Business, Government and Academia Partnerships: Paving the Way for the Region’s Economic Future and Workforce Pipeline Event

Speaker Biographies

Andrew J. Matonak, Ed.D, President – Hudson Valley Community College

Andrew J. Matonak, better known around campus as "Drew," assumed the presidency of Hudson Valley Community College on April 18, 2005. President Matonak's tenure is marked by record growth in enrollment and steady progress in completing a $200 million Facilities Master Plan for the college. Construction highlights include the September 2007 dedication of a new, $9.4 million Administration Building; January 2010 opening of TEC-SMART, the Training and Education Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies in Malta, NY, and a new 800-space parking garage completed on the Troy campus in August 2010. Enrollment records were set in three consecutive years – fall 2008, 2009 and 2010 when it topped 14,000. In addition, a variety of new academic programs have been introduced, most recently Adolescence Education, Alternative Fuels, Automotive Management, Digital Media, Disability Studies, Entrepreneurship, Physical Sciences, and Polysomnography for those interested in becoming sleep technologists. Construction now is underway on a $35 million state-of-the-art Science Center to be completed by fall 2013 with 25 fully-equipped laboratories for the study of biology, chemistry, physics, biotechnology, earth science and forensics, 11 classrooms, faculty and staff offices, conference spaces, a science study center and a greenhouse. Both Rensselaer County and the State of New York contributed funding for the Science Center and related projects. President Matonak also initiated the college's first comprehensive fund-raising campaign, the $10 million "Promise of Our Region" campaign. He will help celebrate the college's 60th anniversary in 2013, while steering the Middle States Association (MSA) reaccreditation process, as required every 10 years. The college has been accredited by the MSA since 1969 and completed its last self study in 2004. The self study evaluates and assesses every aspect of the college's operations, from its mission, goals and objectives, to academics, student services, administration and strategic planning. Off campus, President Matonak is vice president/president elect of the New York Community College Association of Presidents, vice chairman/chairman elect of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors and president of Troy 2020. He serves on the boards of the Albany-based Center for Economic Growth, Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar, the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and First Niagara Bank's Regional Advisory Board. He also is a member of the Capital Region Workforce Investment Board, the Green Jobs-Green New York Advisory Committee and the Economic and Workforce Commission of the American Association of Community Colleges. Prior to coming to Hudson Valley Community College, President Matonak served three years as president of Northwest Iowa Community College. His career was shaped by his decision to attend Butler County Community College in Butler, Pennsylvania: he wanted to ensure other students had the same opportunity for success that was given to him. He continued at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, where he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, followed by a master's degree in student personnel administration from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Houston in Texas. He also served as dean of student affairs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway, South Carolina; assistant dean of student affairs at the University of Houston; the admissions and records coordinator at Lee College in Baytown, Texas; and assistant dean of student development and coordinator of career development and placement for the Eastern Iowa Community College District. President Matonak and his wife, Karen, have a daughter, Taylor.

Congressman Paul Tonko, Representing the 20^th Congressional District of New York State

Congressman Paul Tonko is a third term member of the United States House of Representatives. He currently represents New York’s 20^th Congressional District, including the cities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs and his hometown of Amsterdam. Paul has been a champion for the middle class, job creation, economic opportunity, providing senior citizens the opportunity to retire with dignity and the mental health community throughout his career. For the 113^th Congress, Paul was named as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the oldest standing committee in the House. First created in December of 1795, the committee has jurisdiction over national energy policy, public and mental health policy and regulation of interstate and foreign commerce, giving it the broadest jurisdiction of any authorizing committee in the House. Paul is the first upstate New York Democratic member of the committee since Leo O'Brien, who resigned the post in October 1966. Previously, Paul has served on the Science, Space and Technology Committee, Natural Resources Committee, Budget Committee and Education and Workforce Committee. He continues to fight to bring clean energy jobs to the Capital Region to ensure it maintains its status as one of the fastest growing clean technology hubs in the country. Paul believes in the power of America’s middle and working class families and is fighting to ensure the American Dream stays within reach for all who work hard and play by the rules. As a former Member of the Budget Committee, Paul offered the lead amendment to the Ryan Budget to protect Medicare and was instrumental in fighting to protect the program from ending. Building on his work in the New York State Assembly, where he fought for one of the nation’s strongest mental health parity laws, known as Timothy’s Law, Paul continues to promote mental health parity at the federal level and serves as a Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus. Prior to joining Congress, Paul was the President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Before that, he served in the New York State Assembly for 25 years, 15 of which he was the Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee. At the age of 26, Paul was the youngest person in the history of Montgomery County to be elected to the County’s Board of Supervisors, which he chaired until 1981. Paul graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in mechanical and industrial engineering. He is a lifelong resident of the city of Amsterdam, New York.

