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Influence 2012 ofWomen

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 3

by Christina JamesSaratoga TODAY

Stephanie Ferradino

For Stephanie Ferradino, a senseof societal obligation came geneti-cally. What she did with that sense,however, continues to exceedeveryone’s expectations.

Born and raised in the Saratogaregion, Ferradino is the daughter toSaratoga County Supreme CourtJustice Stephen A. Ferradino.Following in her father’s footsteps,Ferradino attended Siena College,graduating in the top 4 percent ofher class, and then Albany LawSchool, just as her father did. Afterher admission to the New York Barin 1997, Stephanie has been a cata-lyst for change in her communityever since.

Ferradino is an outstandingwoman in the field of law. Shepractices at Jones Ferradino,Attorneys at Law, and she practicesin an area unique for women in herfield, real estate development.Ferradino has enthusiastically rep-resented her clients on some of themost significant projects in ourregion.

“My favorite area of practice isreal estate development, whichincludes zoning and planning,”said Ferradino. “When a new com-mercial or residential developmentcomes to an area, the project goesthrough a series of municipalapprovals before they are allowedto build. My firm facilitates obtain-ing those approvals for our clients.This month, I’m representing anasphalt plant, Saratoga Hospitaland a new hotel in Malta. My par-ticular area of work is definitelyexciting and interesting, especiallyas my projects help shape my community.”

You don’t have to look long orhard to see the impact ofFerradino’s involvement in hercommunity. In 2007, when her firmwas contacted by an innovatedtechnology company namedAdvanced Micro Devices (AMD),Ferradino worked with them tohelp obtain municipal approvalsfrom the towns of Malta andStillwater to bring the highly-lucra-tive company, GlobalFoundries, tothe Luther Forest Tech Campus.

“[My firm] spent the better partof two years modifying the legisla-tion and getting the site planapproved to allow the constructionto begin,” said Ferradino.“Working with so many talentedprofessionals and community lead-ers was a highlight of my career. Iam very proud of the work ourcommunity has done in order toattract a world-class facility toupstate New York. It [was] anhonor to work with such exception-al people.”

And the results of their workspeak for themselves. Alreadyemploying over 1,000 people,GlobalFoundries looks to be one ofthe most valuable additions to theregion in recent memory, andFerradino was a prominent contrib-utor to its development.

“I am not a delegator who pullsback from the work; instead, I pre-fer to be fully engaged with sleevesrolled up working with my team,”said Ferradino. “This [workethic] has served me well andinspires loyalty and confi-

dence among my co-workers and clients.”

Her dedication toeach individual clientis evident in therelationships thatshe is able tobuild and theresults that sheachieves timeafter time.

“My clientsrealize inpretty shortorder that Icare aboutfinding thebest possi-ble solu-tion for


Women of Influence 2012

A Perfect Balance Photos by Deborah Neary

the challenge confronting them,and that if it is possible to forgea consensus to reach a positiveresult, I am able to do that,”Ferradino explains. “Takingthe time to get to know thepeople I’m working with on apersonal and professionallevel, and seeking a collabo-rative result, if one is obtain-able, has always beenrewarding to me and facili-tates a more well-roundedapproach to development,resulting in better projects.”

And Ferradino’s law firmisn’t the only outlet for hercollaborative approach toproblem-solving. In addi-tion to her professionala c c o m p l i s h m e n t s ,Ferradino gives back toher community daily,through her volunteerwork and presence on theboards of several non-profit and businessorganizations.

As a board member forthe Saratoga SpringsHistory Museum, theMalta Business andP r o f e s s i o n a lAssociation (MBPA)and the Saratoga


Women of Influence 20124 Week of May 25 - 31, 2012

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 5County and Italian-American BarAssociations, Ferradino has madegiving back to the community alarge part of her life. She is current-ly helping the MBPA to organizetheir annual 5K race in September,and later this month she will be par-ticipating in a 144-mile bike ride tohelp raise money for MoveableFeast, a Baltimore-based char-ity that provides meals forpeople throughout thestate living withbreast cancer,HIV or otherlife-threateningconditions.

With somany thingson her plate,Ferradino’s

biggest problem is finding the timefor it all.

“I tend to throw myself whole-heartedly into most everything Ido,” said Ferradino. “However, thatisn’t without its downside. I’mlearning that there are times whenyou need to just set aside [work] inorder to be more engaged in family,friends and life. While I find italmost comically difficult to slow

down, I have discovered thatwhen I do, there is

immense enjoyment invery simple things, be

it my daughter, aview from the top

of a peak or a jobwell done. Theoccasional con-scious taming ofmy passion forwork has somereally positive

benefits inother areas

of mylife.”

