class of 2016 directory - Leadership Pioneer Valley

2016 DIRECTORY
CLASS OF 2016
DIRECTORY
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2016 DIRECTORY
Class of 2016 Directory
Leadership Pioneer Valley connects, develops and
supports emerging leaders from all sectors and
communities throughout the Pioneer Valley. By engaging
and empowering the next generation of regional
leadership, we’re working to build a more inclusive,
vibrant and economically prosperous future for our
region.
Our participants spend ten months exploring critical
leadership capacities and the diverse range of
communities throughout the Pioneer Valley. Together,
they investigate the role of 21st century leadership
priorities, honing their skills in visioning, inclusion,
creativity and authenticity. They also learn about the ideas,
organizations and people shaping our region today, and
are connected directly to leaders in government, business,
academia and the not-for-profit sector.
Our regionally unique core program runs annually from
September to June, but LPV actively fosters ongoing
connections across sectors, communities and generations.
Our alumni network, mentorship program and Leadership
2.0 workshop offerings provide continual opportunities
for LPV participants and others to learn, explore and
connect with others.
Enrollment in LPV’s class of 2017 will begin in the spring of
2016.
For more information:
www.leadershippv.org
(413) 737-3876
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Leadership Pioneer Valley Board of Directors
David Woods, Chair
Woods Financial Group
Dr. Louis Abbate
President Emeritus, Willie Ross
School for the Deaf
Steven Bradley
Consultant
Tim Brennan
Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission
Ann Burke
Economic Devt. Council of
Western MA
Toni Hendrix
The Loomis Communities
Yamilette Maho
Big Y Foods, Inc.
Madeline Landrau
MassMutual Financial Group
Kevin Maynard
Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas,
LLP
Marla Michel
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
Rev. J.P. Morgan
Holy Trinity Church of God in
Christ
Sam Ortiz
Common Capital
TJ Plante
City of Springfield
Amy Roberts
Balise Motor Sales
Patricial Spradley
Springfield Public Schools
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2016 DIRECTORY
2015-16 Program Year Investors
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Monica M. Borgatti
Major and Planned Giving Officer
WGBY
44 Hampden Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 781-2801
mmborgatti@gmail.com
A native of western Massachusetts, Monica Borgatti gives
back to her community every day. She works as the Major and
Planned Giving Officer for WGBY and currently volunteers as the
president of the board for Women in Philanthropy of Western
Massachusetts and on the grant making committee for the
Women’s Fund of Western Mass. She is also working towards
becoming a certified birth and bereavement doula. Monica is
an alumna of Bay Path University, where she earned a Bachelor
of Arts and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and
Philanthropy. In her free time, Monica enjoys painting, writing,
exploring craft beers & breweries, and cooking.
Heather Budrewicz
Town Administrator
Town of Southampton
30 Canal Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
(413) 529-0106
theambitiousdreamer@gmail.com
Currently, Heather is the Town
Administrator for Southampton,
Massachusetts. She is also
an attorney, having graduated from Massachusetts School
of Law and from University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in
Political Science and Justice Studies. Heather participated in
an AmeriCorps program providing legal services to Lowell’s
immigration population, and worked as the Assistant City Clerk,
License Commission Clerk and Acting City Clerk in Haverhill,
Massachusetts. In Haverhill, she was strongly connected to the
Girl Scouts, serving as the Service Unit Coordinator for the City’s
troops, leading two scout troops, and serving as a facilitator to
train new leaders. As a community member, Heather organized
and ran the City’s annual environmental fair, served on the Board
of two non-profits, and participated in a multi-year mentoring
program for the City’s youth.
