Board Members
Select the Brighter Choice Foundation supported charter school below for a list of board members, as well as a brief bio for each:
Achievement Academy Charter School | Albany Community Charter School | Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls | Albany Preparatory Charter School | Brighter Choice Charter School for Boys | Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls | Brighter Choice Charter Middle School for Boys | Brighter Choice Charter Middle School for Girls | Green Tech High Charter School | Henry Johnson Charter School | KIPP Tech Valley Charter School
Achievement Academy Charter School
M. Christian Bender, Chairman, e-mail
Chris Bender is Executive Director of the Brighter Choice Foundation, a nonprofit foundation located in Albany, New York. He also is a member of the board of trustees of: the New York Charter Schools Association; the Albany Academy, a 190-year old pre-K-12 independent day school; the Albany Medical Center Foundation; and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar, an inner city academic support program for college bound high school students. Additionally, he serves as Vice Chairman of the Brighter Choice Charter Schools. Mr. Bender previously was employed by Austin & Co., an insurance brokerage, where he established insurance programs for charter schools and independent schools across New York State. Mr. Bender holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Columbia University Teachers College, a Bachelors Degree in History from Rollins College, and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
Andrea Rogers, Secretary, e-mail
Ms. Rogers was a Research Associate at the Foundation for Education Reform & Accountability, a non-profit education policy think tank located in Albany, New York, where she worked on a variety of education policy issues, including the implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, charter schools, and other education reform strategies designed to raise academic achievement for disadvantaged student populations. Ms. Rogers previously worked as a policy analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C., on tax and community development issues. Ms. Rogers earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University of Albany, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Buffalo.
Lisa McMahon Kennedy, Treasurer, e-mail
Lisa McMahon Kennedy is a Senior Budget Examiner for the Division of the Budget for the State of New York. She currently works on a team which budgets for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) and is the team leader for its Senate Operations programs. Ms. Kennedy began her career in the Boston area, where she worked as a Legal and Compliance Specialist at Putnam Investments in Boston; as a paralegal in the law firm of Cetrulo & Capone, LLP in Boston; and in the Massachusetts Senate Ways & Means Committee. Ms. Kennedy has also worked as a Citizen Affairs Assistant in the New Hampshire office of Governor Jeanne Shaheen. Ms. Kennedy received her Master of Arts in Public Policy from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the State University of New York at Albany. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stonehill College. Ms. Kennedy has been a Board Member since 2005 and was recently appointed as the Board's Treasurer.
Rev. Victor Collier, e-mail
Victor Collier presently is a minister in Albany. He previously served as a Senior Administrative Analyst at the New York State Office of Mental Health, as a Corrections Officer for the Albany County Sheriff’s Department, and as Drug Counselor at the Albany County Department of Health, among other positions. Rev. Collier has been a member of various civic organizations and has received a number of honors in his professional career. He also has served as a bodyguard to several celebrities; has been a martial arts instructor; and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Saleem Cheeks, e-mail
An appointee of former New York Gov. George Pataki, his titles included policy analyst, advance coordinator, appointments officer, and deputy director for legislative affairs. As deputy press secretary in the state's executive chamber, Saleem was the governor's spokesperson in such policy areas as economic development, homeland security, emergency management, Indian affairs, gaming, transportation, local governments, parks, historic preservation and military affairs. Saleem now serves as a senior account supervisor for public affairs in the Albany office of Eric Mower and Associates, an integrated marketing communications firm, where he has worked for more than three years. He is also a contributing columnist for the Albany Times Union business section feature, "WorkBytes." The political science major served as deputy director of transportation during the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City. In addition, he has handled campaign events for several presidential candidates. While at SUNY Oswego, Saleem was a senator and president of Student Association and is a former member of that school's Alumni Association Board of Directors. In addition to serving as a Trustee on the school board of Achievement Academy, Saleem also serves as one of the Governor's appointees on the SUNY Oswego College Council.
Kenneth March, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Robert Richard, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Albany Community Charter School
Michael Strianese, President, e-mail
Mr. Strianese is a Director with Blue Slate Solutions, a management and technology consultancy headquartered in Albany. Prior to joining Blue Slate, Mike worked as a business strategy consultant with the Harvard Computing Group in Boston and began his career leading process improvement teams at General Electric Corporate in Schenectady. Mike received his MBA, Magna cum Laude, from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College and his BS, Magna cum Laude, in Marketing/Management from Siena College. He is an alumnus of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Capital Leadership program. Mike presently serves as a Trustee for the Brighter Choice Foundation and for the Albany Community Charter School, where he is President of the Board of Trustees. He is past-Treasurer and Trustee for the Brighter Choice Charter Schools. Previously, Mike has volunteered for the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City in Boston and GE’s Elfun Society.