This balancing act, con-sciously setting time aside fromwork to enjoy life’s everydaymoments, is what revitalizesFerradino. It gives her theenergy to be committed andpassionate about so manythings, and it’s something thatshe recommends that allwomen do.

“Balance is essential,”Ferradino explained.“Rather than sitting onnumerous boards andspreading yourself too thin,pick one organization thatsparks your interest, andconcentrate your energieson making an impactthere. I suspect womenmy age are sometimestorn between advancingtheir careers, taking careof families, and main-taining their health. Thatdoes not leave muchadditional time forcommunity involve-ment. However, everyperson can make a dif-ference in their com-munity, even in smallways that don’t take asignificant amount oftime.”






Melissa ZiekerM elissa Zieker

has lived inquite a few

different places.Growing up primarily in

Georgia and Alabama, attend-ing high school in Connecticut,college in Washington, andthen living in Massachusetts,Zieker has seen enough of thecountry to know a good placewhen she sees one.

And she thinks SaratogaSprings is a very good place.

Relocating to the region per-manently in 2005, she, and herhusband of now 13 years,Chris, fell in love with the areaalmost immediately and decid-ed to open up an ophthalmolo-gy private practice here.

“We love that Saratoga issmall enough to feel a tightsense of community, yetlarge enough to have thecultural offerings that itdoes,” said Zieker.“Saratoga blends thebest aspects of living ina large, cosmopolitancity with the bestaspects of living in ahistoric, smalltown. I love howit harmo-nizes both.”

Graduatingwith a Bachelorof Sciencedegree in busi-ness manage-ment with anemphasis inmarketing

from Washington State University,Zieker was originally introduced tothe area by a Capital Region local,her husband. After being accepted tomedical school at Albany Medical,the pair moved to Albany where shebegan working as a recruiter for apublic accounting firm.

“I spent the majority of the nextdecade in corporate training anddevelopment for that company,”Zieker said. “It was a wonderfulexperience, and I learned much ofwhat I rely on today to run our ownbusiness.”

That business, Zieker EyeOphthalmology, is the definition of“family-owned and operated.”

Zieker’s husband, Chris, is anMD specializing in cataract surgery.Her brother-in-law is a physicianassistant and the other provider at

the practice.

One sister-in-law works in the frontoffice, and another sister-in-law isthe billing manager.

And Melissa?“I run the business operations,”

Zieker said. “It is my job to managethe day-to-day operations of run-ning a medical practice as anemployer, bookkeeper, marketer orproblem-solver. Essentially, any-thing that does not involve seeingpatients likely involves me!

A truly local, family-owned busi-ness, the Ziekers decided that theycould better-serve patients and prac-tice medicine in a more meaningfulway by working from a small, pri-vate office rather than a larger one.The Zieker staff can take time toengage with each patient, listeningto what they have to say, and sincethey control their schedule, they can

provide careon a

more personalized level, somethingthat is becoming increasinglyuncommon.

The decision to open a businesswas not an easy one. Despite want-ing to really make a difference in thecommunity, there were a lot ofobstacles.

“My husband and I took a big riskopening a new business in this econ-omy,” said Zieker. “It is even riskiersince medicine and health care areso fragile right now and so dynamic.The changes in government policymake our field a difficult one to planfor long term.”

But Zieker’s business backgroundallowed them to press forward.

“Market research showed that thegrowth in our community couldsupport an additional eye surgeon,”Zieker explained. “We also saw atrend toward simpler, more mean-ingful experiences as a consumer.For example, home milk delivery isback, there is a greater push toward

shopping locallyand sup-

p o r t -i n g

small businesses. We knew wecould offer that type of environmentin a medical office. The very largepractices leave so many people feel-ing as if they are on a conveyor belt.The experience is so impersonal, orworse, patients feel like the enemy.We feel patients deserve better. Sothat is what we provide.”

And their research was right.People who live in this region go outof their way to support each other,and they genuinely appreciate amore “personal” approach, soZieker Eye Ophthalmology has hadno trouble finding and keepingclients.

“We just had a patient say, ‘I wishI had a third eye’ so he would havea reason to come see us more often,”Zieker said. “Our mission is to pre-serve and protect the miracle ofvision with expertise, kindness andefficiency. That mission is why I ampassionate about my job.”

But Zieker’s community influ-ence isn’t only through her business.