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2016 DIRECTORY
Lakisha Coppedge
Founder/Executive Director
Mema’s II Family Childcare
(413) 265-6643
memasii2@gmail.com
Born and raised in Springfield,
Lakisha Coppedge is the founder
and Executive Director of Mema’s
II Family Childcare program. She
received her B.S. in 2013 (Magna Cum Laude) from Springfield
College School of Professional and Continuing Studies. She
opened her first childcare program in 1991 with her mother
and serving as Operations Manager and opened her second
program in 2008. Recently Lakisha decided to put her degree
to further use and accepted a temporary position as Project
Manager at Griffin Staffing Network. In September 2015 she
began as Adjunct Academic Advisor at her Alma mater. Lakisha
has also served on several boards including The Women’s Fund
of Western Mass, and currently serves at MotherWoman and The
Forest Park Zoo. Lakisha enjoys spending time with her family,
feeding her spiritual self by regularly attending and volunteering
at her church. She lives in Springfield with her soul-mate/
husband James, three amazing children and beautiful granddaughter.
Donald A. Courtemanche
Executive Director
Amherst Area Chamber of
Commerce
220 Maple Street
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 253-0770
don@amherstarea.com
A native of East Killingly, CT, Don
is the Executive Director of the
Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Eastern
Connecticut State University, he has a BA in Public Policy &
Government. Don is President of the Board of the Springfield
Preservation Trust, a member of the Pioneer Valley Association of
Realtors, and a member of the Rotary Club of Amherst. He is also
a Founding Member of the Young Professionals of Amherst.
Presently, he is restoring and living in the Loomis/Wesson
mansion in Springfield. Don is married with three Dakin rescue
dog-children.
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Adrian Dahlin
Director of Admissions and
Marketing
Conway School
Graduate Program in Sustainable
Landscape Planning and Design
22 Keefe Ave
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 695-1998
adrian.dahlin@gmail.com
Adrian is a mission-driven professional who takes his work seriously
but tries not to take himself too seriously. He has a background
in entrepreneurship, marketing, and local government. As of the
start of LPV in Sept. 2015, he works at the Conway School and is
running for City Council at Large in Holyoke. Adrian loves his Holyoke
community. Lately he’s become very passionate about behavioral
economics, leadership development, and how technology can be
used to improve government operations and civic engagement. He’s
an avid athlete, singer, and card player.
Damon DePaolo
Systems Consultant
MassMutual
1295 State Street, L016
Springfield, MA 01111-0001
(413) 744-5284
ddepaolo@massmutual.com
Damon has 15 years of experience
in Information Technology at
MassMutual. In his current role
as a Systems Consultant, Damon does technology research
and development to find practical applications for emerging
technology. Prior to this role, Damon spent 3 years as Systems
Director and 12 years as a Developer. Damon spent 6 years as a
volunteer firefighter, Captain, and training officer. Currently, he
is a Master Wildlife Conservationist for the CT Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection, performing education,
outreach, and research projects. Damon is also a volunteer leader
with the Boy Scouts of America, where shares his love of the
outdoors with the next generation of environmental stewards. In
his free time, Damon enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring with
his wife and four children. He also enjoys fencing, martial arts,
and is an amateur electronics hobbyist.
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2016 DIRECTORY
Yvonne J. Diaz
Benefits Consultant
Ramon Financial
P.O. Box 346
South Deerfield, MA 01373
(413) 665-3932
yvonne@ramonfinancial.com
Yvonne is a health insurance
professional with over 16
years’ experience in the insurance industry. She works with
local employer groups to help them find affordable and
comprehensive benefit solutions for their employees. A highly
motivated and energetic professional, Yvonne is dedicated to
understanding and meeting clients’ needs. Yvonne is creative,
resourceful and articulate with a vast knowledge of insurance
regulations and mandates on a Local, State and Federal level.
Yvonne attended Bay Path College and graduated with
her Bachelors in Arts in Liberal Studies. She lives in East
Longmeadow with her partner of 18 years and their two
children. Yvonne enjoys spending time with her family and going
to the gym.
Charlene Elvers, Ed.D
Director, Student Volunteer
Programs
Springfield College
Office of Student Volunteer
Programs
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 748-3394
celvers@springfieldcollege.edu
Charlene has worked in higher education for 30 years and
for the past 15 years has served as the Director of Student
Volunteer Programs at Springfield College. In addition to
volunteer programs, she has worked in the areas of student
activities, student leadership, orientation and residence life.
