Our dedicated members

Meet the current Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation members who dedicate time and effort to serve with the organization to support local teachers and students.

Board of Directors

  • Steve Balogh serves as President and is a member of the Allocations, Executive, and Special Events committees. A retired 8th-grade Social Studies teacher, Steve’s career began in the U.S. Air Force. He earned his B.A. from the College of St. Rose and M.A. from SUNY Albany. Steve enjoys traveling, discussing history with firsthand witnesses, and flying his drone.

  • Angela Tryon is the organization’s 1st Vice President, contributing to the Allocations, Executive, and Special Events committees. A graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, Angela is a 20-year employee of the Schenectady City School District, where she works as a School Secretary.

    A proud alumna, parent, and grandparent of district students, Angela’s personal connection fuels her dedication. Known for her remarkable rubber duck collection and her love of the Yankees, she brings a joyful energy to the Board.

  • Ann M. Reilly serves on the Allocations and Special Events committees and works as a Social Worker. A University at Albany graduate, Ann and her husband are both alumni of Schenectady Schools, as are their four children. She also served 12 years on the Board of Education.

    Ann's love for the outdoors and passion for rowing reflect her active approach to life and community service.

  • John Wilson is a 1984 graduate of Linton High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Siena College in 1988. John has worked in the construction industry for over seventeen years and is currently a Controller for ARW Drywall Co.

    John has been involved in several community organizations including the past president of the St. John the Evangelist Home School Association, Paige Elementary PTO, treasurer of Schenectady JC Little League for six years, and is a current member of the Friends of Patriot Athletics Board.

    John is married with two children. His wife is a 1987 graduate of Linton High School. One son is a Schenectady High Class of 2013 graduate and the other is attending Schenectady High.

  • Megan Sellepack, Secretary, actively supports the Ambassadors, Archive, Executive, and Internet and Marketing committees.

    A Library Media Specialist since 2019, Megan holds multiple degrees in education and psychology, including a master’s degree in library sciences from St. John Fisher University. She also founded and advises the National Junior Honor Society at Mont Pleasant Middle School.

Members

  • Leanne Bailey is a member of the Allocations committee.

    A Schenectady High School graduate, she holds a B.A. in Childhood Education and an M.A. in Adolescent Literacy from Sage. Leanne has proudly taught in the district since 2007. She loves to cook and bake, with a current focus on gluten- and dairy-free sourdough.

  • Erin Catrambone contributes to the Allocations committee after a fulfilling 34-year career teaching Health Education in the Schenectady City School District.

    A Schenectady graduate herself, Erin studied at SUNY Cortland and Russell Sage College. She also served the Schenectady Federation of Teachers in leadership roles. Erin enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

  • Tom Della Sala focuses on Allocations. A Schenectady educator for 35 years, Tom held numerous leadership roles, including English Department Chair and K–12 Coordinator.

    A Penn Hills High, University of Pittsburgh, and UAlbany graduate, he also served on City Council and SLOC boards. Tom’s love for Pittsburgh sports and live theater reflect his vibrant and community-focused life.

  • Joseph R. DiCaprio, serving as Ex-Officio, is the Deputy Superintendent for the Schenectady City School District.

    A proud 1995 graduate of Schenectady High and alumnus of SUNY Cortland, SUNY Albany, and SUNY New Paltz, Joseph is deeply tied to his community. He cherishes time with family and supports all New York professional sports teams.

  • Lisa DiVietro is involved with Allocations and Special Events.

    A retired middle school science teacher, she taught for her entire career with Schenectady schools. Lisa also co-manages Jack’s Place, a hospitality house for medical patients and families. A sports fan, hiker, and yoga enthusiast, Lisa brings passion to her work.

  • James Masi works on the By-Laws, Internet Marketing and Content, and Special Events committees. A retired Assistant Superintendent of the Schenectady City School District, James spent over 40 years as a teacher, administrator, and leader.

    He is a Mont Pleasant graduate with further degrees from SUNY Brockport, St. Rose, and SUNY Albany. James enjoys time with his grandson, discussing music and sports, and reading mystery novels.

  • Brenda A. Morrow is a member of the Allocations and Special Events committees. A retired teacher from the Schenectady City School District, she holds degrees from Lock Haven University and Bloomsburg University.

    Brenda is the proud parent of two Schenectady alumni and a committed city resident. She enjoys cheering for the Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and Penn State Nittany Lions, bringing her enthusiasm into all she does.

  • Tom Moore is a registered CPA in the State of New York and currently works at Trustco Bank as an Internal Audit Manager.  Tom also has several years of experience in public accounting where he was focused on providing audit and assurance services.

    Tom graduated from Schenectady County Community College with an Associates in Business Administration and later graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Accounting. 

  • Agnes Phillips serves on the Allocations, By-Laws, and Special Events committees. A retired science teacher of Chemistry and Biology, and former Science Department Chairperson at Schenectady High School, Agnes dedicated 33 years to teaching in the Schenectady City School District. She holds a B.S. in Biology from SUNY Albany and an M.S. in Educational Psychology from the College of St. Rose.

    Agnes enjoys cooking, gardening, and pickleball. Her passion for education and teachers' commitment drives her continued service on the Board, helping educators make a difference.

  • Elaine Pickett is an active member of the Allocations and Special Events committees. A college graduate and former PTSO President, Elaine is a dedicated community resource coordinator.

    Her children are proud graduates of Schenectady City Schools. Elaine enjoys gardening and karaoke, brightening both gardens and gatherings.

  • Jerry Rosen serves on the Allocations committee and brings 34 years of experience in the Schenectady schools as a Biology teacher, coach, and administrator.

