2025 President’s Award Celebration
March 26, 2025 • 5:30-7:30pm
Brown’s Revolution Hall, Troy
Cocktail Reception
Tim & Kathleen Owens
The Owens Family
SILVER PARTNERS
Graypoint
Mike & Janet Hamel
NFP
BRONZE PARTNERS
Capital Bank
Frank & Sarah Slingerland
NBT Bank
William & Gretchen Hamel
Our President’s Award Celebration recognizes the contribution of key area leaders who share a passion for helping individuals and families live healthier lives. We are excited to celebrate our extraordinary volunteers who have given their time, talent, and treasures to make a positive impact on our community.
J. David Brown President/CEO
Capital District YMCA
John Vero Chairman Board of Directors
Timothy R. Owens is the General Manager of Tri City Rentals, overseeing 500 employees and managing over 10,000 apartment units across New York, Tennessee, and Texas. A lifelong Capital District resident, he has been with Tri City Rentals for 41 years, playing a key role in major developments, including a $65 million luxury apartment community in Albany.
A dedicated YMCA volunteer for over 25 years, Tim has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chairman of the Capital District YMCA Board of Directors and the Guilderland Branch Board. He has been instrumental in fundraising and facility development, earning the CDYMCA President’s Award in 2007.
Beyond the Y, Tim contributes to Albany Medical Center’s planning committees and has been active with The Edison Club. He holds a B.A. in Biology and Chemistry from SUNY Plattsburgh. Married to Kathleen for 48 years, he is a proud father and grandfather.
Siena College was founded in 1937 when the Bishop of Albany invited the Franciscan Friars of the Province of the Most Holy Name to establish a higher education institution in the Capital Region. Today, Siena enrolls over 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students across its Schools of Science, Liberal Arts, and Business, offering more than 40 majors, 80plus minors and certificates, and prestigious joint-degree programs.
Nationally recognized for exceptional career outcomes and value, Siena provides immersive, real-world learning experiences guided by personal mentorship. Students gain hands-on experience through a robust internship program with top startups, nonprofits, and government organizations.
Rooted in its Franciscan, liberal arts tradition, Siena fosters a strong sense of community and service. Saints lead with purpose, embracing inclusivity, innovation, and service to the greater good while preparing for meaningful and impactful careers.
HMA Contracting Corp. is committed to providing the exceptional services necessary to ensure our client’s project adds value to their business allowing them to prosper.
HMA Contracting Corp. is a trusted commercial paving contractor serving New York’s Capital Region and beyond. With our expertise in commercial paving, we understand the common causes of pavement deterioration and ensure that any necessary repairs are completed using the right materials and techniques. Our goal is to deliver durable, long-lasting surfaces that stand up to heavy use and the elements.
We handle all your excavation site work and drainage system needs. At the same time, we understand the need for cost containment and how to overcome unexpected obstacles that are discovered during and after construction. Our excavation crew has the equipment and expertise necessary to make all your excavation and grading projects a success.
Mike Hamel is the Owner and President of HMA Paving and Contracting, a company he founded in 1994 that now employs up to 50 people, specializing in excavation and paving. He also owns 140 apartment units in the Capital District with his brother. A dedicated community leader, Mike serves on the board of the Capital District YMCA and has previously chaired the Rensselaer Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is also a board member of the Northeast Subcontractors Association and the Merit Apprenticeship Alliance.
Since 2001, Mike has been an active YMCA volunteer, drawn to its impactful programs such as Black and Latino Achievers, Running Start, LIVESTRONG, and Circle of Champs. His passion project, the Basket Brigade, launched in 2016, now provides full Thanksgiving meals to families in need, with a vision of feeding 10,000 families. In 2010, Mike received the Greenbush YMCA President’s Award.
Mike and his wife, Janet, live in East Greenbush and enjoy time with their daughter and three granddaughters.
Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved, supporting people who make a difference and working with community-focused organizations through investments, philanthropy, and volunteering. We believe that together we can keep our communities full of hope, compassion, and opportunity, one open door at a time.
KeyBank thanks the Capital District YMCA for making a difference.
Orville Abrahams is the Deputy Commissioner for Business Advocacy and Engagement at the New York State Department of Labor, assisting businesses with services and issues related to labor.
With over 30 years in public service, he has worked in community development at the Capital District YMCA and served honorably in the United States Army Reserve. He holds an associate’s degree from Hudson Valley Community College (2023 Distinguished Alumni awardee) and both a bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration from the University at Albany (SUNY).
Orville serves on several non-profit boards focused on social and racial equity, including the NAACP and A Village Inc.
In 2019, he worked with the Capital District YMCA to launch the African Heritage Parade, the only event in the Capital Region celebrating the African diaspora. The Parade has grown in size and inclusivity and has become a cherished cultural fixture in the area.
