportunities in the future as time permits. In his spare time, Shashank and his family like to travel. Shashank speaks Japanese and two Indian languages. He also plays squash and practices yoga or exercise at the YMCA regularly.

Muthoni Judy KamauMuthoni (Judy) Kamau is a Graduate student, working on a second Masters in Adult Education and Extension at Cornell University. She is from Kenya, and joined Cornell in 2006 as a recipient of a Ford Foundation scholarship to work on a Masters of Professional Studies (MPS) in International Development. She hopes to be accepted into a PhD program soon. After completing her studies, she would love to return to Africa, hopefully working with Development Organizations.

Muthoni has been involved in political struggles in Kenya, mainly fi ghting for release of people detained for their political views, women and gender rights, and Human Rights in general. Due to her activism, she has been a political prisoner in Kenya and was adopted as one by Amnesty International, which worked with local organizations to get her out of prison the many times she got arrested.

Muthoni volunteered for over a decade, and served in the leadership of Release Political Prisoners (RPP) (now called Rights Protection and Promotion Trust), Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRE-CO) and Students Organization of Nairobi University (SONU 92). She was also employed with the Citizens Coalition for Constitutional Change (4Cs) as a Senior Programs Offi cer, and later consulted with Konrad Adenaeur Foundation (KAF). At Konrad her responsibilities included training leaders and members of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) on community organization and resource mobilization. She facilitated numerous workshops and village meetings to create Human Rights, political and economic development awareness. She also was requested to conduct a few Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs) and train CBO leaders on how to use Participatory Action Research Methods in building and running their organizations. Her dream is to continue with this work back in Kenya and Africa. Leadership Tompkins, thankfully, has re-energized and re-inspired her towards this goal, and has given her a chance to refl ect on her past leadership and activism.

Sage B Peake

Sage Babuka Peake is an employment specialist at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca. She specializes in the hiring of clinical staff including Registered Nurses. She is also a Certifi ed Psychiatric Registered Nurse, and worked several years in the Behavioral Services Unit.

She graduated cum laude from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a BS in Nursing, and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing.

Sage resides in Trumansburg with her husband, Jerry, two sons Weston and Arlo and the family pet Myles. She enjoys spending time with her family, membership at the YMCA, frequenting local state parks, and cooking with foods from a local CSA share.



Karen Y Nocera

Karen Youngs Nocera has been a part of The CBORD Group, Inc. since 1991, working on the integration of its nutrition and food service systems with other information management systems, and on team development that delivers those software products and services. She is currently CBORD’s Integration Services Manager, and member of HL7 (Health Level Seven), an international standards organization for health care informatics.

Karen is a native of Groton, New York, and completed her BA studies in Public Relations at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, with related coursework at TC3 and Cornell University.

She is a life-long blood donor and “ad hoc volunteer,” active in publicity, fundraising, and education events for hunger relief, dog rescue, and promoting experiential learning for area students.

Karen lives with her family in Danby, where she has served on the Community Council, and now regularly hikes the state forest with her German Shepherd Dog (a rescue, of course).

Zachary H Nelson

Zack Nelson moved to Ithaca in 2001 to study in a graduate program at Cornell University. In 2006, he completed a Masters of Professional Studies in International Agriculture and Rural Development (IARD) and Masters of Regional Planning (MRP). After several years working in the area as a carpenter, Zack was hired by the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) to coordinate its Senior Program. As the sole full-time employee of this program, he has a wide range of roles and responsibilities, including grant writing and staff supervision, to program development and driving.

Zack is a native of Scipio in Cayuga County and received his BA in History from Manhattanville College. He spent 1998 to 2000 in the Peace Corps, living and working in Nepal. During his service, Zack established a vocational training for at-risk youth doing carpentry work, worked with a community to build an addition for an elementary school, taught English to 5th and 6th graders, and helped to facilitate several HIV/AIDS awareness programs.

Zack currently resides in Fall Creek with his wife, high-school aged daughter and elementary aged son. He continues to work on his house during his free time, and enjoys hiking, camping, sports, and reading.

I especially valued….I especially valued….That the program helped me increase my confi dence. It gave me the push that I needed to get involved.