Todd L. Shimkus CCE, President – Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

Todd L. Shimkus, CCE, is the President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Saratoga County Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, the Malta Business and Professional Association, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), and is a past Chair of the Chamber Alliance of New York State. Prior to joining the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, he was the President of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce from 2003 to 2010 and the Vice President of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce from 1995 to 2003. He has a Masters’ Degree in Public Policy from Tufts University and a Bachelors’ Degree from Clark University.

Pete Bardunias, President and CEO – The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County

Pete Bardunias, President and CEO of The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, is an influential leader in the local business community and an exceptional relationship builder. Under his leadership, The Chamber has grown to the fourth largest Chamber in the New York Capital Region and is recognized as a regional powerhouse with an emphasis on outstanding member, community, and media relations. Before taking his post with the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County in early 2011, he served as President/CEO of The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce in Putnam County, New York. He is also a co-founder of the Northern Westchester-Putnam Presidents Council and a founding member of the Hudson Valley Regional Coalition and the New York BioHud Valley. He is a graduate of Fordham University, Bronx, New York. Before moving to Clifton Park with his wife, Eileen and son, Jonathan, Pete had already developed a love for the area, especially the waterways that surround Southern Saratoga County. An avid boater, Pete has played a key role in recent development along the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. Pete has also been instrumental in the revitalization of historic Lock 19 in Vischer Ferry as a recreation and educational area. A gifted writer, Pete authors columns on a variety of business building topics for several local and regional publications including the Community News, The Express, Boating on the Hudson, and the Pennysaver. A popular Facebooker, Pete encourages you to friend request him and follow and comment on his daily interactions with businesses of all sizes and attendance at a wide variety of community events. The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County is a membership-based business organization representing over 1,030 businesses in the region. The mission is to work for members, customers and stakeholders to create a successful business environment, provide valuable resources and be a vigorous advocate for the business community, enhancing the quality of life in Southern Saratoga County.

Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D, Superintendent of Schools – Ballston Spa Central School District

Dr. Joseph Dragone has served as Superintendent of the Ballston Spa Central School District since August 2008. He received undergraduate and graduate degrees from The College of St. Rose, and a Master of Science, Certificate of Advanced Study and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the State University of New York at Albany. Since 2010, the Ballston Spa Central School District has received the “Endurance Award” from the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, the “Celebrating Success” Award from Pearson Education, The College Board’s Advanced Placement^® Program’s “AP^® Achievement District Honor Roll” award and Ballston Spa High School was recognized as one of “America’s Best High Schools” by Newsweek Magazine in 2010, ranked nationally by the Washington Post in 2011 and was listed on the 2012 “Best High Schools” report published by US News and World Report. Dr. Dragone has served on expert panels with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills at the National Summit on 21st Century Readiness in Washington, DC, and with IBM, New York State Education Department and The Business Council of New York State at Educating Tomorrow’s Workforce: Preparing Students to Compete in the 21st Century Economy. A 2008 recipient of the “40 Under Forty” Award from the Capital District Business Review and participant in the 2010 IBM Global CEO Study “Capitalizing on Complexity,” Dr. Dragone is a frequent presenter regarding building organizational capacity, 21st Century Skills and Data Driven Decision Making. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of miSci (formerly the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium) and on the Advisory Boards of the Middle States Regional Council of the College Board, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Saratoga and EdLeader 21. Most recently, he has served on the Strategic Plan Workgroup of the Capital Region Economic Development Council.

Dennis Brobston, President – Saratoga Economic Development Corporation

Dennis Brobston has been involved in economic development in Saratoga County for the past 17 years and has been serving as President of the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) since March of 2008. Prior to his career in economic development Dennis held positions in manufacturing management, regional sales and marketing and also owned a small business in his hometown of Steubenville, Ohio. In his time at SEDC, Dennis led the development teams that attracted Sysco Distribution Warehouse, Marshall Distribution, Parts Unlimited and countless other projects throughout Saratoga County. Since his return as President, he worked to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to promote Saratoga County, SEDC, and its key stakeholders on a local, regional, national, and international level. Since the launch of this plan, Saratoga County’s business assets have been featured in The Economist, Huffington Post, Christian Science Monitor and ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. SEDC’s recent marketing efforts have also received awards from the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC), the Northeast Economic Development Council (NEDA) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Dennis continues to lead Saratoga County’s effort to capitalize on the impact of GLOBALFOUNDRIES by preparing communities, harvesting opportunities for local employers and marketing to targeted industry sectors such as semiconductor, clean tech, biotech and nanotechnology manufacturing. Dennis is an appointment member of the Capital Region Economic Development Council. He is a member of the New York State Economic Development Council, the International Economic Development Council and the Northeast Economic Development Association. Dennis is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Saratoga Hospital. Dennis holds a degree in Business Administration from Empire State College. Dennis resides in Clifton Park with his wife Teresa, has two children and is the devoted grandfather of Julia and Emma.

