Michael Wereszynski - President

Mike W. lives in the Village of East Syracuse. He works for the Structures Design for the NYS Department of Transportation.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "Where ever the day takes me! CNY has so much to offer and when you think about we are ideally placed. Whether it comes to traveling to a major metropolis (for example NYC, Buffalo, or Toronto) to driving through some beautiful country (like the Finger Lakes or Adirondacks), or just hanging out at a local hot spot, anything you want to do or see is within a short distance. Another thing that is more like an addiction, is volunteering for events. Whether its Big Brothers and Big Sisters bowl-a-thon, the Habitat for Humanity build, or just helping some of my neighbors out. I feel I need to be out there trying to better this community of ours in one way or another."

 

 Dawn Leadley - Vice President

Dawn Leadley grew up in Michigan, moved to Syracuse in 1985, and currently resides in Wampsville, NY.  Dawn is a 1985 graduate of The Stratford Business school, where she completed a two-year degree in Medical Office Management.  She is currently finishing up her BS, and will soon start her Master’s, both in Healthcare Administration through SUNY Empire State College.  She has worked in healthcare for over 21 years, the last ten of which at Upstate Medical University in Radiology Administration.  In her spare time, Dawn spends time with her husband and six children, and is actively involved in her union and a local ski club.  Dawn joined SPaRC in October 2005, and became Vice President in January 2007.  

Favorite Thing About CNY?: "My favorite thing about CNY is the enthusiasm and energy of its residents, and the multitude of recreational choices available to me at any given time of the year, including great dining, outdoor music/cultural/fine arts festivals, downhill skiing, and beautiful state parks."

Contact: You can e-mail Dawn at dawn@cnysparc.com

 

Anne Harrington - Treasurer

Anne Harrington lives in Liverpool and work as a Project Administrator, Barton & Loguidice, P.C.  Anne earned her B.A. in Psychology with dual minors in Business and English from Columbia College.  She has also been inducted in to the 2006/2007 Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women, Honors Edition.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "If I had to decribe my favorite place or thing to do in CNY in one word, it would have to be 'everything.' What's not to love and enjoy about this area that seems to lack for nothing.  Each season offers its own plethora of activities; golfing, skiing, roller blading, concerts, theater, the symphony, volley ball…so much and too many to name here.  My all time favorite thing to do of course is getting together with great friends.  Living here and being involved in SPaRC has enhanced it all."

 

Kathy Valentino - Secretary

Kathy grew up in Liverpool and still lives there, now raising her three children. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a BA in Sociology and has started working toward her master’s degree in Business Administration. She currently works in Radiology Administration at SUNY Health Science Center.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "I love to do anything from going to the theater or concerts to attending local sporting
events.  With Syracuse's central location there is so much to do both in the city and within a reasonable driving distance to some of the largest cities on the east coast."

 

Lisa Lippoldt - Board Member, Past President

Lisa Lippoldt ("Lisa L") grew up and resides on the West End of Syracuse. Lisa graduated from Ithaca College with a BS in Health and Human Performance Administration. She has earned her Masters degree from New School University in Management and is currently working in Health Administration at Loretto. In her spare time, Lisa competitively Irish dances and owns her own small business called Luxuries by Lisa (hand-milled soaps, candles, custom painted glassware, and gift baskets). Lisa served on the founding CNYSPaRC Board of Directors and has been actively involved since SPaRC's formation in 2002. 

Favorite Thing About CNY?: "The arts and cultural resources are plentiful here. No matter what you want to do in the area its a short drive away- a night out on the town or to a park for outdoor sports and concerts."

 

Colleen Clancy - Board Member

Colleen Clancy lives in Onondaga Hill. She graduated from Onondaga Community College with an A.A.S. in Business Administration and is currently working as Relationship Associate for Key Bank. She loves giving back to her community through her work on the special events committee at AIDS Community Resources. In addition she volunteers at Syracuse Stage where she is a member of the theatre guild. In 2005 Colleen was chosen as a 40 Under 40 honoree. 

Favorite Thing About CNY?: "Where do I start?...I love going to the theatre and we are fortunate to have many local theatre companies in the area...I've even taken acting classes at one of the theatres... I also enjoy listening to all the great local bands that Syracuse has to offer...there are some incredibly talented musicians in our city! Lastly, but certainly not least I like participating in the many social/volunteer activities that SPaRC offers!"