Sharon A Sanford

Sharon Sanford is a long-time resident of Tompkins County. She is presently an Enrollment Service Specialist at the Tompkins Cortland Community College Ithaca Extension Center, where she has been employed for the past ten years. In this capacity she assists students with registration, billing, and day-to-day questions and concerns. In part, this position also includes her administrative support for the Leadership Tompkins Program. Previous to this position, she was employed at Cornell University for several years in the President’s Offi ce working for Frank Rhodes.

Sharon has an AAS degree from TC3, and has taken additional business administration courses through SUNY Empire. She has also been a NYS Notary Public for over ten years.

Sharon is a mother of two adult children and four grandchildren. She enjoys living in Groton, traveling when possible, and spending leisure time with family and friends.



Scott A Rougeau

Scott Rougeau has been employed with The Pack ‘n Ship Store for nearly four years, working his way from a part-time Sales Associate to Store Manager. Working as part of a small and nimble customer-service team, Scott has expanded his responsibilities to include hiring and training, as well as marketing and public relations. During the transition from franchise to independently-owned store, Scott’s steady presence was integral to the stability of the business.

Scott has provided support services for numerous activities of the Ithaca Rotary Club, as well as the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. Participation in Leadership Tompkins has provided him with a broader appreciation for the community, and his commitment to community service has been strengthened. Scott looks forward to continued involvement, particularly in the area of food security.

Relocating from his hometown of Plattsburg, Scott has lived in Ithaca since 2008. He is also a student at TC3, majoring in Business. As an Ithaca resident, Scott loves hiking, swimming and baseball.

Rebecca M Roberts

Rebecca Roberts has been the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of CFCU Community Credit Union since June 2011. In this position, she coordinates special projects, plans meetings and events, works on new initiatives, serves as a marketing liaison, and oversees corporate donations. Rebecca serves on several committees at the Credit Union and spearheaded CFCU’s 2011 United Way of Tompkins County Pacesetter Campaign.

Prior to working at CFCU, Rebecca’s fi nancial experience was limited to withdrawing money from ATMs. She thoroughly enjoys everything she has learned about this industry, and looks forward to continuing to work with CFCU employees, volunteers, and members.

Rebecca is originally from Radford, Virginia, where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in dance from Radford University. She earned a Master’s of Education in Student Personnel Services from the University of South Carolina, and worked in various positions at Purchase College, SUNY, before moving to Tompkins County last year.

In addition to her work at CFCU, Rebecca is an auxiliary company member of Ithaca Ballet. She performed with the company in Cinderella, Nutcracker, and Swan Lake this past season. She is an animal lover, and volunteered for many years at the New Rochelle Humane Society in Westchester County. When life slows down, she hopes to continue her volunteer work with the Tompkins SPCA. When not behind her desk or on her toes, Rebecca can be found in the village of Dryden spending time with her husband Bryan, one-year-old daughter Avery, and cat Mookie.

Jessica L Troy-Smith

A native of Ithaca, Jessica graduated from Ithaca High School and went on to earn an Associate Degree in Social Sciences from Tompkins Cortland Community College.

She has worked in the banking industry for the past seven years in various roles. Currently, she is enjoying the day-to-day responsibilities required of her as Assistant Branch Manager at the Triphammer Branch of the Elmira Savings Bank. She has found the greatest joy and professional fulfi llment in building strong relationships with her clients and providing them with the tools necessary to achieve their fi nancial goals.

Jessica is currently serving on the United Way Committee for the Elmira Savings Bank. Her most recent adventure is her involvement with the Youth Services Board of Tompkins County, whose members help to advise the County Legislature regarding funding choices that affect youth ranging in age from birth to age twenty.

When Jessica is not busy with work, she enjoys spending quality family time with her husband Phil and daughter Addison.



Shannon L Terry

Shannon Terry has been with Tompkins Trust Company since 2009, most recently serving as Corporate Internal Audit Offi cer. Her responsibilities include providing independent and objective quality assurance designed to add value, improve operations and enhance the organization’s overall control environment.

Shannon is a native of Westchester County. After graduating from high school, she attended Cornell University. Upon graduation in 2008, Shannon received her BA in American Studies with a concentration in Contemporary American Culture.