As a member of both SaratogaPerforming Arts Center’s (SPAC)Action Council and Executive

Committee, Zieker

An Eye for Details Photos by Deborah Neary

much it influences our commu-nity.

“SPAC is one of the mostamazing cultural gems I havebeen to, and we are so lucky tohave it right in our backyard,”

which allows underprivileged chil-dren a chance to experience the artsat SPAC.

Zieker’s involvement at SPACstems from her deep appreciationfor what the facility does and how


Women of Influence 2012Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 7

has found another way to use hermarketing and philanthropic skillsto benefit the community.

Created to work cooperativelywith SPAC, the Action Council pro-vides assistance with public rela-

tions and puts on several of SPAC’sfundraising events. The Rock &Run 5K, Ballet Gala, LectureLuncheon and Nutcracker Tea areall events orchestrated by the ActionCouncil.

Their events help raise money tosupport the summer residencies ofthe NYC Ballet and ThePhiladelphia Orchestra, as well asprovide funding for the VivienneAnderson Children’s Program,

8 Week of May 25 - 31, 2012

Zieker said. “SPAC is a major economicengine, generating over 100 million dollars ofancillary revenue for the Capital District eachyear – so not only is SPAC a world-class cul-tural icon, it’s also a job-creator and revenuestream for the whole region.”

Despite these successes, SPAC is still inneed of a lot of community support. As anonprofit organization, SPAC receives littleto no state or government support, it operatesmostly on donations from members and cor-porate sponsorships. To Zieker, keeping thiscommunity mainstay thriving is vital.

“I could not imagine our communitywithout SPAC in it,” said Zieker. “Evenwith budgets repeatedly cutting the arts,SPAC continues to stand up and keep thearts relevant and vibrant, inspiring kids notonly in arts and music, but science, technol-ogy – it’s what makes our culture rich. Thearts are critically important.”

Membership to SPAC begins at just $75,and according to Zieker, “becoming amember is a great way to ensure that thispowerful eco-

nomic engine remains viable in our community.” In addition to her work with SPAC, Zieker is a

volunteer for Junior Achievement, a member of theYaddo Summer Benefit Committee, and a memberof a newly formed organization that serves childrenwith severe food allergies. She is also on the boardof directors for the relatively new nonprofitTaylor’s Heroes, an organization that promotes fit-ness and nutrition for children.

“I see myself as a woman who has the greatopportunity to live in this amazing communitywhere women are celebrated and can shine,” saidZieker. “As a small business owner, mother andvolunteer I feel that I have found so many outletswhere my efforts are appreciated and where I caninteract with, learn from and develop bonds withother strong, thoughtful women.

All of the organizations I am involved with havewomen in the top leadership positions. It is inspir-ing. I have a daughter and I want her to see all thatwomen can do, especially when they work togeth-er. The possibilities are endless!”



Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 9


F or Valerie Muratori,being proactive is a wayof life. She isn’t a wait-

and-see person; she’s a plan-and-execute. It’s this strategy, thishands-on approach to life, whichhas helped Valerie not only lead thenonprofit organization she directsthrough some difficult times, but tomore than quadruple the number ofpeople they serve.

As the executive director ofSaratoga Bridges, a nonprofit organ-ization servicing individuals withdevelopmental disabilities (DDs),Muratori has grown the fairly smallnonprofit to one of the largest in thecounty, with a budget of $26 mil-lion, and one of the top 15 largestcounty employers, with over 600employees.

“When I came in, the agency did-n’t really know anything about resi-dential services and was looking forsomeone to spearhead,” Muratorisaid. “I came [to Saratoga Springs]

and worked for another organizationknown as AIM, or Alternatives inMankind, and was the clinical coor-dinator there for about three years.The experience that I had with AIM,running residential services,allowed me to move to SaratogaBridges and I was responsible foropening up its first residential program.”

In 1984, that program opened thefirst accessible community-basedhome in the county, and underMuratori’s guidance, now houses107 individuals in 17 homes and justkeeps growing.

“We keep a very active and longwait-list for residential services,”Muratori explained. “Anybody fromSaratoga County can be added toour wait list, and then when we havean opening, we reach out to who wethink is probably the person whoneeds the services the most. It’s notnecessarily first-come first-served;it’s more of a ‘who is the most inneed of services.’”

Residents in the program receivea lot more than just a roof over their

Finding a Fitheads. They are given the toolsneeded to become independent, withservices such as 24-hour supervi-sion, training to develop decision-making skills,nutritional con-sultation, as welloccupational and physical therapythat allow them to live, work andsocialize within their community.