She received her doctorate in education in May 2015 from
Northeastern University and teaches classes in higher education
administration and student development. Charlene lives with
her partner in Williamsburg, MA and has four children, two
grandchildren and two dogs.
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Joshua A. Garcia
Municipal Services Coordinator
Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission
60 Congress St.
Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 781-6045
jgarcia@pvpc.org
Joshua was born and raised in
South Holyoke, went through the Holyoke Public Schools and
obtained his Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a
focus on Public Management at Westfield State University.
He formerly served on the Holyoke School Committee
representing Ward 1 and currently serves as the President of the
board of directors at Nueva Esperanza, Inc. In the fall of 2015, he
was narrowly defeated in the race for Holyoke Treasurer.
Joshua formerly worked as a property manager for the Holyoke
Housing Authority and currently is the Municipal Services
Coordinator at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
Desilynn Gladden
Vocal Coach
(413) 523-6661
dmariegladden@gmail.com
Desilynn has worked in the
human service field for the
past 15 years serving youth,
young adults and persons with
both physical and intellectual
disabilities, most recently as
Human Rights Coordinator for CHD. Presently Desilynn continues
this work by empowering the voices of future generations
through vocal (singing and speech) instruction, by mentoring
and role modeling for teens and young parents, by serving as
a DCF Volunteer Case Reviewer and Hampshire County CASA.
She is an advocate and human rights worker who has a heart of
compassion for broken people, and desires to give voice to the
voiceless. A lifelong resident of Springfield, Desilynn holds a BA
in English and Spanish from UMass Amherst.
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2016 DIRECTORY
Lisabeth H. Jasniewicz
Administrative Assistant
Smith College
Office of Gift Planning
33 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01063
(413) 585-2051
LJasniewicz@smith.edu
Lisabeth has extensive support
and leadership experience in development, donor relations,
volunteer coordination and events management. She is
passionate about and dedicated to issues of social justice and
the ever-evolving process of being an active and educated
community member. Lisabeth began her career path in local
non-profit organizations at Stop It Now!, based in Florence,
MA, followed by work at the Northampton Survival Center. Her
volunteer work has included Habitat for Humanity, Alternatives
to Violence Project, and I Wish I Had Asked. Grateful for her close
community of family and friends, Lisabeth has a great love of
writing, singing, and challenging herself to do the unexpected
(like the night she walked on fire).
Cathy Jocelyn
A.V.P. of Marketing
Westfield Bank
141 Elm Street
Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 572-4224
cjocelyn@westfieldbank.com
Cathy is a graduate of West
Springfield High School and
Bay Path Junior College in
Longmeadow. She has been in the banking industry for over 25
years in various positions, currently as a marketing professional
with Westfield Bank.
Cathy volunteers for several organizations such as The Westfield
Boys & Girls Club, St. Mary Schools, Kev’s Foundation and was
a Wish Granter for Make a Wish in the late 90’s. She has always
been an active PTO participant at her children’s various schools
and coached soccer for a number of years.
She currently lives in Westfield with her husband and family.
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Amy Lantaigne
Director, Marketing
Sisters of Providence Health
System
271 Carew Street
Springfield, MA 01102
(413) 748-9785
amy.lantaigne@sphs.com
As Director of Marketing, Amy is
responsible for management of all marketing functions including
advertising and promotions, improving brand awareness and
assisting SPHS services and programs with development and
implementation of marketing initiatives. Amy has extensive
leadership experience in creating and implementing successful
marketing plans for health care organizations in New England,
including Baystate Wing Hospital, Eastern Connecticut Health
Network in Manchester, CT, and Catholic Medical Center in
Manchester, NH. Amy received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
from Saint Anselm College and a Master of Science degree
in Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire
University. She is a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County
board member.
Wilfredo Lopez Jr
Commercial Real Estate Broker
NAI Plotkin
Commercial Real Estate Services,
Worldwide
41 Taylor St
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 200-6020
wlopez@splotkin.com
Wilfredo “Freddy” Lopez has been
practicing real estate for 15 years. At NAI Plotkin, he manages a
multimillion dollar portfolio of commercial real estate listings.