Deborah Docherty, Secretary, e-mail
Deborah Docherty currently serves as an Accountant for Nonprofit Administrative Services, Inc., a firm that provides back office services such as bookkeeping, payroll, benefits and financial record management for nonprofit groups. Prior to joining NAS, she worked for Intermagnetic General Corp in Latham, NY in the Corporate Finance department and served as Treasurer for Luther Forest Homeowners Association where she oversaw dues collection, enforcement of by-laws and the management of common grounds within the community.
Mason Tolman, Treasurer, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Laurel Colasurdo, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Thomas Minnick, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Juanita Nabors, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Paul Thallner, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Sharon Winston, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls
Margarita Mayo, Co-Chair, e-mail
Margarita Mayo has been employed as Director of Education and Training Policy Development by The Business Council of New York State since 1987. She was responsible for developing The Council's education reform agenda and has maintained responsibility for that effort. Over the years she has represented The Business Council on numerous and varied task forces, councils and committees related to education and job training. Prior to coming to The Council, Margarita had worked on educational issues for the Assembly majority leader and the director of State Operations. She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany.
Barbara Pryor, Co-Chair, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Margaret Moree, Secretary, e-mail
Margaret Moree serves on the Business Council's government affairs team as a director of federal affairs and provides policy and advocacy support in the areas of health care and health insurance, homeland security, government reform, education and workforce, and contract procurement. Ms. Moree has served in a variety of capacities in state government prior to joining the Business Council, with ten years of service at the New York State Department of Labor, most recently as Deputy Commissioner for Federal Programs overseeing the divisions of unemployment insurance, workforce development and employment services. Her public service includes twelve years with the New York State Senate for members from western NY and the Hudson Valley, as well as a special assistant for local government relations in the office of Deputy Secretary to the Governor. Maggie is a member of the Athens Zoning Board of Appeals and the Zoning Review Commission, which is developing recommendations to provide the first update in twenty years to the village's zoning code. She is a graduate of New York University.
Thomas W. Carroll, Treasurer, e-mail
Tom Carroll is President of the Foundation for Education Reform & Accountability and founder and Chairman of the Brighter Choice Charter Schools. Mr. Carroll also serves as Chairman of the Brighter Choice Foundation. Mr. Carroll previously served as the Governor's Deputy Director of Regulatory Reform, as President of the Empire Foundation and CHANGE-NY, and in a number of fiscal and research positions in the New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, and Division of the Budget. Mr. Carroll played a lead role in the adoption of New York's charter school law. Mr. Carroll earned an M.A. and B.A. in Political Science from the University at Albany.
Lillian Garland, e-mail
Lillian E. Garland has worked and volunteered with several disadvantaged youths in the Capital District Area, and has served on the board for the Albany Girl's Club Inc. In 1999, Ms. Garland started the Capital District Dance Troupe which was funded by The New York State Assembly (Black and Puerto Rican Caucus). The Troupe still provides entertainment every year and received an award for Outstanding Community Service from The New York State Assembly. Ms. Garland earned a degree in Criminal Justice in 1985 from Hudson Valley Community College, and is currently pursuing a higher degree of learning from Empire State College. Ms. Garland has a love for her community and takes great pride in changing the lives of our youths by helping them become responsible role models.
Marisa Ferrara, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Alexander Ma, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
John Taylor, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
James Vallee, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Albany Preparatory Charter School
Brian Backstrom, Chairman, e-mail
Brian Backstrom is the Vice President at the Foundation for Education Reform & Accountability. In that and prior positions at nonprofit institutions, Mr. Backstrom has been deeply involved in charter school public policy, the implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, issues surrounding state education funding, school district structural reforms, privately-funded education scholarship programs, and other education-reform issues. Mr. Backstrom also has served in various capacities with the New York State government, including as the Director of Management and Policy Operations in the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform, as Director of Research for a legislative commission on economic development, and as a fiscal analyst in the Governor's Division of the Budget. He has extensive service on the governing boards of nonprofit organizations and is involved in numerous local civic and youth groups.