Orville resides in Colonie with his wife, Carra. They have four children and one granddaughter, Jade.
Jim Foster has been a practicing attorney since 2011. He started his legal career as a litigator in the NYC office of Milbank LLP, an international law firm. He continued in private practice upon his return to the Capital District in 2015, and entered government service full-time in 2022.
Jim has been volunteering with the Y since 2015, when he was invited to assist Bethlehem’s Advisory Council with some projects and improvements to its property and trail system. As a lifelong volunteer firefighter, volunteering with the Y was a perfect fit given all that the Y does to help members of the community, whenever and wherever needed most. This is Jim’s first year as Chair of the Bethlehem Advisory Council.
Jim, his wife, Katelyn, and son, Huxley, reside in Delmar not far from Jim’s childhood home.
Eric Rose’s journey with the YMCA began after a 2006 snowboarding accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. During his recovery, he discovered adaptive sailing through YMCA’s Camp Chingachgook Y-Knot program. What started as an afternoon on Lake George became a passion, leading him to compete internationally with support from Y-Knot’s dedicated volunteers.
Beyond adaptive sports, Y-Knot provided Eric with a close-knit community of friends living with disabilities, enriching his life and that of his wife, Chris. He advocates for adaptive sports as a path to freedom, fitness, and connection, emphasizing their impact not only on participants but also on family and caregivers. At Y-Knot, caregivers find support, relaxation, and shared experiences alongside sailors.
Together, Eric and Chris promote inclusive spaces where adaptive athletes and their families thrive, embodying the YMCA’s mission to build community and open doors to new possibilities.
Francesca Parisi O’Connor is a retired licensed master social worker with 35 years of experience assisting children, young adults, and families. Her work has focused on mental health awareness, advocacy, and community fundraising.
Francesca’s involvement with the YMCA began 14 years ago as a member of the Glenville Y. She later joined the Advisory Council, serving for four years and leading
Operation Open Hearts in coordination with Ellis Hospital, collecting gift cards and essential items for medical staff during COVID-19. She also volunteers for numerous Y programs, including the Basket Brigade and Running Start, and helps secure donations for events. Beyond the Y, Francesca volunteers at A Second Look Bookstore and the Capital Region Veterans Memorial in Glenville.
A 35-year resident of Scotia Glenville, Francesca and her husband raised their daughter, Victoria, in the community she continues to serve. The Glenville Y remains her home for fitness, friendship, and giving back.
Stephanie Douglas is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in fundraising, event planning, partnership development, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing and management from Siena College.
Stephanie is the founder of the Capital District Teal Pumpkin Party, the region’s first and only allergy-friendly Halloween celebration. Since 2022, this signature event has provided a safe, food-free space for fun and connection, hosting over 200 children and their families annually.
She has been a member of the Capital District YMCA’s Rensselaer County advisory council since 2015 and is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Capital Region through the Capital Region Chamber. Stephanie lives in North Greenbush with her husband and two children.
Chip & Beth Tailleur have dedicated their careers to public service—Beth in higher education and AmeriCorps program administration, and Chip in law, serving as a Greene County Judge.
Beth joined the Coxsackie Community Center board to help determine how best to serve the community. The board recognized that partnering with the CDYMCA would provide the strongest resources and outreach, leading to a successful integration that continues to benefit local residents.
In 2023, Toni Carroll, Greene County Branch Director, invited Chip and Beth to lead a high school Youth and Government (YAG) group. They quickly embraced the role, helping students debate and present bills at the annual YAG conference in Albany. Seeing students develop leadership skills and friendships was a powerful experience.
Longtime Coxsackie residents, Beth and Chip met while working in the NYS Legislature and raised their two children in Chip’s hometown, surrounded by family.
a note from Paul Tonko
Tonight, we gather to celebrate the extraordinary individuals who embody the spirit of the YMCA through their unwavering commitment to our community. To our award recipients: your dedication to helping our neighbors live healthier, more fulfilling lives has made an immeasurable difference throughout the Capital District.
In a world that often moves too quickly, you have chosen to pause, extend a hand, and lift others up. Whether through youth development, healthy living initiatives, or social responsibility programs, your contributions have created ripples of positive change that will continue to spread for generations.
As we honor you tonight, we also renew our collective commitment to building a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community for all. Congratulations to each of our deserving recipients. Your light shines brightly and guides us forward.
Mark Audino has been a dedicated member of the Guilderland YMCA since its opening in 2000. However, Mark first discovered the Y as a teenager playing basketball at the Albany branch. Over the years, the Y has become his second home, where he has built lasting friendships and actively volunteered for its many causes. His volunteer journey began in 2011 when the Y supported him during his cancer treatment. In gratitude, he joined the Board of Advisors, later serving as President. Mark is also the Volunteer Committee Chair for Circle of Champs, a program that has profoundly impacted both participating families and his own life.