As a relatively new Ithaca resident, Shannon has become very involved in the community, holding multiple positions at professional organizations. Her recent community involvement includes Secretary for Ithaca Downtown Business Women, Chair of the Ithaca Youth Bureau Advisory Board, and Executive Committee member and Social Chair of Tompkins Connect.

Shannon presently resides in downtown Ithaca where she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is passionate about the arts and takes advantage of the local art and music scene whenever possible.

Jenna M Stroud

Jenna Stroud is presently Program Coordinator at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, facilitating the Youth After-School Program. As part of her position there, she is also the Director of the GIAC Summer Camp.

She has been with GIAC for ten years, striving to better the community by assisting its youth and families. Jenna is also the Women’s Ministry Head at the First Assembly of God church, and volunteers with the youth/teen program as a mentor and advocate in acting as a positive role model and offering support to those in need. She also facilitates parenting skill classes and parenting style classes with Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Jenna has been a resident of Ithaca for 20 years. She is married to John Stroud, and has three children, ages twelve, fourteen and seventeen. The family enjoys camping and spending LOTS of time together, cooking, baking, and watching movies.

Community Action Projects

Muthoni Kamau, Sharon Sanford, Shannon L. Terry, Scott Rougeau, Kelsey El Fassy Fihry


Financial Security: Rural Families and Individuals

CAP Members: Kelsey El Fassy Fihry, Muthoni Kamau, Scott Rougeau, Sharon Sanford, and Shannon Terry

Project Objective: Develop a comprehensive communication strategy to effectively raise awareness for the community programs and services offered through Alternatives Community Ventures. The objective of this marketing/communication program is to identify media outlets and other appropriate mechanisms to reach individuals and families in the more rural and outlying areas of Tompkins County. The overall goal of the project is to put the tools for financial security into the hands of individuals who could benefit from these services.

Community Partner: Alternatives Community Ventures

Action Steps: Through research and working group meetings, the focus of the project was narrowed to concentrate on one community in Tompkins County and one service offered by Alternatives that had the potential to impact the greatest number of individuals,Distributed 1,000 flyers containing information about Alternatives and the free tax preparation services offered in Groton. Reached out to local businesses and establishments that are frequented by the local community. Engaged the local school district and distributed information via community list serves, the PTO, and school events,

Community Action ProjectsCreated a physical presence and reached a targeted audience in the community through volunteer efforts at the Groton Food Pantry, Disseminated a Press Release to various media outlets and publications. As a result, the tax preparation information was included in public service announcements on seven local radio stations, and Surveyed the Groton community after tax season to gauge interest in Alternatives’ services and assess the results of our communication efforts and

Outcomes: By focusing on promoting the VITA Free Tax Preparation site in the Town of Groton, our CAP group was able to develop a comprehensive grassroots approach to reach rural families and individuals. In using this communication approach we successfully introduced Alternatives Federal Credit Union to the community and established a local presence to be built on in years to come.

I especially valued….I especially valued….That the program was valuable for self-refl ection. . .


Zack Nelson, Rebecca Roberts, Mary Beth Bunge, Wendy Franzese


Leadership Tompkins Alumni Development and Involvement Group

CAP Members: Mary Beth Bunge, Wendy Franzese, Rebecca Roberts, and Zack Nelson

Project Objective:Research and suggest ways to keep Leadership Tompkins (LT) alumni connected to one another, help enrich the alumni experience in the program, and help LT grow in stature in the community.

Action Steps:Using the report from the 2010-11 Leadership Tompkins Alumni Action Group, we

Explored the benefits of alumni engagement and what types of initiatives could be sustained moving forward, Solicited feedback from our project mentors and other LT alums, Conducted a benchmarking study of other leadership groups by speaking to their directors and reviewing their websites, andReviewed a test website for Leadership Tompkins, and met with LT staff to find out the current communication plan.

Outcomes:We determined one way to connect alums to one another and tie them back to the program was to extend an invitation for them to attend a coffee hour before our graduation ceremony in June. We believed more alumni would be likely to participate in this event than in an external social or networking gathering. We provided website content and navigation recommendations and proposed a communication timeline. Overall, we feel that developing a more pointed marketing plan and enhancing the LT website will boost the visibility of the program, leading to more interest from alumni to become re-engaged, or remain actively engaged upon graduation. It will also increase community knowledge about LT, which is likely to lead to a more diverse pool of applicants and additional support in the form of speakers or project sponsors.