Marcia J. Chandler, Secretary
Marcia Chandler has worked for more than 30 years in administrative, supervisory, and management positions in the New York State Assembly, serving under more than a half-dozen Assembly Members. Ms. Chandler has been actively involved in the Albany community, volunteering for church and civic groups providing programs for women and youth. Ms. Chandler also has coordinated community outreach groups to educate women and girls on issues such as health, education, and employment.
Kenneth E. Williams, Treasurer, e-mail
Ken Williams serves as a Professional Strategist in Strategic Management in the Marketing/Management Department of Siena College. Mr. Williams has extensive financial, strategic planning and management experience and has a history of teaching and community service. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer of a local nonprofit organization, worked for BMW of North America to develop and implement marketing strategy, founded and managed a successful insurance and financial services company, and served as president of a company providing a cutting edge PC based hand-held computer bar code inventory system for controlling assets. Prior to his current position at Siena College, Mr. Williams taught management, marketing, finance, computer science and other business courses in the School of Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Skidmore College, Siena College and at his alma mater, Clarkson University.
John E. Carl, e-mail
John Carl, a Certified Public Accountant who also holds an MBA, is a professional financial advisor with over 24 years of experience. Mr. Carl works as Vice President and a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, and has served in a similar capacity previously for Wachovia Securities, Salomon Smith Barney, First Albany and KeyCorp. Mr. Carl has managed and overseen divestitures, mergers, initial public offerings, professional financial analyses, and more. Mr. Carl is a lifelong Albany-area resident, and has been deeply involved in the nonprofit social service network of Albany, serving as Executive Board Member and Treasure for Equinox (a youth and domestic violence shelter in Albany), as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Albany Public Schools magnet schools, and as a board member of other local charter schools.
Jason Kramer
Jason Kramer is the Executive Director of the New York State Higher Education Initiative, a non-profit organization advocating for the interests of the public and private academic and research libraries of the state. Mr. Kramer previously has served as an Assistant Vice President in the Office of Corporate Communications at the Research Foundation of SUNY, as a Senior Research Analyst for the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research's Empire Center for New York State Policy, and as Director of Government Relations for the New York State Catholic Conference. He also held various public affairs and communications positions in the New York State Assembly. Mr. Kramer has served as a guest lecturer at several colleges and universities in New York, and has served on various non-profit advisory panels, boards of trustees, and steering committees.
Kerry Sager, e-mail
Kerry Sager has worked for the Governor's Division of the Budget for more than 15 years, with responsibilities that included oversight of the state's education budget and the development of policy, program, and fiscal recommendations in this area, including the implementation of the New York Charter Schools Act. Ms. Sager also has served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Public Administration at the State University of New York at Albany, and has served as a substitute teacher in local elementary schools.
Elizabeth Williams
Lizz Williams is the parent of a student at Albany Prep. Ms. Williams has worked as an import logistics coordinator, a production account manager, and a customer service representative for freight shipping companies. She also previously served as a public safety officer for a California police department.
William Wood, e-mail
Bill Wood is an administrative manager at the New York State Insurance Department. In prior positions within the agency during his long-term service there, Mr. Wood has been involved in licensing regulation, consumer affairs, and company taxation. Mr. Wood is active in local youth athletics and youth faith-based community activities, serving in both administrative capacities on oversight boards and as a fundraiser.
Brighter Choice Charter School for Boys &
Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls
M. Christian Bender, Vice Chair, e-mail
Chris Bender is Executive Director of the Brighter Choice Foundation, a nonprofit foundation located in Albany, New York. He also is a member of the board of trustees of: the New York Charter Schools Association; the Albany Academy, a 190-year old pre-K thru 12 independent day school; the Albany Medical Center Foundation; and Capital Region Sponsor-a-Scholar, an inner city academic support program for college bound high school students. Mr. Bender previously was employed by Austin & Co., an insurance brokerage, where he established insurance programs for charter schools and independent schools across New York State. Mr. Bender holds a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Columbia University Teachers College and a Bachelors degree in History from Rollins College, and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
Thomas W. Carroll, Chairman, e-mail
Tom Carroll is President of the Foundation for Education Reform & Accountability and founder and Chairman of the Brighter Choice Charter Schools. Mr. Carroll also serves as Chairman of the Brighter Choice Foundation. Mr. Carroll previously served as the Governor's Deputy Director of Regulatory Reform, as President of the Empire Foundation and CHANGE-NY, and in a number of fiscal and research positions in the New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, and Division of the Budget. Mr. Carroll played a lead role in the adoption of New York's charter school law. Mr. Carroll earned an M.A. and B.A. in Political Science from the University at Albany.
