In the Know: Summer 2026 - Sullivan County Partnership by Partnership Econ Dev Sullivan County

A Quarterly Publication for Member Investors of the Sullivan County Partnership For Economic Development

Summer 2026

HEELS ON THE GROUND:

Women in Business

Women Are Building Their Own Paths I’m honored to step into the space normally reserved for our CEO, Marc Baez, as a guest author for this issue of In the Know. As the Partnership’s longest-serving female board member (since 2006) and a two-time board chair, I’ve had a front-row seat to the changing role of women in business and leadership across our region. For this issue, Heels on the Ground: Women in Business, we’re looking at the many ways women in Sullivan and Orange counties are building careers, leading organizations, starting businesses, and shaping their work. There’s plenty of reason to have that conversation right now. McKinsey’s 2025 Women in the Workplace report found that only about half of U.S. companies are prioritizing women’s career advancement, while women continue to receive less workplace advocacy for career advancement from senior leaders than men. At the same time, a 2026 Forbes report on women and entrepreneurship points to another trend: women now own more than 40% of U.S. businesses, with many choosing entrepreneurship for the autonomy, flexibility, and opportunity to build something of their own. Our main feature explores those different paths through the perspectives of sixteen women in our member-investor companies. Their stories show that careers are rarely a straight line—and that the people we meet along the way can make all the difference to keep them moving forward. We see a version of that story every day at the Partnership. Jen Cassaro, our Director of Membership & Special Events, and Vanessa McPhillips, our VP of Operations & Strategy, are also the dynamic co-editors of In the Know. Every day they work closely with Amaya Nilsen, our Office Manager, bringing three generations—Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z—together on one team. Their experiences, expectations, and ways of working are different, sometimes very different. So instead of having Marc write this column, we asked Vanessa, Jen, and Amaya to share what they’ve learned from one another and what each of these wonderfully talented and humble women brings to the team that keeps the Partnership running with the precision of a Swiss watch. Their answers are funny, candid, and, in some ways, surprisingly similar. They talk about technology and experience, work-life balance, and old-fashioned relationship building. They talk about learning when to speak up, when to listen, when to step back, and when to trust yourself. And they remind us that building your own path doesn’t mean doing it alone. Sometimes the people who help you move forward are the ones working right beside you. Finally, a sincere thank you to the advertisers and contributors who made this issue possible. Your support allows In the Know to tell the stories of the people, businesses, and ideas that make our region a great place to work, build, and grow.

Karen Fisher Guest Author | Partnership Board Member and Two-Time Board Chair Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

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Three Generations. One Team. The generations aren’t competing—they’re filling in each other’s gaps.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

Three Generations. One Team.

Jen Cassaro, Director of Membership & Special Events Jen is responsible for maintaining and growing membership through community and business outreach, social media, and engagement. Her main objective is to engage and encourage current members to connect through carefully planned networking and educational events, forming true partnerships that can benefit and grow each business and ultimately, the Partnership as a whole. Jen is a former business owner and entrepreneur, retiring after 25 years in the event production and videography field. She brings that experience and understanding to her role as well as a genuine desire to keep our members happy and thriving. She has a dual BA from Cortland State in Communications and Journalism. A proud Port Jervis, NY native, she now resides in the beautiful Sullivan County town of Forestburgh.

As the Gen X member of our team, working with

needs to be introduced to whom? What could go

a Millennial and a Gen Z has been both entertaining

wrong, and how can we prevent it before it does?

and humbling.

After years of doing this, you develop an instinct for seeing around corners.

I was born in the ‘60s, and I’ve just learned that there are entire categories of music, TikTok trends,

And then there’s the network. After 35 years, I have

skincare, makeup, and pop culture references that I

contact information for more people than I care to

simply do not know—and, as someone who does not

admit—and probably a few numbers in my phone

have TikTok, apparently, I am missing a lot. They have

that I should have deleted 20 years ago. But those re-

had to teach me things in Excel that I am certain I

lationships matter. They are built over time, through

should know by now, and I still don’t fully know how

handshakes, phone calls, favors, conversations,

to save a scanned document. But after 35 years in

successes, mistakes, and showing up.

business, I’ve also learned that there are some things you simply cannot Google.