“The individuals that we supportare family members to other mem-bers of this communitythey’re sis-ters; they’re brothers,” saidMuratori. “They could be aunts oruncles of other members of the com-munity and they have grown uphere. All they want to do is be ableto give back and be consideredpositive members to thecommunity. One ofour biggest chal-lenges is to find where our individuals fit.”

Finding that fit is something thatMuratori considers a top priority.She herself struggled to find herplace in the world.

“If you would have asked me in



Valerie MuratoriPhotos by MarkBolles.com

10 Week of May 25 - 31, 2012

college what I wanted todo, I would have said: ‘Ihave no clue,’” Muratorisaid. “My mom suggest-ed I do some volunteerwork. So, I went to workwith a family who had achild with a degenera-tive disease, and it wasmy first experienceworking with someone

who had a DD. That’s reallywhere I started my relationshipwith people with DDs.”

Up until then, Valerie had beenworking with preschoolers atProspect School in Glens Fallsand as a teacher’s assistant, whileshe pursued her psychology master’s from UVM, so individuals with DDs weren’t something Muratori had a lot of

experience with. “I grew up in a community

where, down the street, there weretwo kids that just never went toschool because their DD was sosignificant that the school districtjust didn’t have a program forthem,” Moratori said. “Now, I’malways thinking about how I cansupport and advocate for peoplewith DDs.”



11

New York has seen a lot ofprogress in regards to programmingopportunities for people with devel-opmental disabilities, and Muratorihas done her best to capitalize onthat, bringing everything she possi-bly can to Saratoga Bridges.

“I think we have been very fortu-nate in New York,” said Muratori.“Over the last 25 years, there hasbeen a significant amount of growth

in serving people with developmen-tal disabilities. In this communitythey can access, pick and choosewhat kinds of services they’re inter-ested in.”

But with the economic downturn,particularly in the last five years asNew York State struggles withbudget reductions, Muratori andSaratoga Bridges have seen theirshare of difficulties.

“The opportunities havekind of plateaued- mean-ing there hasn’t been a lotof recent growth anddevelopment for people,”explained Muratori. “So,because of the budget cri-sis in New York State, weare directly impacted.We haven’t opened up anew home since 2008

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012





because of the budget problems here.”Instead of cutting back services, Muratori, with her nor-

mal can-do attitude, simply looked at the budget cuts andinstead said, “What could we do that isn’t a traditional homefor people?”

So, Saratoga Bridges has done other things like open upindependent living for people with DDs. And Muratori seesthe circumstances as a learning experience.

“[The budget cuts] have made us take a step back, andsay, ‘what ways can we support people if we don’t have thetraditional ways that used to be available to us?’” saidMuratori.

Her ability to think outside the box has been beneficialto the Saratoga Springs community even beyond her workwith Saratoga Bridges. Muratori has volunteered fornumerous local organizations, including Operation Adopta Soldier; Maplewood Manor; Ronald McDonald House;the Salvation Army; Shelters of Saratoga; and many,many more.

“[A lot of] my volunteer work has been in the field ofsupporting people with developmental disabilities,” saidMuratori. “Anybody who knows me will tell you thatwhat I do for a living is just something that makes mevery passionate.”

It’s that passion that has made Muratori one of ourarea’s most dedicated servants, a leader among even themovers and shakers. And having raised three kids of herown here, she is happy to keep investing in Saratoga.

“I think Saratoga is a great community to have yourkids grow up in because they have so many opportuni-ties for different experiences,” Muratori said. “Thecommunity is just very supportive of offering a lot ofdiverse opportunities for kids, whether in sports, or inarts, there’s something available.”



by Helen Susan EdelmanSaratoga TODAY

W atching a baseball game inZimbabwe was a pivotalmoment in the life of

Ballston Spa resident Melissa Ward. Wardwas in Zimbabwe with a Rotary Club groupdeployed to help improve a school for 600children. The school building was in sham-bles. She helped pour cement floors, builddesks and chairs and provide supplies thekids needed to achieve the education theydeserved. She also helped teach them base-ball with wiffle balls and bats.

“Every day we would take a long car rideto the site, but park half a mile away becausethe sand was too soft to drive on,” Wardrecalls. “We walked in the last half mile. Andthe kids would be waiting forus, singing and dancing inwelcome.”

But Wardbecame ill,

spiking a 104-degree fever. She was taken toa hospital in Victoria Falls at midnight,where the wife of a pharmacist acquiredantibiotics to stem her sickness. Still, shewouldn’t rest the next day.

“I didn’t travel all that way to stay in bed,”she said.