 

Bridgett Byrnes - Board Member

Bridgett Byrnes is a native Long Islander and currently lives in the Eastwood area of Syracuse. She has a Bachelors in Environmental Science from Purchase College and has worked in academia and the non-profit sector for the last 11 years. She is a Research Specialist in the Biology Department at Syracuse University.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "I like CNY because it is a great place for outdoor activities. I love hiking and birding during the summer and fall months. There are many "off the beaten path" places to explore."

 

Ann Adams - Board Member

Ann grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Syracuse in 2003 after living in Ithaca, NY for 5 years. Ann attended the University of Pittsburgh where she earned her Masters in Education. She currently works in several schools in the Syracuse area as an itinerant teacher. Hobbies include kayaking, rollerblading, biking, dancing, and road trips.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "I love the parks and the local festivals. I also like the snow - most of the time."

 

Todd Engel - Board Member

Todd grew up and resides in Fayetteville, NY, where he resides with his two children. He graduated from Syracuse University and Syracuse University College of Law. Todd practices law in Fayetteville and is the principal of Engel Law Offices, a general practice law firm specializing in representation of individuals and small businesses. Todd has served as President of Syracuse Jewish Family Services and was Vice President of Temple Society of Concord. He received an award for 40 Under 40 in 2004 and has been named to Who's Who in the East and Who's Who in the Law. During his free time, Todd likes to follow SU sports, the New York Yankees and to take day trips enjoying what Central New York has to offer.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "I enjoy the variety that Central New York has to offer. It's all here, whether it's theater, symphony, sports, parks or shopping. Major cities are well within driving distance. The wineries are a wonderful day trip. This area is a great place to live, the quality of life and activities available always offer something new and different."

 

Janet Ridgeway - Board Member

Janet is from Madison, Wisconsin and received her MFA in Creative Writing in poetry from Syracuse University and her BA in English and Creative Writing from UW-Madison. She currently teaches writing at Syracuse University (her Clark Kent job) but her real work is with animals. Janet is an animal communicator, consultant and healer who teaches classes in meditation, Reiki, and animal communication. In what Janet calls her former life she was a professional singer for a funk and blues band, and still sings for her cats and other neighborhood animals. Check her out at http://janetridgeway.com.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "I like the outdoors and love hiking in Ithaca, running at Green Lakes and rollerblading at Onondaga Lake Park."

 

John Stancampiano - Board Member

John has lived in Oswego all of his life.  He graduated from SUNY Brockport with a BS in health.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "My favorite things to do are tennis, hiking,  hunting/ fishing, theater, an other outdoor sports."

 

Kendra Scott - Board Advisor, Website Administrator

Kendra Scott grew up in Rhode Island and has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University. She currently lives in Cazenovia, NY and is working as an Energy Consultant for CDH Energy Corporation.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "I love Syracuse in the summer as there's so much to do: I love going to the State Fair the many parks in the Syracuse area. There are also so many concerts, fairs and markets that there's hardly a dull moment."

Contact: You can e-mail Kendra at kendra@cnysparc.com

 

Melanie Young - Board Advisor, eCommunications Coordinator

Melanie is the 3rd generation to attend Syracuse University, finishing up her B.S. from the School of Information Science. Owner of Mcyoung Web Design (www.mcyoungwebdesign.com), she has won several web design awards. She is a member and web designer for CBN Christian Business Network (www.cbncny.org), and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). Her brush with greatness is she graduated from high school with Ted Waitt (Owner of Gateway Computers) and Lori Petty (actress, Tank Girl and League of Their Own). Melanie enjoys spending time with her children, reads 2 books a week, and she loves roller coasters! She has volunteered for the Taste of Italy, Mary Nelson Barbecue, the Brewfest, the Zoo Brew and the Empire Brewfest. Melanie has been one of our most active members since she joined in 2006.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "My favorite thing about CNY is the mountains, trees and vibrant fall colors, friendly people, and, of course SPARC! Things I had never done before SPARC, rock climbing, martini run, volleyball team, St. Patricks Day Parade, bachelorette party, wine tour, tailgate party . . . and that's just in the past year! Oh, and I won a "best joke" contest at a Comedy Club!"

 

Josh Shear - Board Advisor, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator

Josh is a writer, photographer, sports freak and unapologetic media nerd. After four years as a reporter and editor at Reminder Publications, based in western Massachusetts, Josh headed for the wintry hills of CNY to do a masters degree at Syracuse University's Newhouse School. In addition to working in online media, Josh does freelance writing, photography and Web design. He has recently published poems in several collections from Turtle Ink Press and interviews with national contemporary folk musicians in PACE Magazine.

 Favorite Thing About CNY?: "My favorite thing about CNY is how photogenic the place is, from the buildings, to the colors, to the parks to the people."