Wendy Berry, Treasurer, e-mail
Wendy Berry has an extensive background in facility financing for charter schools and other not-for-profit organizations. Her background includes experiences as an investment banker with Jefferies and Co. where she executed numerous education-related financings, including colleges and charter schools. While at Jefferies, she authored a very well received report on charter schools, entitled "Analysis of the Charter School Bond Market." She also served for more than 15 years at Moody's Investor Service where she had responsibility for assessing the financial, management, and programmatic quality of governmental and not-for-profit borrowers. In addition, she has policy and budget positions with the New York State Legislature- including the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the Assembly Program and Counsel staff. Wendy received a B.A. and M.P.A. from the Rockefeller College of Public Administration at the University of Albany and has her Series 7, 53 and 63 licenses.
Celeste Knight, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Brighter Choice Charter Middle School for Boys &
Brighter Choice Charter Middle School for Girls
Thomas W. Carroll, e-mail
Tom Carroll is President of the Foundation for Education Reform & Accountability and founder and Chairman of the Brighter Choice Charter Schools. Mr. Carroll also serves as Chairman of the Brighter Choice Foundation. Mr. Carroll previously served as the Governor's Deputy Director of Regulatory Reform, as President of the Empire Foundation and CHANGE-NY, and in a number of fiscal and research positions in the New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, and Division of the Budget. Mr. Carroll played a lead role in the adoption of New York's charter school law. Mr. Carroll earned an M.A. and B.A. in Political Science from the University at Albany.
M. Christian Bender, e-mail
Chris Bender is Executive Director of the Brighter Choice Foundation, a nonprofit foundation located in Albany, New York. He also is a member of the board of trustees of: the New York Charter Schools Association; the Albany Academy, a 190-year old pre-K thru 12 independent day school; the Albany Medical Center Foundation; and Capital Region Sponsor-a-Scholar, an inner city academic support program for college bound high school students. Mr. Bender previously was employed by Austin & Co., an insurance brokerage, where he established insurance programs for charter schools and independent schools across New York State. Mr. Bender holds a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Columbia University Teachers College and a Bachelors degree in History from Rollins College, and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
Wendy Berry, e-mail
Wendy Berry has an extensive background in facility financing for charter schools and other not-for-profit organizations. Her background includes experiences as an investment banker with Jefferies and Co. where she executed numerous education-related financings, including colleges and charter schools. While at Jefferies, she authored a very well received report on charter schools, entitled "Analysis of the Charter School Bond Market." She also served for more than 15 years at Moody's Investor Service where she had responsibility for assessing the financial, management, and programmatic quality of governmental and not-for-profit borrowers. In addition, she has policy and budget positions with the New York State Legislature- including the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the Assembly Program and Counsel staff. Wendy received a B.A. and M.P.A. from the Rockefeller College of Public Administration at the University of Albany and has her Series 7, 53 and 63 licenses.
Katherine Ceaser, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Martha Snyder, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Green Tech High Charter School
M. Christian Bender, Chairman, e-mail
Chris Bender is Executive Director of the Brighter Choice Foundation, a nonprofit foundation located in Albany, New York. He also is a member of the board of trustees of: the New York Charter Schools Association; the Albany Academy, a 190-year old pre-K thru 12 independent day school; the Albany Medical Center Foundation; and Capital Region Sponsor-a-Scholar, an inner city academic support program for college bound high school students. Mr. Bender previously was employed by Austin & Co., an insurance brokerage, where he established insurance programs for charter schools and independent schools across New York State. Mr. Bender holds a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Columbia University Teachers College and a Bachelors degree in History from Rollins College, and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
Christopher Hawver, Vice-Chairman, e-mail
Chris Hawver serves as the Executive Director of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, and has been with the organization for over 12 years. The Commission is a New York State public-private partnership that oversees the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, a 3,010-acre rare landscape of pine barrens habitat at the western edge of Albany. Mr. Hawver is responsible for the oversight and coordination of natural resource protection and management, public use, education and outreach and other activities of the Pine Bush Preserve. As Executive Director he implements the decisions of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission board and conducts the day-to-day business of the Commission. He works closely with Commission members, state, county and local government agencies, elected officials, conservation groups and landowners to raise and promote support for the management and protection of the Albany Pine Bush. Currently, a major initiative of the Commission is the development of the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, an interpretive education facility that will provide hands-on learning for students throughout the Capital Region, expected to open in late 2006. Mr. Hawver holds a BA in Environmental Science and MA in Natural Resources from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.