When the group she was in arrived at thesite that morning, some of the kids weresinging and dancing, as always, but somewere playing baseball.

“They were leaping, laughing, playing,”Ward remembers, teary. “My heart burstopen. If I’m ever sad, I think about thatmoment,” she says. “There was a little shiftin the universe. We had spread some joyand I was a part of that. Since then, a lotof things that had been aggravating to meon a daily basis roll off my shoulders.”

On her journey, Ward saw living conditions she describes as “hideous,

like people living in 10-by-10 tinhouses.” She says of the life-

changing journey, “We werefeeding them and they weresaying ‘thank you.’”

The trip was one of manyexperiences Ward has had as a

dedicated member of the RotaryClub community, a highly

respected service organizationcomprising 34,282 clubs world-wide. The 1.2 million members of

these clubs adhere to the organiza-tion’s motto, “Service above self.”

Ward’s first exposure to the Rotarywas as a Long Island high-schooler,

where she participated in Gift of Life, aproject bringing children from outside the

United States to America for life-saving surgery. Her role

during the project was tovisit and play with thekids. One early cham-

pion of Gift of Lifewas first lady NancyReagan, who

helped bringnational aware-ness to itsextraordinarywork of fur-thering thecause of world

peace andunderstandingby facilitatingfree medical

services, primari-ly for children suffering fromheart defects and other similaror allied illnesses, regardless ofrace, gender, creed or nationalorigin, and who would other-

“A life of experience and service”Melissa Ward

Photos by MarkBolles.com

14 Week of May 25 - 31, 2012





wise lack access to such services.“After I graduated, I forgot about

it,” she says. “Then in 2002, a friendin the Capital Region called andinvited me to a meeting of a newRotary chapter in an area alignedwith the Southern Saratoga CountyChamber of Commerce. I went,expecting to see a lot of maleretirees, but, instead, I met a lot ofyoung, hip, cool, intelligent 40-somethings, and I became a chartermember of the Twin Bridges RotaryClub. That’s where I learned aboutthe school in Zimbabwe. I washooked.”

All of her activities aren’t so exot-ic. She serves up Thanksgiving peo-ple to the homeless, works in theRonald McDonald House, packspotatoes at the Regional Food Bank,helped clean up a summer camp inAlbany for city youth and volun-teers at the MechanicvilleCommunity Center.

“The point is to get involved withother organizations with a servicemission and help them amplify thatmission,” she explains, “whether it’sby providing bodies, knowledge ormoney. We collaborate and buildpartnerships, extending everybody’sreach. It’s very fulfilling.”

Ward’s commitment to the all-volunteer organization is colossal in

both principle and practice. Sherecently agreed to take on the role ofdistrict governor, the equivalent ofthe CEO for the region, which rep-resents about 1,300 club members in40 clubs. She intends to tap into themembership for help and hopes topromote awareness about Rotaryand its good works. “I can’t doeverything myself,” she said. “I amgoing to call on others with skills,wisdom, funds and hours to con-tribute. And I’m going to be the onewho signs the checks. It’s never asolo effort.”

At this writing, Ward was inBangkok, presenting three socialmedia sessions to participants at aRotary Club International meeting.

While her work with Rotaryevolved, Ward also raised twodaughters as a single parent andlaunched NewWard Development,LLC, a thriving business in a com-petitive industry. NewWard fills aniche in the online Web-develop-ment industry, catering to small tomid-size companies looking toimprove their clients' and prospec-tive customers' online experiencewithout breaking their websitebudget. Incorporated in 2004,NewWard has maintained a reputa-tion for timely, cost-effectivedesigns and earns accolades from

clients for excellent customer serv-ice. Ward, who has a B.S. in com-puter science and an M.B.A., start-ed NewWard as a sole proprietor,but in 2004 partnered with RobertNewberry to build a Web-develop-ment firm that offers the full gamutof Web services, including webgraphic design, application devel-opment, database integration, e-commerce solutions and internetmarketing. She is the company’sexpert in social-media marketing,Web design, marketing plans, cus-tomer engagement and loyalty.

“I help companies build designstrategies for marketing in a waythat articulates the voice of theclient,” Ward says. “Most of thetime I am coaching, not doing it formy clients. We use Facebook, weuse webinars; we put our collectivefingers on the pulse of what peopleare doing, seeing and feeling.”

Ward is a more mature voice inan industry largely dominated by20-somethings. “I am an earlyadapter of technology,” sheexplains. “It’s intuitive for me.”