Claire Coombs, Jenna Stroud, Jan Arcangeli, Jessica Jones, Sean Kuplen


Stewart’s Awesome Adventures

CAP Members: Jan Arcangeli, Claire Coombs, Jessica Jones, Sean Kuplen, and Jenna Stroud

Project Objective: To generate a process by which the Friends of Stewart Park (FSP) could capture people’s memories/stories of the park. The intent of the FSP is to use the process of collecting stories, as well as the end products, to energize the community and potential donors to invest time, energy, and materials for maintaining and enhancing the park in a sustainable manner.

Community Partners: The Friends of Stewart Park

Action Steps: Determine a location and standardized process for storing the stories, Generate and populate a database for potential story contacts, possible resources for hosting story collecting events, and partners that are willing to help with the story collection process, and Collect 1-3 stories that the Friends of Stewart Park (FSP) could utilize to hone their vision of the final product appearance.

OutcomesThe team solicited the help of an outside resource (Emily Coon, website designer) to generate a storage location on the web. Three standardized databases were established to house the contacts, resources, and partners contact information. A partnership between Ithaca College Gerontology Institute and the FSP was started. The Gerontology Institute graciously offered to help the FSP by providing resources to facilitate leading the collection and editing of stories. Three draft stories were collected and edited to help the FSP visualize the work. Lessons learned and suggested next steps for the FSP were outlined.



I especially valued….I especially valued….That I have learned a great deal, not only through the monthly meetings and working with my CAP group, but also from my peers who participated in the program.

Shane Cameron, Sage Peake, Jessica Troy-Smith, Erik Herman, Christy Agnese

Tompkins Connect Membership Development

CAP Members: Christy Agnese, Shane Cameron, Erik Herman, Sage Peake, and Jessica Troy-Smith

Project Objective: Tompkins Connect is a young professionals group committed to connecting, educating and engaging young professionals in the community. Our group was initially asked to help grow membership for the organization.

Action Steps: Created and implemented a survey regarding the membership structure of other young professional groups in the area, Presented the findings to members of the board of Tompkins Connect, and Using the information that was gathered and the suggestions of the board, we developed additional ideas to encourage increased participation and membership.

Outcomes:We found formal membership structures can limit the growth of groups. We focused efforts on developing the Tompkins Connect web page to be used as a means of communication and advertisement. Recommendations include continued growth of an interactive website and increased variety of events sponsored to include cultural events that would promote involvement by a larger population.



Shank Kolhatkar, Judy Hoffman, Karen Nocera, Amie Hendrix, Don Austin

Project YEA!

CAP Members: Don Austin, Amie Hendrix, Judy Hoffman, Shank Kolhatkar, and Karen Nocera

Project Objective: The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce approached Leadership Tompkins with a proposal to explore and potentially implement the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). YEA is a national youth program that supports the education of youth ages 13-18 on entrepreneurship in the local community.

Action Steps:Our Community Action Project team began by learning about the YEA! program and what it would mean to bring the program to Tompkins County. After reviewing the program, the team‘s immediate goal was to see if YEA fit within our community.The team reached out to other organizations to identify the needs of the county, the resources available for potential implementation, and the scope of other national youth entrepreneurship programs. The group presented findings to local stakeholders to see how YEA may be implemented with support from the Chamber of Commerce.

Outcomes:At the conclusion of the stakeholder meeting, it was decided that the Chamber Board would begin to look further into YEA!A subcommittee of the board will begin to explore youth entrepreneurship in the coming year and will look to implement a youth entrepreneurial program in the future.


PROGRAMS 2011-2012 YEAR

SEPTEMBERLa Tourelle Inn & Spa

Two Day Retreat Activities: Ice breakers, Leadership, Building County Awareness Tutorial: Presentation Skills Meet the Advisory Board Luncheon Building Community Action Teams Tutorial: MBTI

Carmen Munson Advisory Board Members

OCTOBER Work Force NY History Center City Hall

WorkforceNY: The Employment Picture Tompkins County History City of Ithaca Mayor: The Journey to Mayor Economic Development Tour of Downtown Ithaca