That may be the biggest lesson I can offer: life and business are not a Pinterest board where everything

One of the things I hope I’ve taught Vanessa and

comes together perfectly with a quick search. They

Amaya is the subtlety and nuance of business - the

are a culmination of experiences and relationships

things you learn through experience rather than a

built over years.

search engine. Sometimes the answer isn’t about finding the fastest solution; it’s about knowing when

But honestly, I need my younger coworkers to help

to pick up the phone instead of sending an email,

me stay relevant and keep me entertained. I love

how to read a room, when to push and when to back

Amaya’s spunk and propensity to break up the day

off, and how to handle a difficult conversation while

with a random song or funny voice, and Vanessa’s “I

preserving the relationship.

can do anything” attitude and MacGyver tendencies. While these two 26- and 30-year-olds remind me

I also hope I am teaching by example. Whether we’re

to stay curious, embrace new technology, and learn

working on a major event, meeting a prospective

faster ways of doing things, I hope I remind them that

member, or closing a sponsorship, I’m constantly

while Google and ChatGPT can give you an answer,

looking at the little things. Is everyone where they

experience teaches you what to do with it. It’s a

need to be? Did we remember that detail? Who

pretty good trade.

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Three Generations. One Team.

Vanessa McPhillips, Vice President of Operations & Strategy Vanessa oversees the day-to-day operations of the Partnership, supporting a wide range of initiatives focused on economic and community development. Her responsibilities include project management, small business development, real estate searches, and website and social media management. Through these efforts, she works to support local businesses, advance development opportunities, and strengthen the Partnership’s overall operations. Vanessa is a graduate of Liberty Central School District and Binghamton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a concentration in Financial Analysis and a Master of Arts degree in Economics. She is currently pursuing a multi-year postgraduate certification program with the goal of becoming a Certified Economic Developer, further building her knowledge and expertise in economic and community development. Outside of her professional work, Vanessa enjoys cooking and traveling.

For the first time in my career, I’m no longer the

to our days. Amaya has helped me realize that there

youngest person in the office—and honestly, that

is a time when email notifications can go unread, and

feels a little strange. I’ve been used to being the

work can just stay at the office. And now that I’m no

“young one,” learning from those around me, asking

longer the youngest, it’s nice to have the opportunity

questions, and trying to keep up with everyone else’s

to pass along some of the things I’ve learned and

experience. Now, for the first time, I find myself

share my own perspective. Together, we’ve also made

somewhere in the middle.

it our mission to keep Jen somewhat informed about the latest internet trends.

When I joined the Partnership at the young age of 23, I had a lot to learn, and one of my biggest influences

What I appreciate most is the environment the three

was Jen. Anything I know about sales, I can credit

of us have created. It’s welcoming, friendly, and, most

in large part to her willingness to bring me along

importantly, fun. We know when it’s time to buckle

and let me watch her work her magic. I was always

down and get the work done, but we also know

amazed when she would head out for a day of sales

when we can take a few minutes to catch up, laugh,

calls, stop by prospective members, and somehow

and enjoy each other’s company. That balance has

come back with a check. Her experience, ability

become one of my favorite parts of coming to work

to build relationships, and knack for remembering

each day.

even the smallest details about people have earned her quite a reputation—and, in my mind, the title of

Looking back at my career so far, I realize that being

fairy godmother. With a wave of her wand, somehow

part of a multigenerational workplace has been one

things just seem to fall into place.

of the best parts of it. I’ve learned from those who came before me, grown through their guidance, and

Then there’s Amaya, who has brought a completely

now have the chance to share what I’ve picked up

different energy to the office. Her sense of humor and

along the way. It’s a different feeling being in the

easygoing personality have added plenty of laughter

middle, but I think I like it here.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

Three Generations. One Team.

Amaya Nilsen, Office Manager Amaya Nilsen is the Office Manager for the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, where she helps keep things moving through member relations, special events, communications, finances, and day-to-day operations. Originally from Southern Rhode Island, she traded coastal living for the rural charm of Neversink, where she and her husband, a lifelong Sullivan County resident, returned to be closer to his community. Amaya graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. Outside the office, you can find her soaking up the beauty of Sullivan County’s landscapes, spending time with family and friends, and finding any excuse to make an ordinary day a little more fun.