Here is another aspect of her life– her professional acumen –Ward is willing to share. As asuccessful entrepreneur, Wardknows what it takes to set up abusiness, and she has stepped

up to help other women jumpstarttheirs.

At the moment, she is work-ing with three women towrite their business plans,connect to resources, workwith towns for various per-mits, and research pos-sible grant dollarsavailable.

“I do not do the work forher,” Ward emphasizes. “Iteach her how to doit – same as my



NewWard clients. I might do a littlehand-holding. But we talk about possi-ble scenarios, how to brand, how to turnwhat might have been a hobby into asuccessful business.”

She says, “I really love to watch peo-ple when the light goes on, they takethe leap and their business flourishes. Iwarn them that it might take years tomake a profit, that it might be gruelingat first – but there’s nothing betterthan working to market your passion– even if it’s not what you envisionon opening day.”

She remembers her own trajecto-ry: “In my third year, I finallybelieved I could keep a roof over myhead and my girls’.”

Ward loves watching her friendsfulfill their dreams.

“It’s a way for me to connectwith interesting, determinedwomen, and I have a blast doingit,” she says.

“Life is about experiences andservice, but not just my experi-ences and not just my service.Whether it’s in Rotary, privatebusiness or informally consult-ing, it’s all energy-producing andinspirational.”

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 17


Sue CommandaH aving reached the top,

Sue Commanda isknown for pulling

people up to join her, not lookingdown on them.

As the CEO of the incrediblysuccessful Hudson RiverCommunity Credit Union(HRCCU), Commanda has thedesire to make real positive changein the community andthe resources todo it.

Born andraised onL o n gI s l a n d ,New York,in a townc a l l e d

Northport, Commanda left theisland to earn a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in accounting fromPlattsburgh State University. Whileat college, she fell in love withupstate New York, and after shegraduated in 1984, she decided torelocate.

Residing on a horse farm inSchuylerville with her husband, Gil,and son, Christian, 11, Commandareflects on the key to her success.

“I believe that I have been able toreach the position of CEO of

one of the largest creditunions in the Capital

District because I dowhat I love to do,”Commanda said.“My enjoyment isreflected in theenthusiasm andoptimism that Icarry through to mydaily life. I havebeen able to combine

this posi-t i v e

attitude with an aptitude fornumbers. I truly believethat it is the combinationof these two traits that hastaken me where I am atthis point.”

With 27 years of expe-rience as a consultantand manager in thefinancial services indus-try, Commanda beganher credit union careeras an auditor withCredit Union ServicesInc., an arm of theNew York StateCredit Union League.Later, as HRCCU’sCFO, she was instru-mental in obtainingthe union’s commu-nity charter, assist-ing in implement-ing their smallbusiness lendingprogram, andstreamlining sev-eral operationalareas to improveefficiency.

“As Chief Executive Officer ofa major finan-cial institution,I like to com-pare my daily



Photos by MarkBolles.com

activities to those of an orchestra conduc-tor,” said Commanda. “My role is to iden-tify the best resources (human, technolog-ical and educational) available to ourorganization and apply those resources inorder to provide the best products andservices at the best rates to our members inthe most effective and efficient manner.”

Her application of resources to benefitthe common good can be seen in a uniquepartnership that she developed with SUNYEmpire State College. To help her employ-ees obtain degrees, Commanda workedwith Empire State to tailor education pro-grams for her staff. This was an importantaddition to the union’s existing tuition reim-bursement program for employees.

“As CEO, it is my responsibility toensure that our member/owners are provid-ed with the best service possible,” saidCommanda. “The best way to ensure thatservice levels are at their highest is throughthe use of a motivated and well-educatedstaff.”

HRCCU has offered a tuition reimburse-ment policy for employees for many years.However, Commanda’s initiative took thedesire to provide educational opportunities astep further. Discussions with Empire Stateled to the development of a unique programthat makes the required classes or degreesthe union’s staff needed and wanted avail-able – when it best fits their schedules.

Offering this educational resource toemployees gives the union’s benefit pro-gram a decided edge, and it shows both cur-rent and future employees, as well as poten-tial customers, that the union cares.

Commanda also stresses a sense of civicduty to her employees and encourages a lotof community involvement.

“Volunteering is an important part of whatmakes our communities great places to live,work and play,” said Commanda. “As theCEO of a community credit union, it isimportant that I lead by example. Throughmy leadership and active participation, forthe fourth year in a row, Hudson RiverCommunity Credit Union has provided thelargest percentage of participation in theannual Run for the ROC, a charity run tosupport the Mollie Wilmot RadiationOncology Center at Saratoga Hospital.”