Prior to working for NAI Plotkin he founded Logic Realty
Group, a successful residential real estate brokerage. As a first
generation migrant from Puerto Rico, he began employment
at the early age of 12. At 20, he became one of the youngest
Business Analysts for General Electric. Freddy is heavily involved
in his community. His vision for a better Springfield keeps him
focused on mentoring youth, raising awareness, promoting
self-expression, and providing alternatives. He serves on various
boards and committees such as Develop Springfield, Springfield
Partners for Community Action, and Alternatives to Violence
Project Springfield.
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2016 DIRECTORY
Joshua Lubas
Director of Life, Disability, Long
Term Care and Annuity Internal
Sales
MassMutual Financial Group
1295 State Street MIP C110
Springfield MA, 01111
(413) 478-3413
Joshualubas@yahoo.com
Josh is a passionate business leader and sales professional. He
began his career at MassMutual in 2006 in the Disability Claim
Department, and transitioned into sales several years ago.
Preceding his current role, he has held roles as a Disability and
Long Term Care Internal Wholesaler. He chairs the Disability
employee resource group EASE and is passionate about
Disability inclusion issues. He recently joined the Easter Seals
MA Board of Directors. He attended Westfield State College with
a major in Criminal Justice. He is a proud father of his 7 year
old daughter Madelynn and is married to Melanie, a Special
Education Teacher in Springfield. He is an active outdoorsman
and enjoys sports like golf, skiing, hiking and tournament salt
fishing.
Laura Masulis
Transformative Development
Fellow
MassDevelopment
1350 Main Street, Suite 1110
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 913-6758
LMasulis@massdevelopment.com
Laura works with a local
partnership to catalyze economic development in a district of
downtown Springfield. Previously, she was Senior Partnerships
Manager at Interise, where she worked to revitalize lowerincome communities through the growth of established small
businesses. At Public Consulting Group, she specialized in
business process redesign and strategic planning for workforce
development, food security, and public assistance agencies.
In her free time, Laura founded a community bicycle shop
in Lawrence, MA and expanded urban farming and farmer’s
market access in Roxbury, MA. Laura holds a B.A. in Latin
American Studies and Economics from Wesleyan University and
a Certificate in Non Profit Management & Leadership from the
Boston University School of Management.
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Alison L. Messier
Reference Librarian
Springfield City Library
220 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 263-6828 x426
amessier@springfieldlibrary.org
Alison is a Reference Librarian and
coordinator of a delivery service
of library materials by mail at the Springfield City Library. She
earned her BS in Biology at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont.
Prior to her employment as a librarian, she spent more than a
decade working as a pharmacy technician, in both retail and
hospital pharmacies throughout Rhode Island and the Pioneer
Valley. She earned her Master’s in Library and Information
Studies at the University of Rhode Island. As a librarian,
Alison has been able to pursue her life’s passions of providing
education and service to a diverse population, and making a
difference in the community. She resides in Springfield, where
she enjoys live music, birding on local walking trails, gardening,
and cheering on her beloved Boston Red Sox.
LaTonia Monroe Naylor, MS
Manager, Community Impact
United Way of Pioneer Valley
1441 Main Street, Suite 147
Springfield MA 01103
(413) 693-0215
lnaylor@uwpv.org
LaTonia is an aspiring leader in
the Pioneer Valley. She has been
married for 14 years to the love
of her life and is the mother of their four beautiful children. She
received her MS in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy and
Certificate of Board Governance and Volunteerism from Bay Path
University and BA in Business Administration from Our Lady of
the Elms College. LaTonia currently serves in the role of Manager
of Community Impact at the United Way of Pioneer Valley. Prior
to that, her work in the nonprofit sector encompassed the
establishment of a local 501c3 organization, mentoring youth,
and volunteering for her church and community. She currently
sits on several committees such as the PVCOAD, Springfield
Mayor’s Antiviolence Taskforce, Westover Job Corps Community
Advocacy Council, and others.