    A Linton High School graduate, Jerry earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University at Albany. He is an active member of the Capital District Men’s Senior Baseball League.

  • Nancy Sagendorf is a member of the Allocations and Special Events committees.

    A retired science teacher, Nancy spent 33 years teaching in Schenectady schools. An alumna of Oneonta State and Union College, she now works part-time at Howe Caverns.

    In retirement she volunteers for the Mooncatchers Project, the Reading is Fun program, the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley and serves on the Board of the Cave House Museum of Mining and Geology.

    Nancy is starting her 43rd season working retail at Howe Caverns Inc.

    She enjoys reading and traveling.

  • Michael Sheridan is a member of the Ambassadors, Archive, Internet and Marketing, and Special Events committees.

    A Digital Learning Coach and long-time Schenectady employee, Michael earned degrees from SUNY Albany, Sage, and the New York Institute of Technology. A Mets fan, Michael is passionate about technology innovation in education.

  • Dawn Vavala serves on the Special Events, By-Laws, and Internet Marketing and Content committees. She is the Owner and President of Nite Owl Marketing and a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School and Siena College.

    A passionate volunteer, Dawn is a longtime member of the Twin Bridges Rotary Club. She loves golf, Siena basketball, spending winters in Florida, and volunteering, particularly at assisted living centers.

  • Gordon N. Zuckerman, CLU, ChFC, is President of Murray and Zuckerman, Inc. located in Schenectady, New York. Gordon is a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY, and Union College, Schenectady, NY, with a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics. He served in the Army in Vietnam, and entered the insurance industry in 1970. Gordon and his wife, Linda, live in Niskayuna and have two daughters, Cj and Miriam Smith, and two grandchildren, Devon Ezra and Juliet Morgan.

    For over forty years Mr. Zuckerman has held leadership positions on numerous governmental, religious, professional and charitable organizational boards.

    Current Affiliations

    Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation Inc. – (Founding Chair 1996-2004, Treasurer 2004-Present)

    Niskayuna Fire District #2 -Fire Commissioner and Secretary (1984-Present)

    Hudson Valley Community College Foundation Board – (2003–Present, Current Chair)

    Autism Society of the Capital District (2012-Present, Current President)

Advisory Board

  • Patricia Barney supports the Allocations and Special Events committees.

    A retired Home and Career Skills teacher, Patricia holds degrees from Plattsburgh and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. A dedicated community volunteer and Rotary member, she has traveled to six continents and is a proud grandmother of three.

  • Dr. Raymond Colucciello, long time educator, teacher, principal and Superintendent of Schenectady City Schools as well as Albany and Troy along with several other Interim Superintendent positions.

    Dr. Colucciello received his BA from SUNY Oneonta, Master’s Degree from Columbia University and his Doctorate from SUNY Albany. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of a number of community organizations. He is an initial member of Foundation Board of Directors and is currently serving as Interim Superintendent of Schools in the Greater Amsterdam School District.

    He is married to Irene Colucciello who is a retired educator. They have four children and seven grandchildren.

  • Fred G. Denefrio, a Niskayuna resident, was born and raised in Schenectady and graduated from Mont Pleasant High School. He went on to earn as AAS from Hudson Valley Community College and his BBA from Hofstra University.

    Fred worked for the Capital District Off Track Betting Corporation as the Senior VP/Controller. He completed his career at the Capital District YMCA Corporation as VP of Finance/CFO. Always active in civic activities, he has served on numerous community boards and non-profits.

    Some of these are: Past President and founding member of the Board of Directors for the Schenectady Local Development Corporation; Past President and Treasurer of the Board for the St. Clare’s Hospital Foundation; Past President of the Board for Catholic Charities of Schenectady County; Past President and Past Rotarian of the Year and Paul arris Fellow for Schenectady Rotary; and Past VP of the Board for the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce.

  • Benjamin Lawrence actively contributes to the CTE advisory committee, Rotary, and serves as an ambassador for the Chamber. A branch manager with First New York FCU at the Niskayuna branch, he brings over 15 years of experience in banking to his role. Benjamin grew up in Saratoga Springs, where he graduated from Saratoga Springs High School. Now residing in Glens Falls with his wife, a dedicated 5th-grade teacher, and their two wonderful children, Benjamin is a strong supporter of public education. He enjoys downhill mountain biking, playing lacrosse with his son, and taking karate alongside his wife and daughter, blending his passion for family and fitness with his professional and community commitments.

  • William J. Schultz serves on Allocations, Development, and Special Events. A Social Studies Chair and Union College MAT Supervisor, William is the parent of three Schenectady graduates.

    He has traveled to all 50 states and 72 countries, enjoys reading and golfing, and is committed to making a difference in education.

  • Joanne Wolcott, an Advisory Board member, contributes to the By-Laws and Nominations committees. A retired teacher, coach, and administrator in the Schenectady City School District, Joanne has both teaching and administrative certifications. An advocate for education, she finds joy as a dog mom and in engaging with her community.

  • Haley Viccaro is Director of Communications for New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. She previously worked at the New York Conference of Mayors, and was a reporter for the Daily Gazette of Schenectady covering City Hall, state government, business and development.

    Haley also serves on the Board of Directors of the Schenectady Greenmarket, and is a member of the Schenectady East Rotary. Haley graduated from the University at Albany and lives in the City of Schenectady.

Communications Team

  • Emily supports the Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation as part of the Communications Team. She manages the Foundation’s website, social media presence, and digital marketing efforts, helping to share the impact of SCSDEF’s programs, events, and grant initiatives with the broader Schenectady community.

    Through strategic storytelling and digital outreach, Emily works to keep families, educators, donors, and partners informed and connected to the Foundation’s mission.