NYSCOSS - Key Persons


AASA Boards

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Commissioner 's Advisory Council

Allie B. Andress

Job Titles:
  • Program & Membership Associate
Allie provides support to our members by serving as the primary contact for general inquiries and database updates; answering and directing calls. She provides support for our LEAF programs and membership. She also writes articles and reviews our monthly Councilgram newsletter.

Andrew Cook

Job Titles:
  • Superintendent of Schools

Anthony Davis

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools / Syracuse City SD

Ask Deidre Hungerford

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director
Ask Deidre Hungerford, Associate Director for Business Development, how to apply or learn more about submission deadlines.

Bethlehem CSD

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Brighton CSD

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Charles S. Dedrick - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Executive Director
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Executive Director / New York State Council of School Superintendents

David F. Hurst - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman

Deborah N. Orsini

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director for Finance
  • Associate Director for Finance and Human Resources

Deidre G. Hungerford

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director for Business Development
Deidre manages our Strategic Partnership Program and provides opportunities for companies, associations, organizations and foundations to connect with educational leaders. She designs and manages exhibit halls at the Fall Leadership Summit and Winter Institute and manages our Thought Leadership Summits. She also coordinates award and scholarship programs. Contact Deidre if you are interested in becoming a strategic partner.

Dena A. Gauthier

Job Titles:
  • Senior Graphic Designer
Dena plays a vital role interpreting and managing our brand identity throughout all Council and LEAF, Inc. printed and online communication materials. She designs and manages the production of all publications, provides design support for The Council and LEAF, Inc. website, and manages printing and design consultants. Contact Dena with questions regarding the production of our communication materials including our Councilgram and Snapshot of the Superintendency publications.

Dr. Angelina Maloney - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Bob R. Ike

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Brian Schmitt

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Carmine Peluso

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Catherine Huber

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • District Superintendent

Dr. Cheryl H. Champ

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Christine M. Ackerman

Job Titles:
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Corey Green

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Darren Brown-Hall

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Donna J. DeSiato

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Gladys I. Cruz - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • District Superintendent

Dr. Harold Dean

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Jason Andrews

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Elected As President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Joseph S. Famularo

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Ken Bossert

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Kevin C. McGowan - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Brighton Superintendent
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Kusum Sinha

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. L. Oliver Robinson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Lorna R. Lewis

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Maria L. Rianna

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools / Glen Cove City SD

Dr. Mary Barter

Dr. Mary Barter was an exceptional educational leader during a time when few women held the title of superintendent. In 1997, Dr. Barter was elected as the first female president of NYSCOSS and served her presidential year through June 1998.

Dr. Phyllis S. Harrington

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Raymond R. Sanchez

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Roberto Padilla

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Community Superintendent / NYC Department of Education
  • New York State Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Tonia Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools / Binghamton City SD

Dr. Tonja M. Williams Knight

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Turina P. Parker

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • District Superintendent

Edward L. Osborne

Edward L. Osborne in1968 became the first Executive Secretary to lead the newly merged New York State Council of School Superintendents. He will be remembered for overcoming the rifts in the new organization and making the merger a true success. Here are the executive directors that followed Osborne's tenure:

Eugene Waldbauer

Job Titles:
  • Energy Account Executive

Genesee Valley CSD

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Gregory S. Berck

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director
  • Member of the Your Advocacy Team
  • Ass'T Director for Governmental Relations / Ass'T Counsel
  • Assistant Director for Governmental Relations & Assistant Counsel
Greg devotes his efforts to the The Council's lobbying and advocacy agenda. He also assists in negotiating superintendent's employment contracts and providing legal advice to members. He works with the executive and legislative branches of state and federal government, a variety of state agencies and is well respected within the halls of the Capitol from his tenure as education counsel for the Assembly majority. Contact Greg regarding legislative and regulatory concerns.

Hampton Bays UFSD

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent

Henry Grishman

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Jacinda H. Conboy - Chief Legal Officer

Job Titles:
  • General Counsel
Jacinda (a/k/a "Jazz") is primarily responsible for negotiating superintendent's employment contracts and providing legal advice and assistance to our members. In addition, Jazz regularly designs legal seminars and provides presentations on legal educational issues to members. She also established and leads The Council's Women's Initiative. Contact Jazz if you have contract questions, are interested in Enhanced Level II Benefits, need retirement services, or have a presentation for a Women's Initiative event.