Diane Bradac Mayor Carolyn PetersonVicki Taylor Kristin Lewis

NOVEMBER SciencenterTCAT

Strategic Planning Tour of the ScienCenter: Behind the Scenes Getting to Know TCAT Community Action Project Reviews

Charlie Trautmann Josh Giblin Joe Turcotte Ed Rabenstein Patty Poist Deb Mohlenhoff Sarah Manasse Mina Amundsen Kathy Gehring Bill Dwyer

DECEMBER County Office BuildingIthaca Town Hall Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce

Tompkins County/Local Government Town of Ithaca/Local Government Tourism in Tompkins County

Joe Mareane Herb Engman Judy Drake Fred Bonn Jodi LaPierre

JANUARYCU Lab of Ornithology BorgWarnerSheriff’sDepartment

Lab of Ornithology Outreach BorgWarner Welcome & Tour of Chain Plant Economic Development with TCAD Public Safety: Meet the Sheriff; Tour of Public Safety Building and Jail.

Charles Eldemire Dave Anderson Eric Brown Dennis Bubel Pat Darby Mark Tabar Dan Wallace Michael Stamm Sheriff Ken Lansing

FEBRUARYIthaca College Hospicare & Palliative Services of Tompkins County

Sustainability at Ithaca College Student Leaders @ Ithaca College and Leadership Activity Fundraising Success: Women Swimmin’ Leadership: New in Town

Mark Darling Kristin LiBritz Michele Lenhart Sharon Morehouse Donna George Dale Johnson

PROGRAMS 2011-2012 YEAR CONTINUED

MARCH Cayuga Medical CenterFranziska Racker Center

Tour of Cayuga Medical Center Cayuga Medical Center as Employer Leadership in Health Care Community Service & Board Service Community Action Project Group Reports & Feedback

Rob Mackenzie Alan Pedersen Polly Votaw Sage Peake Roger Sibley James Brown

APRIL CornellUniversity; CornellCooperativeExtension @ Finger Lakes IndependenceCenter

CU Public Service Center & Student Outreach Science Outreach K-12 Leadership and Academic Sustainability Cornell Cooperative Extension Finger Lakes Independence Center: Who We Are

Dr. Leonardo Vargas-MendezAmy Somchanhmavong Nev Singhtoa Dr. Mike Hoffmann Ken Schlather Lenore Schwager

MAYTompkinsCortlandCommunityCollege,Dryden Campus

A Day in the Life of a College President Tour of TC3 Campus Community Action Project Dry Runs & FeedbackPresentation: CollegeNow

Carl Haynes Victoria Zeppelin

JUNE Ithaca College

Community Action Project presentations to the community Graduation luncheon celebration

BoardCommunity Partners


Leadership Tompkins Alumni

Dawn Adams Richard Adams Alex Adelewitz Rosemary Adelewitz Alton Ainslie Joe1le Albertsman Julie Albertson Phillip Albrecht James Alo Leigh Alo Mike Alvich Minakshi Amundsen David Anderson Miguel Andrade Scott Andrew Anne Appleton Frank Araneo Brent Armitage Mike Armitage Martha Armstrong Judith Aucoin Claudia Ayers

Steven Bacon Beverly Barnes Byron Barrett Larry Batt Timothy Batty Linda Beins Kristina Belanger Laura Bellis Michelle Benedict-Jones Catherine Benson Karen Besemer Thomas Besemer Beatrice Biebuyck Karen Billings Miriam Bisk Jeff Boles Joanne Race Borfitz Mark Boshart Jeffrey Bowen Francis Brackin Kevin Brady James Bramble Gladys Brangman Jeff Brewer Samuel Brewer Jo Ann Broderick Bethany Brown Charles Brown Tanya Brozost Linda Bruckner Dennis Bubel Jill Burlington Norma Jean Bums Rayne Butler

Ian Caie Andrea Calisher Gilbert Camp Cecilia Campbell Michael Cannon John Carlton Patricia Casler

Kim Cassell Shella Chace Sandra Chambers Karen Chase Julie Chmielewski Christine Christian Dave Ciancio Jill Ciccone Carol Clark Rachel Clarkson John Collett Cutter Cramton Jay Engels Millie Maynard Cathryn Clute Martha Clymer Donna Collins Michael Collins Danielle Conte Jennifer Cooper Rob Covert Betsy Crane Karen Creenan Kevin Cuddeback Michael Culotta Benjamin Curtis Douglas Czerwonka