As the Gen Z member of our office, I am usually the

Knowing Jen and Vanessa are in my corner has made

first to suggest a new app or ask if there is a more

those moments less daunting and helped me trust

efficient way to do something. Jen and Vanessa have

that I belong in the room.

taught me that knowing how to complete a task and knowing how to handle a situation are two very

They have taught me that so much of business comes

different things.

down to people. Looking beyond the email, invoice, or phone call and remembering there is a person

Growing up online meant I could find the answer

on the other side matters. Remembering someone’s

to almost anything. It did not teach me how to

name or recognizing their face at an event may seem

confidently start a conversation in a room full of

small, but it makes people feel valued and helps

strangers. I completed most of my higher education

build lasting relationships.

during COVID, limiting the face-to-face interactions and networking opportunities that prepare you for the

I have also learned that being professional does not

professional world. Even after restrictions lifted, those

mean being impersonal or making myself smaller

interactions took time to feel normal again. There is no

to fit a role. I can be bubbly, warm, and ready for a

online tutorial for learning how to work a room. That

good laugh while doing my job well and being taken

confidence comes through experience.

seriously. I have probably brought more personality and noise into the office than expected, but that is

Before joining the Partnership, I had worked in a

part of what I bring to the team.

hospital executive suite, a dermatology office, and a classroom at The Center for Discovery. None of those

The learning goes both ways. I hope I have brought

roles prepared me to manage finances, coordinate

the reminder that urgency and importance are not

major events, or network with business leaders. This

always the same thing. Not every email requires an

past June marked my second year here, and I now do

immediate response, especially after hours or on

all three.

weekends. Work will still be there tomorrow, and we often handle it better with fresh eyes. The three of us

I still have moments when I wonder whether I truly

know when to lock in, when to step back, and when

know what I am doing. Imposter syndrome can

a good laugh is exactly what a stressful day needs.

appear even after you have proven yourself capable.

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The Cost of Making Everyone Comfortable

By Jessica Gardner Media Solstice Marketing & PR

Confidence is not one clean, permanent condition.

I can still worry that a firm boundary, an added

I can walk into a meeting, challenge a bad idea, and

the relationship or cost me the client.

deliver a clear recommendation; then I’ll hesitate to bill for the work it took to get there. I can be completely certain about what a client needs and still feel the urge to soften it before I say it out loud. “I may be wrong, but…” “This is just my opinion…” “I don’t want to overstep…” “Sorry—one more thing.” I own a boutique regional marketing agency. I curse more than I probably should, I say what I think, and no one who knows me would ever call me passive. I have spent years advising business owners, attorneys,

estimate, or a fully accurate invoice might damage

That instinct is familiar to many women in business, regardless of how outspoken they are otherwise. It is part of the double bind women are often expected to navigate. We are supposed to be confident, decisive, and capable. We are also expected to be warm, agreeable, and easy to work with. A man who is direct may be read as authoritative. A woman doing the same thing is more likely to be read as abrupt, difficult, unnecessarily aggressive—or, in the language still too often reserved for women who refuse to soften themselves, a bitch.

developers, executives, and community leaders, and I have challenged plenty of powerful men across a

continued...

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So many women learn to package authority carefully.

reduce the fee, or offer a discount before anyone has

We add disclaimers. We over-explain. We apologize

even objected to the price.

before asking a reasonable question. We make ourselves responsible not only for delivering the

Then I rationalize it: longtime client, didn’t take

message, but also for managing everyone’s reaction

that long, good relationship-building. Sometimes

to it.

that’s true. Sometimes the real reason is simpler: I’m afraid drawing the line clearly, or sending the

This is not always something men are consciously

additional invoice, will make me seem difficult, or

doing to women. Much of it is habit, conditioning,

cost me the client.

and expectation. Women absorb those expectations, too, and sometimes pass them down. We teach

That fear rarely holds up to scrutiny. No one has

younger women to be confident but not intimidating.

threatened to walk. The work has not lost value.

Ambitious, but still likable. Direct, but never sharp.

Often, no one has questioned the value at all—except

Accomplished, but humble enough to make everyone

the person doing the discounting.

else comfortable with that accomplishment.

Women can be outspoken and still undercharge.

That’s an exhausting line to walk. It’s also an

They can lead the meeting, challenge the powerful

expensive one.

client, and still worry that one firm boundary will cost them the relationship. Confidence in one area does

Where It Gets Expensive In business, the instinct to smooth things over

not erase conditioning in another.

shows up in practical ways: work performed but

Generosity Is a Choice, Not a Default

not billed, problems absorbed that were not ours

Doing something extra is sometimes the right call.

to solve, deadlines not enforced, and scope creep

Long-term relationships matter. Not every act of

quietly accepted.

goodwill belongs on an invoice, and no business should run every conversation like a contract negotiation.