Beyond his leadership, Mark contributes to food drives, Running Start, and the Basket Brigade. When not at the Y, he enjoys golf, ice skating, reading history, and spending time with family. He remains deeply committed to the Y’s mission of strengthening the community.
Marleni (Ebony) Belmar is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker with 26 years of experience in the Schenectady City School District, currently serving at Mont Pleasant Middle School. She is committed to bridging the gap between school and community, fostering equity, and supporting disadvantaged populations.
A visionary leader and community advocate, Ebony has played a key role in launching and strengthening numerous organizations that connect youth and families to vital resources. She serves as Co-President of Boys Day Out Youth Enrichment Services, Director of Girls Day Out with the Working Group on Girls of Schenectady, and is an active board member of 440 State Street, Inc. and SiCM’s Social Justice Committee.
Ebony has a long history of working with the Schenectady YMCA, helping students access summer camp at Camp Chingachgook through the Golub Summer Scholarship for Schenectady Youth.
She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and is a licensed, “R” certified clinician.
Bilingual in Spanish, she continues to create inclusive spaces that empower diverse communities.
A special thank you to all this year’s awardees! We celebrate your hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements. Your commitment to our community and perseverance inspires us all. Tonight, we honor not only your accomplishments but also the passion and effort that brought you here. May this recognition be a steppingstone to even greater success! Wishing you continued growth, impact, and fulfillment in all that you do.
We would also like to give thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the Caring Community Basket Brigade another successful year. This year the Caring Community Basket Brigade fed over 1,630 families in need achieving our goal of 1500 families fed this year! That brings the total number of families fed to over 7,000 since 2016.
And to the CDYMCA, on behalf of our community, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for all that you do. Your dedication to strengthening individuals and families through programs that promote health, wellness, education, and community engagement makes a profound impact every day.
Congratulations to Louis Coplin II Officer in Charge and all the 2025 Capital District YMCA Award Recipients
Sharon has been a Registered Dental Hygienist at Clifton Park Dental for 19 years, where her colleagues and patients support her passion for giving back. She is deeply involved in the YMCA’s mission, helping lead initiatives such as the Annual Campaign, Basket Brigade, and Running Start.
As a solo parent, Sharon turned to the Southern Saratoga YMCA for childcare, receiving a scholarship that allowed her daughter to attend Kidzlodge Early Learning Center. Grateful for the Y’s support, she became an active volunteer, joining the Kidzlodge Committee and later serving on the Southern Saratoga YMCA Advisory Council for nine years, including three as Chair. Now, she serves on the Capital District YMCA Board of Directors. During this time, Sharon became very involved with the YMCA’s mission, supporting programs like Basket Brigade, Running Start, packing meals for the annual Brooks Barbeque fundraiser, and helping at special branch events such as Giving Tuesday, and Healthy Kids Day.
Sharon’s daughter, Courtney, grew up in Y programs and now works at the Y. Outside of work and volunteering, Sharon enjoys running, Tae Kwon Do, and competing in duathlons.
Wainschaf
Wainschaf
Louis B. Coplin, II is the officer in charge at Hudson Valley Community College, one of the largest institutions in the Capital Region, serving nearly 19,000 students and hundreds of workforce partners.
With nearly four decades at the college, he has held numerous leadership roles, most recently as vice president for Student Affairs and president of the Faculty Student Association. In 2001, he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Professional Excellence.
Congratulations to Louis Coplin II Officer in Charge and all the 2025 Capital District YMCA Award Recipients
Fueled by his passion for youth development, Louis has been a long-time advocate and supporter of the Capital District YMCA, especially the Black and Latino Achievers program, where he aims to create enriching opportunities for program participants through the college.
Originally from Buffalo, he lives in Glenmont with his wife, Jennifer. He has three adult children, one granddaughter, and is a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan.
Congratulations to my fellow PRESIDENT
PARTNER OF THE YEAR:
SIENA COLLEGE
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
MIKE HAMEL, HMA CONTRACTING CORP.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY HONOREES FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND SERVICE:
Albany: Orville Abrahams
Bethlehem: Jim Foster
Chingachgook: Eric & Chris Rose
Glenville: Francesca O’Connor
Greenbush: Stephanie Douglas
Greene County: Chip & Beth Tailleur
Guilderland: Mark Audino
Schenectady: M. Ebony Belmar
Southern Saratoga: Sharon Fitch
Troy: Louis B. Coplin, II
Weextend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the incredible team of staff and volunteers at the YMCA. Your unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of so many does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for your time, passion, and service to our community—you truly make an impact every day!