Joseph Abdul Jarvis, Secretary, e-mail
Joseph Abdul Jarvis is a Senior Academic Advisor with the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) at the State University at Albany. He serves young adults from high schools across New York State who enter college as economically and academically disadvantaged students and maintains this relationship until they obtain a four-year degree. He has held positions in the academic community for the past 28 years as a teacher and counselor, including drug rehabilitation counseling. In addition to his present advisory role, he also teaches UNI 100 (The Freshman Year Experience) course to first-year students at the University. He received his BA degree from the University at Albany in African-American Studies and served as a Financial Specialist for the 25th Infantry Division of the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam.
Christopher Kennedy, Treasurer, e-mail
Christopher Kennedy is an Investment Analyst for Northmarq Capital, a nationwide commercial mortgage banking company. At his position Mr. Kennedy analyzes different property types for respective clients and presents his finding within a submission package to a commercial lender, in the hopes of obtaining financing for that client. Throughout the process he acts as the intermediary between the lender, the borrower and all legal parties involved. Mr. Kennedy earned his Bachelor in Communications from the State University at Oswego and his currently in the process of receiving his CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) accreditation through the CCIM Institute.
Lillian Garland, e-mail
Lillian E. Garland has worked and volunteered with several disadvantaged youths in the Capital District Area, and has served on the board for the Albany Girl's Club Inc. In 1999, Ms. Garland started the Capital District Dance Troupe which was funded by The New York State Assembly (Black and Puerto Rican Caucus). The Troupe still provides entertainment every year and received an award for Outstanding Community Service from The New York State Assembly. Ms. Garland earned a degree in Criminal Justice in 1985 from Hudson Valley Community College, and is currently pursuing a higher degree of learning from Empire State College. Ms. Garland has a love for her community and takes great pride in changing the lives of our youths by helping them become responsible role models.
John Haller, e-mail
John Haller owns and operates League Sports Services, a company offering Sports League Management systems, for local sports clubs and regional oversight organizations. Prior to League Sports Services, Mr. Haller founded NearMe in 1999, a company delivering Location Based Services to wireless devices, and served as President and CTO. Prior to NearMe, Mr. Haller co-founded MapInfo Corporation (NASDAQ: MAPS) in 1985 and served as CTO for 14 years. MapInfo pioneered the 'Desktop Mapping' marketplace and has grown to become a global leader in business mapping and Geographic Information System tools with annual revenues of $150MM. Mr. Haller received a B.S. in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
David Shaffer, e-mail
David Schaffer is President of the Public Policy Institute, the not-for-profit research affiliate of The Business Council and has held this position since 1993. He also serves as corporate secretary of The Business Council. In that role he leads all of the organization's communication and information activities, and is responsible for program activities in the areas of budget and fiscal policy, education reform, and the shareholder activities of public-sector pension funds, among other matters. He joined The Business Council in 1980 as its director of public relations. He was elected corporate secretary in 1981 and was named The Council's general manager in 1982. He oversaw the organization's member and public relations, communications, financial, insurance and personnel operations, and strategic planning. Mr. Shaffer founded two magazines for The Council: New York Alive and Business/New York, and he co-authored the 1994 book, The Comeback State. He is the Business Council representative on the Comptroller's Advisory Council for the Common Retirement System; served as a member of the Governor-Elect's Budget and Fiscal Policy Transition Team; was the executive director of the Commissioner of Education's Review of the New York State Education Department; and serves on Governor Pataki's Commission on Education Reform.
Jennifer DelGreco, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Peter F. Stoll, Ph.D, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Henry Johnson Charter School
Michelle Cleary, President, e-mail
Michelle Cleary is the Special Assistant to the Superintendent of Insurance. In the Insurance Department Ms. Cleary's work focuses on health insurance issues and currently her primary role is her work on the Healthy NY program. She graduated with honors from Siena College in Loudonville, New York with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Currently she is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Business and Policy Studies and has chosen to focus her research and projects on school choice topics whenever possible. Ms. Cleary is a member of the United New Yorkers for School Choice.