I write scopes of work, estimate hours, and explain what is included and what is not—and I still fall into

But generosity stops being generous when it

this pattern. Sometimes I say, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll

becomes the business model.

take care of it,” while other times I trim the estimate, 10

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

The Cost of Making Everyone Comfortable

There is a real difference between choosing to do

In practice, that may mean sending the invoice

something extra and feeling as though you have no

without writing an essay defending it. It may mean

choice because saying no might read as unhelpful,

letting a clear answer stand without five paragraphs

and between being collaborative and making

of justification. It may mean replacing “Sorry, but…”

yourself responsible for everyone else’s discomfort

with “Here is what I recommend.” It may mean

with a boundary.

allowing someone else to sit with the discomfort of hearing no.

That distinction matters, especially for women building or running businesses, where the instinct

All of us, especially those leading organizations and

to over-deliver can quietly erode the margin the

teams, should be willing to ask a few pointed questions.

business depends on. Would the same behavior be interpreted differently if

The Fix Is Not “Be More Confident”

it came from a man? Who is expected to smooth over

Most women running businesses, leading teams,

conflict, take the notes, follow up, and make sure

or managing client relationships are not short on

nobody feels slighted? Who gets praised simply for

confidence. They are already making consequential

being decisive?

decisions every day. Those are not abstract questions. The cost shows The problem is that confidence is often more readily

up in lost income, invisible labor, weakened margins,

accepted when it arrives wrapped in warmth,

missed opportunities, and another generation of

reassurance, and extra unpaid labor.

women learning that competence is safest when it keeps everyone else comfortable.

Those habits did not come from nowhere. They helped us build trust and move through rooms where

I do not always get this right. I still soften my

we were underestimated. The problem starts when

words and over-explain. But I am getting better at

a behavior that once helped us navigate the room

recognizing the moment when generosity begins to

becomes our automatic response in every room.

work against me. The goal is not to turn women into tougher, colder versions of men.

The answer is not for women to become colder. Warmth, empathy, and collaboration

are real

It is to build workplaces, businesses, and communities

strengths—for anyone, in any industry. The answer

where women can be warm without being underesti-

is to stop treating those qualities as the toll women

mated, direct without being disliked, and competent

must pay for the right to lead.

without having to make that competence comfortable for everyone else.

About the author: Jessica Gardner is the founder and president of Media Solstice Marketing & PR, a boutique regional agency serving businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations throughout Sullivan County, the Hudson Valley, and beyond. An award-winning journalist and marketing professional, Jessica brings nearly 30 years of experience in strategic planning, branding, public relations, digital marketing, content development, and web strategy and development. Jessica is known for her direct approach, sharp eye for detail, and ability to turn complicated ideas into clear, effective marketing.

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From Paying Dues to Leading the Shift:

By Michelle F. Rider, CPA, Esq.

Lessons learned from 30 years in business as a Gen X woman

Much has been written recently about the experience of Gen X women in business, so when asked to submit an article for this edition, I questioned whether I have anything different or interesting to say on the topic. As a business attorney representing scores of women and men business owners in the Hudson Valley for most of my 30 year career and having spent more than a decade as a managing partner in my law firm with all male law partners, I decided that, rather than write about technical topics like due diligence, earnouts, collateral packages, and regulatory compliance, I would share some general observations about women in business. When I started my career in public accounting in 1988 and during many years that followed in both public accounting and corporate law practice, there have been very few women partners in the firms I worked for, and very often none in leadership roles. During the earlier years, in my personal experience, 14

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

From Paying Dues to Leading the Shift: Lessons learned from 30 years in business as a Gen X woman many of the few women in leadership positions

business while retaining responsibility for arranging

mimicked stereotypical traits of very aggressive

her children’s medical appointments and childcare,

male leaders and were some of the harshest, most

attending all the teacher conferences and concerts,

unforgiving people to work for. At the same time,

managing her household finances and taxes, and

they also were under a microscope with both peers

making sure there is food in the refrigerator. The

and subordinates analyzing every move to see if they

calendar of a woman business owner looks something

could cut it. It was a no-win situation.

like a map of the New York City subway system.