Susan Dale-Hall Brenda Dalmida Pat Darby Joanne Davenport Ronald Davenport Martha Davis Joyce Denmark Mary DeSouza Bridgette DeBelle Valerie DeSantis James Desombre Mark Dickens Hilary Diekow Anthony DiLucci Roberta Dixon Richard Dolge Cris Donovan Christine Dornras Eileen Driscoll Jennifer Drumluk Ray Dunnigan Robert Dunphy William Dwyer

Robert Earl Jr. Mary Ebaugh Bernadette Eddy Abby Eller Stefan Einarson Don Enichen Ari Epstein Stephen Estes Craig Evans Yvonne Everhart

George Ferrari, Jr. Lisa Ferree

Sharon Ferris Francis Fetsko Dori Fielding Mark Finkelstein Kerry Flannery Marcia Fort Paul Forte Elizabeth Fox Kirra Franzese Heather Freeborn Kerri Freese Larry Fresinski Susan Frey Howard Fuller Karen Funke

Sarah Galbreath Gina Gallagher Richard Gallagher Sheree Galpert Loren Gardner Jeffrey Gargiulo Kara Garner-Taylor Greg Garvan Linda Gasser Melissa Gattine Charles Gaynor II Kathy Gehring Fausto Gentile Sarah Glogowski Lorendo Gneo Glen Gordon Jeffrey Gorsky Linda Grabowski Joe Greenberg David Greenspoon Walter Groman, Jr. Sandie GroomsTanya Grove Mary-Jo Guidi Alan Gurewich

George Haffenden Katy Hall Virginia Hardin Wytheria Harriett Howard Hartnett Gregory Hartz Christine Hass Catherine Haupert Corri Haus Steven Headrick Carol Henderson Ben Hermann Janice Hertel Michael Herzog Mark Hess Mel Hibbard Danny Higgins Satomi Hill Samantha Hillson Lora Hine Larry Hirschfield Judy Hoffman Debra Horton

Kathryn Hovis Georgia Howe Carolyn Hoyt Eileen Hoyt Stephen Hoyt Ashley Huckle Lorraine Hufford Stephen Hughes Steven Hugo Kellie Hulbert Joan Hull Barbara Hungerford Peggy Hurd

Jutta Iacovelli Amy Iles David Iles Mark Ingianni

Suzanne Smith Jablonski Kelly Jackson Bryan Jacobson Claudette James Diana Jayne Judy Jensvold Herb Jerread Luisa Johnson Richard Johnson Carolann Jones Greg Jordan Patrick Jordan

Evelyn Kalish Shirley Kane Kathie Karakantas Jorg Kasparek Barbara Kathan Kimberly Kathan Michael Katz Janet Keefe Michel Kelly Rodney Kemp David Kershaw Thomas King Pamela Kingsbury Paul Kirk Scott Kobylarz William Kohm Kimberly Kohut Linda Koenig Amy Koren-Roth Kathleen Kraffi

Joyce Ladd Rob LaHood Joseph Lalley Stephanie LaLonde Yvonne LaMar Cheryl L’Amoreaux Philip LaPadula Jim Lavo Carolyn Lee Jacalyn Lent John LeVan Doug Levine


Leadership Tompkins Alumni

Kristin LiBritz David Lieb Brenda Lines Maggie Liu William Livermore Thomas LiVigne Mark Lockerby Alta Logan Victor Loo Karen LoParco Andrew Lopuchowycz Taiya Luce Lisa Goyette Luciano Donald Lueder

Paul MacCarrick Joseph Macrina Sarah Macrina Nanette Makela Emily Mallar Carol Mallison Leslie Malone Sarah Manasse Carol Markwardt Russell Maracle Christopher Marsh Nancy Massicci Tara Masters Dennis Mastro Heather Matthews Walter Matyjas Mike May Stacie Maybee Saoirse McClory Dan McClure Matthew McConahy Lynn McCormick Patricia McElwee Michael McGreevey Peggy McKee Grace McMenaminKaren McNamara Falon McNett Philip McPheron Doug Melens JoEllen Mendelis Bernice Miller Celia Miller Don Mills Christopher Milner Christen Minier Steve Minniear Deborah Mohlenhoff Matt Montague Denny Moore Jason Moore Lisa Moran Ed Morton Marty Moses Al Moster Philip Mott Steve Mount Suzi Munoz Carmen Munson Janet Murray