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2016 DIRECTORY
Daniel Montagna
Director of Operations
University of Massachusetts
UMass Center at Springfield
1500 Main Street
PO Box 15409
Springfield, MA 01115
(413) 545-9860
dmontagna@umassp.edu
A resident of Feeding Hills, Dan joined UMass as assistant
director of operations in August of 2014 and became director
in June 2015. From 2012-14, he was a project manager at Heller
Consulting, Inc. in Newton, where he managed technical,
assessment, business process, software selection and internal
projects. Prior to that position, he was a program coordinator
with the Massachusetts Local Technical Assistance Program at
UMass Amherst and an information technology specialist and
loan officer at the UMassFive College Federal Credit Union in
Hadley. A 1999 graduate of Westfield State University with a
degree in geography and regional planning, Dan is currently
enrolled at UMass Amherst in the Masters in Public Policy and
Administration (MPPA) program.
Callie Niezgoda
Loan Officer
Common Capital, Inc.
4 Open Square Way, # 407
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 420-0183
cniezgoda@common-capital.org
Callie Niezgoda serves as Loan
Officer at Common Capital,
where she has been employed
since 2012. She enjoys helping local business owners and
entrepreneurs grow or start their businesses, whether it is
through financing or business assistance. She believes local
businesses are crucial to strengthening communities; as they
create jobs, rejuvenate neighborhoods, and keep money local.
Born and raised in Holyoke, she now lives there with her two
children. She enjoys running, hiking, and coaching her children’s
basketball and soccer teams. She serves as secretary of the PTO
of their school, a position she has held for the last three years,
and volunteers at the school on a regular basis. She received her
bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, where she studied
Business Administration.
13
Christy O’Brien, MSW, LICSW
Clinic Director, Greenfield and
Orange Clinics
Center for Human Development
367 Pine Street
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 737-1426
cobrien@chd.org
Christy provides leadership
for the Center for Human Development’s largest outpatient
behavioral health clinic. With a passion for promoting the
highest quality clinical care for people of all backgrounds found
in the Pioneer Valley’s communities, she takes aim towards
service based in integrity, empowerment, efficiency and efficacy.
Prior to CHD, Christy managed a school-based mental health
clinic and provided psychotherapy in two counseling centers.
A west coast native, Christy has called the Pioneer Valley home
with her family for the past 15 years. She is an alumna of two
of the area’s prestigious schools, Mount Holyoke College and
the Smith College School for Social Work, and remains actively
involved with both.
Jacquelyn Ouellette
Nurse Manager
Cooley Dickinson Health Care
Inpatient Behavioral Health
30 Locust St
Northampton, MA 01027
(413) 582-2503
jacquelyn_ouellette@cooleydickinson.org
Jacquelyn oversees the daily
operations of the inpatient psychiatric unit. Over her 15 year
career in nursing, Jacquie has helped hundreds of people cope
with life’s most challenging situations, including addiction,
homelessness, and mental illness. Jacquie prides herself on
giving back to the Community of Easthampton, where she, her
husband, Jay, and their children, Chase and Colby, live. This
year, Jacquie and her family received the Jericho 2015 Family
of the Year award for community projects such as helping to
organize a food drive for the Dakin Animal Shelter and sending
care packages to troops in abroad. Jacquie is the co-chair of the
Easthampton Parent Advisory Council for Children with Special
Needs.
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2016 DIRECTORY
Noel D. Petrolati
Audit Director - Technology &
Operations
The Travelers Insurance Company
115 Abbott Street
Springfield, MA 01118
(413) 627-9500
NDPetrolati24@gmail.com
Noel D. Petrolati is an Audit
Director for the Operations and Technology Internal Audit
programs at The Travelers Insurance Company. She is responsible
for recommending and establishing strategic direction on
integrating technology into operational engagements that have
expanded coverage into new areas, increases productivity, and
benefits the business practices. Over the last 13 years, she has
gained varying levels of familiarity in many different studies and
business areas including: commercial banking, actuarial studies,
underwriting practices, corporate service operations and security,
application development and production controls, information
systems practices, and emerging markets.