James O'Connell

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Jason M. Schwartz - President

Job Titles:
  • President

Jericho UFSD

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee

John Henry Bennett

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Kelley A. Pratt

Job Titles:
  • Program Associate & Legal Support

Kessa Cooper

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Programs Coordinator
Kessa handles general inquiries and answers questions and direct calls from our members. She is also responsible for general database updates. Kessa also provides support for the Fall Leadership Summit and Winter Institute through designing and monitoring our education session portal and programming the app. Working directly with Connections Housing, our official housing company for each event, she assists members by answering general housing questions. She also supports LEAF, Inc. education programs.

Kristine Orr

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools / South Glens Falls School

L. Bo Wright - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent / Geneva City School
  • Superintendent, Geneva City School District / Council Contacts

Lynn Allen - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman

Marc P. Baiocco

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Margaret Lewsey-Bromirski

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
Margaret manages our office reception area for NYSCOSS and LEAF programs, handles deliveries, and direct calls for our members. She is also provides support to our membership, program and finance associates with administrative functions as needed.

Margo Martin

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mary Alice Price

Job Titles:
  • Scholarship

Melanie M. Seiden

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Associate Director for Membership
Melanie provides direct support to our members by answering membership questions including member online access; assisting with membership purchases, transfers and renewals. Also contact Melanie with registration questions for Council and LEAF, Inc. programs including Fall Leadership Summit and Winter Institute registration. She is also available to answer questions or concerns regarding invoices for membership and event registration.

Morrisville-Eaton CSD

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Mr. Anibal Soler

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools / Yonkers City SD / One Larkin Center

Mr. Daniel Ljiljanich

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mr. David Blanchard

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Demario A. Strickland

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Interim Superintendent / Rochester City School

Mr. Eric Race

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Gregory Molloy

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mr. James C. Knight

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Jeffrey P. Simons

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Jeremy Louis Belfield

Job Titles:
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Lars E. Clemensen - President

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • President
  • Superintendent
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Randall W. Squier

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Mrs. Maureen E. Donahue - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Jody L. Monroe

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Kim Fontana

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Chairman of Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Rebecca E. Dunckel

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools / Lowville Academy

Palmyra-Macedon CSD

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Patrick Sullivan - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman

Paul Defendini

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Robert J. Reidy

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Robert Loretan

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Robert N. Lowry

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Director
  • Media Contact
  • Member of the Your Advocacy Team
  • Deputy Director for Advocacy, Research & Communications
Bob directs our advocacy activities and serves as the principal contact with the news media. He is regarded as one of the state's leading experts in education finance. ALBANY, NY - Today, Bob Lowry, The Council's Deputy Director for Advocacy, Research, and Communications, is providing testimony on the future of Foundation Aid at a hearing conducted by the State University's Rockefeller Institute of Government. Bob directs The Council's advocacy activities and serves as our principal contact with the news media. Working with Council leaders, he advocates for superintendent concerns with the Governor's Office, State Legislature, Board of Regents, and the State Education Department and other state agencies. He is the principal author of many Council policy reports and is recognized as one of the state's leading experts in school finance. Contact Bob regarding policy decisions, school finance, and general media inquiries.

Theresa Wutzer Moore

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director
  • Director of Marketing & Communications
Theresa plans and implements our annual Fall Leadership Summit and Winter Institute. She investigates new technologies, advances our social media presence, and manages our website. She also serves as the editor of our Councilgram newsletter. Each year she manages the New York State Superintendent of the Year award process with AASA. Contact Theresa If you want to participate in our annual events or have a question about the NYS Superintendent of the Year recognition.

Thomas DiNapoli

Job Titles:
  • State Comptroller

Thomas L. Rogers

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Timothy Gonzales

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent of Schools

Vren Banks

Job Titles:
  • Director of LEAF

Vreneli G. Banks

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director
  • Director

Worcester CSD

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee