Signing Off: Past President's Report
As I conclude my three-year presidential cycle, I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of summer. As I reflect on my time in leadership, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this remarkable association. Representing NYSACAC and its members at both the state and national levels has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your commitment to our shared mission.
Congratulations to our newly elected leaders! Please join me in congratulating our newly elected Executive Board members:

President-Elect

Vice President of Impact & Success
I know they will serve our association with dedication, vision, and integrity, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make!
Celebrating Our 2026 Annual Award Recipients
Each year, NYSACAC recognizes members whose leadership and service exemplify the very best of our profession. Congratulations to our 2026 Annual Award recipients:
- President's Award: Joanna "JB" Broda, School of Holy Child
- Distinguished Service Award - College: Brenna May, Bennington College
- Distinguished Service Award - High School: Courtney Stern, Brighton High School
- Distinguished Service Award - Community Based Organization: Donald Ruff, The Eagle Academy Foundation
- Inclusion, Access, and Success Award: Lauren Quigley, AECI Charter Schools Network
- Rising Star Award: Hannah Kingsley, St. Lawrence University
Thank you for your dedication to our students, your institutions, and our profession. Your contributions continue to strengthen NYSACAC and inspire all of us!
With Gratitude
No leader succeeds alone, and I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues during the past three years. I have been fortunate to work with some amazing Vice Presidents (Danny Robinson, Rob Olivia, Rob Robinson, Brenna May, Secretaries Bryan Rothstein, (he also served as a former VP), and Melissa Bellantonio, and Representatives, Briana Avery, Emmanuel “Manny” Moses, Ricky Papandrea, Ashley Hettinger, Alex El Helou, Morgan Theze, Nicole Radassao, Luis Barcelo, Haniya Mee, Sarah Ireland, Tyler Anderson, Brian Gleitsmann, Mark Mason, Amanda Brady, and Courtney Stern.
I extend my sincere appreciation to Chris Doyle of Marist University and Heidi Green of the Fayetteville-Manlius School District. As the presidents who preceded me, you established a strong foundation for our association and were always generous with your guidance, encouragement, and friendship. Your mentorship made me a better leader.
A special thank you goes to Kathleen McArthur, our Executive Director. Kathleen is the steady force behind NYSACAC. Her unwavering commitment, thoughtful counsel, and tireless dedication keep our association moving forward every day. She is truly the cornerstone of our organization.
To our current President, Haniya Mee of Oakwood Friends School, congratulations as you begin your presidential year. I have watched your leadership grow, and I am confident you will guide NYSACAC with purpose, compassion, and excellence.
Finally, I would like to recognize Lauren Sangimino of Stony Brook University. Watching your professional growth has been a privilege. Throughout this past year, your professionalism, collaboration, and commitment to our members have helped strengthen our association and position it for continued success. I know your future in this profession is incredibly bright.
Looking Ahead
Serving NYSACAC over the past three years has been a deeply rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated professionals who share a passion for expanding educational opportunity and supporting students. As we look toward the future, I encourage every member to become involved. Whether by serving on a committee, volunteering at an event, or pursuing a leadership role, your
contributions make our association stronger. NYSACAC thrives because of the dedication and generosity of its members.
Thank you once again for allowing me to serve and help guide our association over the past three years. I look forward to seeing many of you at future NYSACAC events throughout 2027. Wishing you a wonderful summer and continued success in the year ahead.
- Dave Follick, Nassau Community College