Upon graduating from the UCONN Executive MBA program, Noel
has relocated back to her ‘home base’, Springfield, and lives with
her significant other and fur-baby.
James J. Pignatiello Jr.
Managing Producer/Sports
MassLive
1350 Main St.
MassLive - Fourth Floor
Springfield, MA 01103
855-347-4052
jpignati@masslive.com
Jim has been a member of the
professional media for more than
a decade. He currently works as the Managing Producer/Sports
at MassLive in Springfield. Jim and his wife, Lisa, and children,
Joshua and Catherine, live in East Longmeadow.
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Amy L. Proietti
Coordinator of Financial Aid
Greenfield Community College
121 Riddell Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 775-1103
proiettia@gcc.mass.edu
Amy serves as the Coordinator
of Financial Aid at Greenfield
Community College. Her twenty year career in colleges
and universities covers the spectrum of higher education
administration. Along with financial aid, other positions have
included database administration, residential housing, and
college athletics. Amy has previously held leadership roles in
three professional organizations, the Massachusetts Association
of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA), the Northeast
Association of College and University Housing Officers
(NEACUHO), and the Membership Committee of the American
College Personnel Association (ACPA). She has a BS in Political
Science from SUNY Brockport and an MS in College Student
Personnel Administration from Western Illinois University.
Shirley Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant to the
Commissioner
Health and Human Services
City of Springfield
1145 Main Street, Suite 208
Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 886-5018
shirleyrodriguez@
springfieldcityhall.com
A Florida native, Shirley has resided in Western MA for roughly
20 years. She obtained her Associate’s degree from Holyoke
Community College, and a Bachelor’s from Bay Path College. Her
career has concentrated on providing administrative support for
more than 15 years. She resides with her husband in Springfield
with her two young, energetic boys. She loves spending time
with her family, gardening and biking.
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2016 DIRECTORY
José D. Saavedra
Program Coordinator
Latino Education Institute
537 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
(413) 351-0545
jose.d.saavedra@gmail.com
Originally from Washington, DC.
José arrived in Springfield in June
2014 with a Master of Public Policy from American University and
a Sociology BA from the University of the District of Columbia. José
coordinates the Latino Education Institute, a program that provides
middle school students a pathway to college and parent support
to improve education outcomes. José is also a Coordinator for the
Mauricio Gastón Institute of UMass Boston, bringing together the
Latino community to implement public health campaigns to improve
health outcomes for Springfield residents. José has over 15 years of
experience in non-profit organizing on issues related to children,
youth, and families in low-income communities. He became an expert
on juvenile justice at the National Council of La Raza and monitored
youth detention centers for safety while working at the Maryland
Office of the Attorney General. José serves as Board Chair for the
Puerto Rican Cultural Center. He is happily married to his wife of three
years, Lissa Y. Berroa Garcia, MD.
Lucesita Scammon
Senior Data Coordinator
Baycare Health Partners, Inc.
101 Wason Ave, Suite 200
Springfield, MA 01107
(413) 794-8431
lscammon@baycarehealth.org
As Senior Data Coordinator,
Lucesita is part of a physicianhospital organization serving five
Baystate Health hospitals and over 200 medical practices with
approximately 1,400 physicians. In addition, she serves as the
Communications Coordinator of the Baystate Hispanic Latino
Organization Valuing Ethnicity (BHLOVE) Employee Resource
Group (ERG) at Baystate Health, which in 2014, received National
Recognition as Top 25 ERGs from the Association of Employee
Resource Groups and Diversity Council. She is the outgoing
Board Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors at
Pioneer Valley Ballet, a non-profit in Easthampton, MA that she
has been passionate about for ten years and where her daughter
receives pre-professional ballet training.