Francis J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO – NYSERDA

Francis J. Murray, Jr. was appointed President and CEO on January 26, 2009. Prior to his appointment, Frank served as Senior Advisor at the international environmental consulting firm Ecology and Environment, Inc. Frank was previously a policy advisor to the United States Secretary of Energy, assisting in the development of the Clinton Administration’s national energy policy. In the early 90’s, Frank served as the New York State Commissioner of Energy and Chairman of the NYSERDA Board of Directors. He also served as Chairman of the State Energy Planning Board, a multi-agency statutory board charged with the responsibility of developing a comprehensive energy plan for the State that integrated State energy, environmental and economic development policies. In 1985, Frank was appointed Deputy Secretary to Governor Cuomo for Energy and the Environment, a position he held until 1992. He represented New York State in numerous national and regional energy and environmental activities, including the Coalition of Northeastern Governors, the National Governors’ Association, and the Council of Great Lakes Governors. Frank began his work on New York State energy issues as legislative counsel and then as an energy and environmental policy advisor to Governor Hugh Carey.

Johanna Duncan-Poitier, Senior Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges and the Education Pipeline – State University of New York

Johanna Duncan-Poitier is the Senior Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges and the Education Pipeline for the State University of New York (SUNY). With over 25 years of experience providing results driven leadership, Ms. Duncan-Poitier provides system oversight and coordination for SUNY’s 30 community colleges that educate a quarter of a million students with an annual operating budget of $1.8 billion. She also provides leadership across all 64 SUNY campuses to develop clinical teacher preparation and the educational connections between its institutions and local Pre K–12 school districts, business leaders, community-based organizations, and other partners to maximize student success and prepare a highly-qualified 21st century workforce. This includes the development of a statewide network of cradle-to-career partnerships, the Smart Scholars Early College High Schools Network, and the SUNY Empire State STEM Learning Network. Ms. Duncan-Poitier also serves as one of six New York State Commissioners for the Education Commission of the States. Prior to joining SUNY in 2009, Ms. Duncan-Poitier served as the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education P-16 for the New York State Education Department, with responsibility for regulatory oversight of the State’s 700 school districts, 270 colleges and universities (both public and private) and 434 proprietary schools. She also had oversight for the preparation and licensure of three quarters of a million licensed professionals in 47 health, business and design professions. Johanna Duncan-Poitier earned a baccalaureate degree from Queens College of the City University of New York and a master's degree in public administration from Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York. She received two honorary degrees including a Doctor of Laws from Saint Joseph’s College and a Doctor of Humane Letters from D’Youville College. She has been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including: the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award; the President’s National Award for Excellence in Administering Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Programs; and the New York State Association for Women in Administration – Pathfinder’s Award.

F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO – Center for Economic Growth

F. Michael Tucker was appointed President of the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) in March 2007. CEG is the premier economic development organization in New York’s Tech Valley and serves as the Capital Region’s designated Regional Technology Development Center. A private, non-profit, membership-based organization, CEG creates economic impact by working with partners in business, government, and education on strategic initiatives to grow local companies, attract new industry and investment, and prepare communities for future growth. Prior to joining CEG, Mr. Tucker served as President of the Harriman Research and Technology Development Corporation where he was responsible for initiating and overseeing the redevelopment of the 300-acre W.A. Harriman State Office Campus into a world class Research and Technology Park. For more than 25 years Mr. Tucker was a principal with Mercer Companies, Inc., an Albany based real estate and energy development firm. Mr. Tucker oversaw the development, financing and operation of Mercer’s commercial office, senior housing and hydroelectric projects throughout New York State. In addition, he was responsible for Mercer’s property management and real estate brokerage services. Mr. Tucker has extensive experience in business, economic development and energy-related issues. Mr. Tucker graduated from Villanova University and the Villanova School of Law. He is an attorney and a licensed real estate broker. He is active in legal, real estate and economic development organizations at the local, state and national levels. He currently serves as a Director of the New York State Economic Development Council and is on the boards of numerous not-for-profit organizations throughout Tech Valley. He served as the Chairman of the Town of Bethlehem Industrial Development Agency, is a Trustee of Ulster Savings Bank, and is a member of the MedTech Board of Directors’ Advisory Council. He is also a member of Governor Cuomo’s Capital Region Economic Development Council.