Betsy Newman Cynthia Nicholson Christian Nielsen-

PalaciosAndrew Noel, Jr. Roberta Norman Andy Nowak

Andrea O’Hara Matt Oliver Michael Olsen Gary Ozminowski

Tad Palmer Amy Panek Diane Paolangeli Christy Parente Connie Park Karla Parker Maral Parker Karen Parkes Linda Parks Polly Parsons David Patz Lisa Patz Charlotte Peverly Gail Phillips Lynne Pierce Joan Pike Brittany Pipes Lucy Pola Anthony Poole Ron Poole Martha Preston Scott Pronti David Prunty Patricia Pullman Beth Putnam Brenda Putnam Scott Querin

Steven Racher Karen Rachetta Lynne Raymond Joann Raynor Cynthia Reed Debra Regnier Debra Reid Cheryl Reynolds Daniel Reynolds Kevin Rhodes Ayana Richardson Cynthia Richardson Marjory Rinaldo-Lee Dianne Robbins Larry Roberts Thomas Robinson Valorie Rockney Barbara Romano Ursula Russ Edmond Ryan William Ruth

Susan Sammis Lori Samuto

Chris Sanchirico Jennifer Sczepanski Thomas Schlee Andrew Sciarabba Jim Schaeffer Susan Schattschneider Cindy Seager Laurie Sedgwick Joel Seligman Katherine Shaffer Duane Shoen Linnett Short Cassandra Shortle Betsy Shrier Lauren Signer Nev Singhota George Sinko Kate Sirrine Helen Slottje Barbara Smart Frank Smith Raj Smith Randy Smith Tracy Smith Tina Snead Kevin Snyder Stephen Snyder Francine Spadafora Stephanie Specchio Michelle Sperl Leslie Spurgin Nancy Loncto Stage Pat Stage Leisa Stanley Janet Steiner King Stevens Gary Stewart Jillian Stokes Becky Stone Pamela Stonebraker Matthieu Stratton Sue Ellen Stuart Mary Sullivan Mary Ann Sumner Ryan Sun Dean Swartwood Timothy Swartz Marge Swiercz-Clark Celia Szczepura

Kathleen Tajeu Helen Talty Cosimo Tangorra, Jr. Charles Tanzola Paula Tarallo Mimi Theusen Chris Thomas Timothy Thomas Constance Thompson Jeff Tomasik Tricia Tomey Charles Trautmann Jerome True Adam Tucker Carol Tunison

Jeffrey Turco Richard Turecek

Laura Ujlaki Maureen Updike

Matt Valaik Karla Vargas Hester Vermaak Patricia Van deBogart Jodi Van Vleet

Peter Wadach Pamela Wait Daniel Wallace Sherl Walters Laurie Ward Kathy Warner Lorie Wasilawski Heather Weber Michael Webster Marcy Wehling Michele Weissman Robin Welch Vicki Wells Lynne Whetzel Kevin White Julie Whitten Lauren Whittle David Wickwire Suzanne Willcox Michael Williams Niki Williams Marilon Winther Theodore Wixom Jennifer Wofford Maria Wolff Roger Wood Leon Wylde

Karen Yearwood Michael Yehl Christine Young

Gail Zabawsky Frank Zgola Bin Zhou Gene Ziegler Sally Ziegler Joel Zumoff


I especially valued….I especially valued…. My positive experience on a self-directed team -- they can be very effective and highly effi cient.

Mary Beth Bunge making ice cream at Cornell University

Joe Mareane, Tompkins County Administrator

Karen Y Nocera, The CBORD Group

Phone: 607 272-3025

Fax: 607 272-3214

Email: [email protected]

http://www.leadershiptompkins.org

Leadership Tompkins

c/o Tompkins Cortland Community College

Ithaca Extension Center

118 North Tioga Street, 6th Floor

Ithaca, NY 14850

“ M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E I N O U R C O M M U N I T Y ”

Leadership Tompkins

leadership tompkins yearbook, class of 2012

Documents

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tompkins county tourism

tompkins chamber of

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