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Jeffrey Sexton
Technical Operations Supervisor
Comcast
1110 East Mountain Road
Westfield MA, 01085
(413) 408-0853
Jefffrey_Sexton@cable.comcast.
com
Jeff has been employed with
Comcast since August 2002, and became a technical operations
supervisor in 2008. He has been the lead campaign organizer
for Comcast of Western Mass during the United Way campaign
the last 3 years. Outside of work he is active with the Springfield
Yacht Club, a member owned club supporting safe boating and
recreational use of the Connecticut River. He has been married
for 11 years to his wife Kristi and has 2 children, Emily (10) and
Ryan (6). They enjoy boating on Long Island sound and being
active with their children’s sporting events.
Sonja Y. Shaw
Relationship Manager
Massachusetts Life Insurance
Company
1295 State Street
Springfield MA 01111
(413) 744-4877
sshaw@massmutual.com
Sonja Shaw has worked
for MassMutual for over
12 years in various roles. She has found her passion in her
current position, where she helps implement the Company’s
national philanthropic programs. Two notable programs that
she manages in select markets across the country are the
FutureSmart Challenge, a financial education program that
educates middle school students about making smart financial
and career choices, and the LifeBridge free life insurance
program that offers free life insurance coverage to eligible
parents for the benefit of their children’s education. Sonja serves
on the Board of Trustees for SABIS International Charter School
and is Vice Chair of Programs for Junior Achievement of Western
MA Board of Directors. She is a long time resident of Springfield
and the proud mother of two adult sons and a beautiful
granddaughter.
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2016 DIRECTORY
Katherine Sliwa
Accounting Supervisor
Health New England
One Monarch Place
Suite 1500
Springfield Mass 01144
(413) 233-3009
ksliwa@hne.com
Katherine currently serve as the
Accounting Supervisor at Health New England, where she has
been employed since 2007. She received her B.A. in Sociology
from Hartwick College and completed an MBA in Accounting
from Elms College in 2013.
She serves as Chairman of the Board of the Chicopee St. Patrick’s
Parade Committee. Katherine grew up in Enfield, CT and
currently lives in Chicopee MA with her husband Dan and two
children, Alyson and Christopher. She enjoys going to the beach
with her family, and any type of fishing.
Jennifer Smith
Training Consultant
MassMutual Financial Group
1200 State St M300
Springfield, MA 01111
(413) 244-6206
Jsmith2@massmutual.com
Jennifer is an experienced
learning professional with more
than 9 years in the field of adult
learning. Jen’s training experience ranges from facilitating
classroom and virtual opportunities to implementing eLearning
strategies. Jen fancies herself as a lifelong learner and is looking
forward to this LPV experience.
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Kathleen Snow
Health and Well-being Consultant
Baystate Health
280 Chestnut Street, Springfield,
MA
(413) 202-9829
Katlyn629@aol.com
Kathe Snow began her career
in 2005 in the HR Department
at the University of Hartford. During her tenure there, she
worked with students as well as faculty and staff. She enjoyed
making a difference and realized she had a passion for health
and wellness. This passion led to her current role of Health and
Well-being Consultant at Baystate Health where she coordinates
and delivers multiple programs including special events and
health promotion campaigns. She also serves as the Budget
Coordinator for the Baystate Health Honor Guard ERG through
the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. In her free time she is an
avid runner participating in various 5Ks and half marathons
throughout her community. She received her BSBA from Western
New England University and her Master’s degree from the
University of Hartford.
Brad Turner
Associate Manager, Faculty
Support
University of Massachusetts
Amherst
Information Technology
brad.turner@umass.edu
Brad is an adult learning and
training specialist with more
than 16 years of experience as a
writer, instructional designer, communications coordinator, and
manager in higher education and the pharmaceutical industry.
He is passionate about the intersections between learning and
technology, and the machinations of the human body.
In his free time, He enjoys watching movies and television,
drawing, performing stand-up comedy, hanging out with his kids
and pets, walking, playing video games, and eating tasty things.
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2016 DIRECTORY
Notes
21
Program Schedule 2015-16
September - Reach Beyond Reception
The Class of 2016 meets to celebrate, meet each other and hear
from LPV alumni and other stakeholders.