18 Week of May 25 - 31, 2012

It is important to Commanda to not onlyrun a successful organization, but also makean impact on the community around her.She does this in traditional ways like volun-teering and donating money and services,but she also has an unusual way of makinga real difference in the lives of others: herhorses.

“I love to ride and share my love of hors-es with others,” said Commanda. “My hus-band, Gil, and I purchased and an aban-doned farm several years ago, and over thelast few years we rehabbed the house andbuilt a horse farm on the property. We trainhorses, sell hay and offer horseback ridinglessons to make the farm profitable.”

The horse farm was just a second job forthe Commandas until one day, several yearsago, a family friend brought her daughter tothe farm to take riding lessons.

“She had been diagnosed with bipolar dis-order and had significant behavioral issues,”Commanda recalls. “I worked with her one-on-one for a few months and was able toteach her how to ride and behave appropri-ately. She [ended up doing] so well, shetransitioned into a regular class and was ableto enjoy meeting other girls her age and con-trol her actions.”

After that, the couple began working withother kids who had behavioral issues. Andrecently, they started working with a childwho suffered a stroke at 9.

“My husband, who is an RN, is workingwith her to restore her mobility on her leftside,” Commanda said. “Gil and I have afirm belief that anything is possible and con-vey this to our riding students. No child islimited, no matter what the issue; we workwith them to help them realize their dreamof riding a horse!”

No matter what Commanda is workingon, she is fully-invested and has the commu-nity in mind.

“It is my vision to enrich the lives of ourmembers and employees by providing thetools they need to realize their dreams,” saidCommanda. “Whether they are to purchasea home, send a child to college, or attendcollege themselves, I believe hard work,determination and access to resourcesmakes anything possible.”





by Helen Susan EdelmanSaratoga TODAY

I n 2001, Mary Gavinand her husband andbusiness partner,

James LaVigne, moved toSaratoga Springs for its qualityof life. And then they enhancedit.

The couple, owners of Gavinand LaVigne Incorporated - acompany that has arrangedmore than $8 billion of FHA-insured loans for hospitals andnursing homes for new projectsand refinancings - could haveestablished their office any-where, but they chose a citythat offered them an energeticdowntown they could walk toeasily from their residentialneighborhood near SkidmoreCollege, where they are raisingtheir daughter.

“I love the mental exercise ofgoing up and down Broadway,Phila Street and Caroline Streetin my head, planning myerrands or where to go to din-ner,” says Gavin, a native ofTroy and alumna of SienaCollege who already had been

familiar with the area.The common knowledge that if

you want something done, you ask abusy person to do it has never beentruer than where it applies to Gavin.A certified public accountant, sheworks from home, often day andnight, and sometimes goes on theroad to meet with clients. But thevast intensity of her professional lifehasn’t stopped her from taking onimpressive responsibilities as a vol-unteer in Saratoga Springs.

“When I first moved here, Ienrolled my daughter at St.Clement’s, and I met Kristie Roohan[wife of realtor Tom Roohan], also aparent in the Catholic school com-munity,” Gavin recalls. “I wasworking full-time, my husband wastraveling a lot and I was volunteer-ing in my daughter’s classroom.Kristie said, ‘You should getinvolved with the Saratoga HospitalGala.’ I told her I was busy. AndKristie said to me, ‘Mary, we’re allbusy.’ So, I said ‘Yes, I’ll try.’ Thiswas what spawned my volunteerwork in Saratoga Springs.”

Since that conversation, Gavinhas served on the major hospi-tal fundraiser committeenine times, twice as chair.

She also served on the boards ofboth the Saratoga HospitalFoundation and Saratoga Hospitaland Nursing Home.

“Everyone has something theycan bring to the table,” she says.“This year, my role is to ask forlarge sums of money. It’s not hard todo; it’s not work,” she said. “It’seasy to ask for support for some-thing as meaningful as a communityhealth-resource center for people inneed of help, which is whatthe hospital foundation isfocused on now.”

Gavin empha-sizes that thefoundation’se x e c u t i v ed i r e c t o r,T e r r yLee, is

“extraordinary to work for and with.She creates a sense of camaraderie.Everyone interested in fundraisingshould be required to be exposed toher style. And, I have the opportuni-ty to interact with people like A.C.Riley [former mayor of SaratogaSprings as A.C. Dake] and LindaToohey [former executive vice pres-ident of the Saratoga CountyChamber of Commerce], whoseknowledge and generosity make me

want to be part of the efforteven more. I learn so

much from them.”She says that

one person on thegala committee

might get adonation ofa car for thesilent auc-tion anda n o t h e rmight geta dona-tion of amassage,

and thatboth are

greeted with genuine excitement.“When you have limited time,

you have to make some hard deci-sions about where to volunteer, butsince I work with hospitals for a liv-ing, I have a special appreciation forthis industry from a business per-spective,” she points out. “And, thisis such a great group of people. Thewhole experience brings out the bestin you.”