Bob Callender, Vice President – TRC

Robert Callender is currently employed at TRC as Vice President of its Clifton Park, New York office. In this role, Bob works closely with a variety of TRC utility clients and utility commissions across the United States to design and implement energy efficiency programs. Bob has over 20 years of experience as an innovator in energy policy and its implementation in the market. Prior to joining TRC, Bob was the Vice President for Operations and Energy Services for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) where he oversaw NYSERDA’s suite of energy efficiency programs. He was instrumental in introducing the whole building approach to New York’s efficiency programs as well as developing innovative program financing mechanisms. Callender held several positions during his 24 year career at NYSERDA, including acting president and CEO. Among his accomplishments are: managing the growth of the organization from $80M per year to $650M per year; overseeing the development and implementation of New York ’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; leading the design, development, financing and construction of the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park^® (STEP^®), the nation’s first clean-energy, knowledge-based technology park; creating NYSERDA’s economic development unit to support energy-related economic development; and expanding NYSERDA’s portfolio to include public benefits programs designed to provide energy efficiency, low-income services, research and development, environmental protection programs, renewable portfolio standards and energy policy analysis. Callender has a bachelor’s degree in government and management from American University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York at Albany.

Daniel T. Pickett III, Chairman and CEO – nfrastructure

Daniel T. Pickett III is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of nfrastructure. Mr. Pickett was appointed Chief Executive Officer in July of 2008 and has served as Chairman of the Board since 2005. Mr. Pickett is also President of Hudson River Capital Holdings, a private investment company. Prior to joining nfrastructure, Mr. Pickett was Senior Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Banking Solutions at ALLTEL, which he joined following the acquisition of ACE Software Sciences, a software company he founded in 1995. At ALLTEL, Mr. Pickett was responsible for a global customer portfolio that generated over $1 billion in total revenue and for over 1,000 employees. Mr. Pickett began his career in 1990 with KeyCorp in Albany, New York. At KeyCorp, Mr. Pickett held a series of positions in technology and operations. He played a key role on KeyCorp's M&A team, responsible for integrating the retail delivery platforms and networks of more than a dozen acquisitions over a five year period and rising to vice president. While at KeyCorp, Mr. Pickett was also responsible for the company's Advanced Technologies Division. Mr. Pickett holds a degree in Industrial and Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is also an avid supporter of The American Cancer Society, Hope Club and other local charities. Mr. Pickett serves on the boards of the Pickett Family Foundation, Vanguard Behavioral Solutions and Albany Medical Center.

Christopher R. Dowd, President and CEO – Ballston Spa National Bank

Christopher R. Dowd is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ballston Spa National Bank. Founded in 1838, the company operates ten banking offices located throughout Saratoga County. Chris joined BSNB in 2001 as the Senior Loan Officer and Senior Vice President and became the 11^th President of the historic company in 2004. Under his leadership, the company has enhanced their financial performance and the service and support provided to the local community. In fact, the bank was recently recognized by the Southern Saratoga Chamber as the 2012 recipient of the Education and Business Partnership Award and by Ballston Spa Central School District as the 2012 recipient of the Extra Mile Award.

Active in the community, Chris is an immediate past-Chair and current board member for the American Red Cross Adirondack/Saratoga Chapter. Chris also serves on the board of the American Red Cross for the Northeastern New York Region, and is a board member and officer with the Independent Bankers Association of New York State. Chris is married to Patricia Putman and has two children, Gabrielle who is 9 and Sadie who is 7.

Mike Ladd, New York State Education Client Executive – Cisco

Mike Ladd is the New York State Education Client Executive for Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco is working globally to improve both the delivery and quality of education--better preparing students of all ages with the skills they need to succeed in a global, technology-driven society. Mr. Ladd has been in the technology industry for 20 years. For the past 10 years, Mr. Ladd has been helping education leaders in New York State accomplish their vision of transformative learning for the 21st century. Mr. Ladd is a proud graduate of Ballston Spa High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Siena College and an MBA from the University of Colorado. Mike is an active volunteer in the area and is currently serving on the Board of Education in Saratoga Springs. He and his wife Deirdre are raising three boys currently ages 15, 13 and 9.