September - Base Camp Retreat
We establish a group connection, share personal goals, and
explore emotional intelligence.
October - Visioning: Finding Your Place and Engaging Others
Regional leaders give an overview of key issues, and we explore
community trusteeship and articulate vision.
Lunch Sponsor: The Markens Group
November - Inclusive Leadership
We explore the nuances and perceptions of diversity, and
practical applications of cultural competency.
December - Field Experience 1:
Five College Area & Hampshire County
Local leaders provide highlights of economic and cultural
dynamics in Hampshire County.
January - Field Experience 2: Springfield - Pioneer Valley’s
Central City
Our focus is on Springfield’s history of entrepreneurship, and
current efforts to connect residents to opportunity.
February - Creativity
We build our capacities for creative problem solving and group
collaboration. March - Field Experience 3: Valley’s Small Cities Holyoke & Chicopee
The group learns about the history and re-invention of the
Valley’s small cities.
April - Field Experience 4: Franklin County
Participants explore the agricultural and small-town economy of
Franklin County.
May - Skillful Negotiations
We develop negotiation and communication skills to increase
interpersonal effectiveness.
June - Commencement Ceremony
Teams share leadership lab experiences and celebrate!
Field Experience Sponsors 2015-16
December
22
January
2016 DIRECTORY
LPV Alumni Perspectives
“Through Leadership Pioneer Valley, I have gained a deeper
understanding of the history and roots of the Pioneer Valley and
grown my personal and professional connections so that I can
reach beyond to make a difference in my community for the
benefit of the region.”
— Annamarie K. H. Golden, LPV ’12 & Baystate Health
“The tools and insights I’ve picked up from LPV have been
incredibly valuable to my personal and professional life. LPV
provided me a unique opportunity to reflect and focus on
personal values influencing my leadership style and ability. Most
importantly, I have had an opportunity to foster professional
relationships with dynamic, creative and innovative leaders from
throughout the Pioneer Valley.”
— Kelvin Molina, LPV ’12 & City of Springfield
“Leadership Pioneer Valley is actively cultivating an important
resource in the Valley: compassionate and communicative
leaders who want to make our Valley a more accessible and
viable home for all who seek it.”
— Kelsey Flynn, LPV ’14 and MassMutual
“Going through the Leadership Pioneer Valley program has
made a tremendous impact on the success of my business in last
three years. I am able to practice valuable lessons learned during
the program on every-day-basis. I have a better understating
on how to deal with different personality characteristics, and
how to manage customer’s expectations better. Overall, I am
forever thankful to have been part of Leadership Pioneer Valley
inaugural class.”
— Peter Ellis, LPV ’12 & DIF Design
Challenge Day Sponsors 2015-16
February
May
23
Help LPV Build Our Regional Future
Apply to Join Our Class of 2017
If you’re ready to take the next step in your personal or
professional development, consider LPV. We’ll work to
strengthen your skills, widen your perspective and connect you
to our regionally unique leadership network in all counties and
sectors.
We’d love to meet with you to understand your goals and share
how LPV might serve them.
Send an Employee
Today’s organizations succeed with engaged, connected
employees who understand how their work relates to the world
around them. LPV makes those connections, and strengthens
our participants’ competencies in collaboration, critical-thinking
and creativity.
Participants come from large companies, small businesses,
nonprofits and public agencies throughout the region. Can we
help strengthen your team? Please contact us to learn more.
Sponsor an Event or Scholarship
Tuition only covers half of our program costs and we offer tuition
assistance to community members, non-profits, and small
businesses. Your financial support helps us reach the broadest
possible constituency.
Join us for Leadership 2.0
After several years of refining our curriculum, LPV has identified
those concepts most important to our constituency, and
developed one-time workshops to focus on those topics. You can
learn more about what we do by attending one.
Please contact us to learn more about our programs, or to get
involved in our work.
www.leadershippv.org
(413) 737-3876
26
28
www.leadershippv.org
1 Federal Street, Bldg 101
Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: 413-737-3876
CLASS OF 2016