She also is on the advisory coun-cil for the Adirondack TrustCompany Community Fund, estab-lished in 2009 to serve as a perpetu-al source of philanthropic supportfor the needs of local charities suchas Domestic Violence and RapeCrisis Services, First BaptistChurch, Grant Cottage and theRegional Food Bank ofNortheastern New York, amongmany others.

“When Charles Wait [president ofATC] asks you to do something yousay, ‘yes,’” Gavin says. “Having achance to work with him was veryappealing. He is a role model forgiving back to the community youcare about.”

She also contributes significanttime as a board member to theSaratoga Central Catholic School,where her daughter is a student.

“I think it’s important for thecommunity to have the alternativeof a private Catholic school forthose who want their children to beeducated there,” she says.

And, by example, she has taughther daughter - who also has beenpressed into service to stuffenvelopes and to set up chairs forvarious events - about the rewardsof giving. For her daughter’s 16thbirthday, 85 kids were invited to aspecial kind of party; instead ofbringing gifts for the honoree,each guest brought a toy, whichthen was donated to the FranklinCommunity Center to be redis-

tributed to children in the area.“You can’t actually teach

someone to be charitable,they have to develop thedesire on their own,”Gavin says. “But you canshare some ideas of howto do it.”

And Gavin has lots ofthose. Some of them she

has been able toshare with the

Mardi GrasCommit teethat steers an

Mary Gavin The Charitable ChoicePhotos by MarkBolles.com


Women of Influence 2012 21

annual event launched by Hattie’s

Restaurant proprietor Beth

Alexander to raise money for local

nonprofits. Last year’s efforts

yielded $26,000 for Sponsor-A-

Scholar, a relatively new organiza-

tion that helps financially disad-

vantaged Saratoga Springs students

prepare for and get accepted into

college. The charity is close to the

heart of Gavin’s husband, LaVigne,

who serves as its executive director

(another person with no time who

makes time). The donation repre-

sented more than 25 percent of

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar’s

yearly budget and will provide

funding for 10 new students.

“I’ve never seen a more gener-

ous community or one that comes

together more to do good work,”

Gavin comments.

She knows her situation is both

unique and ideal – working from

home and for herself, Gavin can get

up from the kitchen table and get to

a board meeting without asking

permission, there’s no wasted time

dealing with a jammed copier or

chitchat with office mates. Plus,

she has been able to be an at-home

parent, when necessary.

“I can’t imagine stopping any of

the things I do,” she says. ”I have

the best of both worlds- a stay-at-

home mom with a career. It’s

remarkable.”

Renewal is important too. Gavin

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012



and LaVigne sometimes escape to theAdirondacks for a few days to decompress.

“Balance is important,” Gavin says.“Taking a little break can make a big differ-ence after you’ve worked on a deal that getsyou up at 6 a.m. and continues all day andeven at night, when you bring work to bed.”

Having a loving and supportive partneralso makes a difference, Gavin stresses.“Whichever one of us is available can do thegrocery shopping, pick up our daughter,make the big ask for a charity. We dividethings up. I take the lead on a lot of our busi-ness with clients, but there are things Jim is

just better at, and he’ll always back me up.And, I always back him up.”

Gavin confirms that she has the same 24hours in a day as everybody else; she has justlearned to maximize them.

“Volunteering is the life blood of a com-munity,” she concludes. “The shops can benice, the people can be nice, the place can bepretty, but without volunteers, there are noextras. Think of First Night, one of the bestand most exciting events in the city, startedand operated by volunteers. I like to think Iam passing on to some women with potentialthe wisdom and friendship that KristieRoohan passed on to me. I think not thatthere is too much on my plate, but, ‘this iswhat I am giving, is it enough?’”

Publisher

Chad Beatty

General Manager

Robin Mitchell

Writers

Helen Susan EdelmanChristina James

Art Director

Tiffany Garland

Graphic Designers

Eric HavensKaty Holland

Account Executives

Chris BusheeJim Daley

Cindy Durfey

Photographers

Mark BollesDeborah Neary

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Leader Herald

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Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866tel: 518.581.2480, fax: 518.581.2487

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