Paul J. Madelone, Chief Marketing Officer – Millennium Communications LLC/Binary Communications

At Millennium, Paul heads up the Business Coaching and Strategic Marketing effort for the firm in addition to his duties as the Chief Marketing Officer. Millennium has become one of the region’s premier marketing communications firms and its affiliate, Binary Communications, LLC, has become a leader in mobile marketing and communications. For the past 15 years, Paul has led three very successful marketing and strategic planning firms as the President & CEO. In 2003, he founded the VisComm Group, LLC and in less than two years established itself as one of the top marketing communications firms in upstate New York serving Fortune 100 and large regional clients, including: United Technologies, GE, Goldman Sachs, Barclays Bank, Capital District Physicians Health Plan, Albany Medical Center and Key Bank. Prior to that, he spent over 25 years in senior management with Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, ESB/Ray-O-Vac, and Westinghouse Credit Corporation. Paul has sat on the boards of several regional and national organizations, including: The National Kidney Foundation-Board Member (Chairman-2009-2011) and national delegate; The Center for Economic Growth; the American Heart Association (Chairman-2006-2007) and past Vice Chairman of the Capital District YMCA. Also, he served on the boards of the Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce and the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce from 1997-2002. Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the State University at Albany and an MBA from the Graduate School of Management at Union College. During his tenure at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Paul was a visiting adjunct professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He has conducted dozens of seminars in marketing, human resource and sales force development in his career for several organizations.

Dave Gross, Director, Manufacturing Technology – GLOBALFOUNDRIES

Dave Gross is Director, Manufacturing Technology at GLOBALFOUNDRIES. He is responsible for leading emerging manufacturing system technology innovation leading to implementation of next generation front-end and backend strategic solutions supporting GLOBALFOUNDRIES worldwide automated manufacturing environments. In a career spanning 30+ years of semiconductor manufacturing initiatives, Mr. Gross has established a successful track record in leading efforts to deploy cutting edge manufacturing system technologies with emphasis on manufacturing control, automated systems, and equipment controls. Prior to his current role, Mr. Gross held various engineering and management positions at AMD. Since joining the company in 1979, Mr. Gross has participated in the startup of eight wafer fabs worldwide executing factory control systems, equipment control, staffing and budgetary plans. Primary focus has been on deployment of 300mm manufacturing systems strategy for foundry operations, factory automation and equipment controls while also contributing to the creation of standards and guidelines for 300mm/ 450mm factory automation implementation. Mr. Gross has roles with the following professional affiliations: Board of Advisors, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Industry Board Member Center for Automation Technology and Systems, 2010-present; Industry Chair, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, 2009 – present Technical Committee Board on Semiconductor Manufacturing Automation; Technical Committee, G450C representative 2012, 450mm Backend Process tool integration strategy; Steering Committee, Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Committee IEEE, 2000 – present; Technical Advisory Board, Technical Committee, Conference Chair 2000 – present; Technical Advisory Board, International Symposium on Semiconductor Manufacturing, 2008 – 2010; Technical Advisory Board, Science and Society, University of Texas, Austin, 2008 – 2009; Steering Council, AMD Co-leader on International Semiconductor Manufacturing for 300mm, 2000-2009. Before joining AMD, Gross supported frontend and backend manufacturing operations for a research and development division of United Technologies, Essex Group Pittsburgh. Mr. Gross attended Pennsylvania Institute of Electronics - Electronics and Computer Technology - Pittsburgh, PA.

Doug Leavens, Director of Career and Technical Education for the Washington – Saratoga – Warren – Hamilton – Essex BOCES

Doug Leavens is the Director of Career and Technical Education for the Washington – Saratoga – Warren – Hamilton – Essex BOCES. In this capacity, Doug oversees the Career and Technical Education training facilities and secondary education programs at the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs and the Southern Adirondack Education Center in Hudson Falls. He is responsible for secondary and adult programming for workforce education in the region. He is a member of the Saratoga – Warren – Washington Workforce Investment Board and sits as a member of the executive committee for that organization. In addition, Doug is the President of the Association for Career and Technical Education Administrators, a state organization that works to advocate for career programming across the State. Doug has a keen understanding of the workforce needs within the Washington, Saratoga, Warren, Hamilton, & Essex Counties and has a particular interest in the development of the High Tech industries within the area of the state called Tech Valley. In addition, he has been a proponent of more effective public and private sector collaboration. To this end, he has established the BOCES Industry First Campaign designed to focus on middle skill careers and jobs and to increase the awareness in the region about these jobs that represent the fastest growing type of workforce positions in this region, state and country. Lastly, Doug is particularly interested in making this region aware of the number of workers leaving the workforce due to retirement and the substantial impact this will have on the economy. Doug attained both is bachelors and masters in technical Education from the State University of New York at Oswego. He also holds an advanced graduate certification in education administration from the College of St. Rose.