Debra Dickerson, Vice-President & Parent Representative, e-mail
Debra Dickerson is an award-winning essayist and author who writes about race, gender, and poverty in publications such as The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Monthly, The Washington Post, The Village Voice, The Nation, The New Republic, Slate, Salon, Mother Jones, The LA Times, Vibe, Talk and Essence. Widely anthologized, her essay, Who Shot Johnny?, was included in the 1997 edition of Best American Essays and is a staple of undergraduate Composition textbooks; her essay, Digging Ditches, was a 1996 Best American Essays Notable Essay. In 1999, she won the New York Association of Black Journalists' first place award for personal commentary. A former Salon columnist and senior editor at U.S. News and World Report, Ms. Dickerson offers frequent radio and television commentary in addition to maintaining a nationwide speaking schedule. Her memoir, An American Story, was published in September 2000 as Pantheon's lead title; it was a New York Times Notable Book and named the Books for a Better Life Best Memoir for 2000; it was included on all the major publications' "Best of 2000" lists. While serving twelve years in the United States Air Force, Ms. Dickerson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and a master's degree from St. Mary's University. She earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1995. She also is a former Senior Fellow at the New America Foundation. Her second book, The End of Blackness, was published in October 2003 and is now in its third printing.
Alea DePauw, Secretary, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Peter Murphy, Treasurer, e-mail
Peter Murphy is Director of Policy and Communications for the New York Charter Schools Association. Mr. Murphy runs NYCSA's advocacy operations with a particular focus on policy development. Prior to joining the Association, he served as Vice President of the New York Charter School Resource Center where he assisted dozens of charter school applicant groups in securing approval to operate new charter schools. Mr. Murphy also served as a Vice President of the State University of New York's Charter Schools Institute where he oversaw the application review and approval process for the University Board of Trustees. Mr. Murphy previously held positions in the Executive Chamber of the Administration of Governor George E. Pataki, where he helped develop the state's charter school law; the State Division of the Budget; and the State Senate Finance Committee. He has served as president and vice-president at his local school district's board of education. Mr. Murphy earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of the State University of New York at Albany, and holds a Bachelors degree in Economics from the University.
Brennan Keating, e-mail
Brennan Keating currently works as a Banking Officer in the Commercial Banking arm of M&T Bank Corporation. Within Commercial Banking, Mr. Keating's specialty is found in the Health Care Services arena where he focuses on large Hospital, Nursing Home, and Assisted Living Facility clients in New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Prior to Joining M&T Bank, Mr. Keating served in several financial roles including a trading assistant position with Bracebridge Capital, a Hedge Fund located in Cambridge, MA. Mr. Keating received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Colgate University and a Masters of Business Administration from The University of Rochester's William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration in Finance and Corporate Accounting.
Claire Hazzard, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
KIPP Tech Valley Charter School
John P. Reilly, President, e-mail
President of Dynamic Applications, which develops custom, web-deployed software applications for Fortune 500 and middle-market companies, including Merrill Lynch and Schering-Plough Corporation. Mr. Reilly also served as Director of Product Development at MapInfo and a number of start up technology companies. Mr. Reilly is a current board member and former board president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, and serves on the board of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Reilly was named one of The Business Review's "Top 40 Under Forty" in 2000, and received the Big Brothers Big Sisters President's Circle Award in 2001. Mr. Reilly earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
B. Jason Brooks, Vice-President, e-mail
Senior Research Associate for the Foundation for Education Reform and Accountability, in which capacity Mr. Brooks researches a wide array of education policy issues, including charter schools, strategies to raise academic achievement for disadvantaged student populations, and the implementation in New York State of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Mr. Brooks previously served as research associate for the Empire Foundation for Policy Research, with a focus on fiscal and economic issues. Mr. Brooks's research has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Education Week, and numerous other publications across the nation. Mr. Brooks also is the President of the Syracuse University Alumni Club of the Capital District and recently received the prestigious national Young Alumni Award from Syracuse University.
Kevin Crumb, Secretary, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Eric H. Burnett, Treasurer, e-mail
President and CEO of a new nanotech-based company, Applied NanoWorks Inc., one of the first nano-technology firms to be launched in the Capital Region following the announcement of International Sematech's decision to locate a research center at the University of Albany. Mr. Burnett also was the founder of software developer IA Systems, and a graduate of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce's Capital Leadership program. Mr. Burnett currently sits on several boards including technology, economic development, and community development boards.
Kelley Kimbrough, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Steven Mancini, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Kelly Ryan, e-mail
Bio forthcoming
Carl Young, e-mail
Bio forthcoming