As my fellow Gen Xers and I moved along in our

Fourthly, they may not be as willing to take certain

careers, a few more women cracked the glass ceiling

risks as their male counterparts. They often are

and dribbled their way into leadership roles. Still, the

overprepared and can sometimes overthink and

microscope has been on us, and some (both men and

underact. In certain business settings, despite their

women) have been quick to find fault with our contri-

preparedness and qualifications, lack of confidence

butions by finding our voices too shrill or dismissing

can creep in.

our thought processes or communication styles as foreign to them. Thankfully, though, Gen X women

Finally, speaking as a long-time woman business

are the ones who slowly began to use our own voices

owner who, at age 59, has suddenly found herself

and develop our own management styles, not feeling

journaling and reflecting for the first time in her life, I

as constrained as many of the groundbreakers who

have observed that we Gen X women can be too quick

came before us.

to accept the blame when something goes wrong. We apologize too much. While I am a big fan of taking re-

After years of representing business owners, I have a

sponsibility when it’s due and believe that authentic

few general observations to share based on my work

apologies go a long way to breaking down barriers

with fellow professionals and many of my clients

and creating a healthy work environment, my parting

who are women business owners and leaders. First,

thought is to encourage my fellow female business

women leaders typically are very detail-oriented. This

leaders to stop shouldering the responsibilities of

is an excellent trait for a business owner, especially

others, trust your intuition, speak professionally but

during startup, but the downside can be getting

unapologetically with your own voice, and stretch

bogged down in the details to the detriment of

your comfort zone to take more risks.

longer-term strategic thinking, leading to paralysis by analysis.

As I have had the privilege to work with many talented next-gen (Millennial and Gen Z) women

Second, they are fixers. They worry more and think

business owners and colleagues, it’s been promising

that, if they just work harder, they can fix everyone

to see them move in these directions. In the current

else’s problems. As if that’s their duty.

political climate where there are forces seeking to push women backward, those of us who have paid

Thirdly, they are experts at multitasking. I once had

our dues and taken our lumps must focus on paving

a senior partner tell me that the idea of multitask-

the way and making sure the door behind us opens

ing is a fallacy. Tell that to a woman who owns her

even wider.

About the author: Michelle Rider, CPA, Esq. is a Managing Member of the law firm Mahon, Rider, McKay, Bauer & Furst, PLLC in Newburgh, New York (www.mrmlegal.com). She concentrates her law practice in mergers and acquisitions, business and corporate law, commercial real estate and financing, and business succession planning for small and mid-sized businesses in the Hudson Valley and beyond.

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Success isn’t a Solo Sport Stop trying to be everything to everyone. By Danielle Farrell, Assistant Vice President LAN Associates

Success comes in a variety of flavors: personal, team, major, and minor. But it is not achieved alone. Even when women are in leadership positions, it can be difficult to fully embrace that mindset. Women in business often face the hidden burden of extra expectations that are significantly heavier than they might seem from the outside. This, coupled with the common yet unfounded feeling of imposter syndrome that can stem from being a woman in a male-dominated industry, makes asking for help both necessary and intimidating. 18

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

Success isn’t a Solo Sport

I have been working in the architecture field for

I am incapable. Yet I don’t think my colleagues are

over 20 years, and my contributions to my firm have

incapable when they ask me for help. As women,

earned me a place among my company’s leadership

we have the added burden of feeling the need to

team as an Assistant Vice President. I am confident

represent all women in the company. We often

in my qualifications, yet I find myself second-guess-

avoid asking for help because we fear any sign of

ing the significance of asking for help.

weakness will let down those who may look up to us. I am constantly telling my team to come to me

Is it a reflection of weakness or a sign of a well-thought-out strategy? Is delegating a sign of laziness? Or the sign of a strong leader who is confident in the team they have mentored to success?

when they need help. I never see it as a sign of their weakness; I see it as an opportunity to support them. The “Invisible Workload” is something that many women leaders experience and yet another reason they should be asking for help. This is something I have experienced and have just learned to define. Women leaders often carry a heavy invisible workload beyond what is required. This can include mentoring,

committee

work,

planning

events,

conflict resolution, and colleague support. However, If I have learned anything during my career and

these activities are essential to building a positive

journey to leadership, it is that success is not a solo

company culture—something good leaders should

sport. It is not about “doing less”; it is about being

value. For example, a few years ago, around the

intentional and focusing on what matters most.

holidays, I started something called “LANdeer Games.” It is an office Olympics of sorts for no other

In high school and college, I played team sports,

reason than fun and bragging rights. This is not

where I learned important lessons about teamwork

required of me in my role; however, the gratitude

and relying on others. I could not play alone, not

of my team and the camaraderie it creates are well

because I was weak or lazy, but because everyone on

worth the time it takes to plan. Over the past few

the team had a role. Even as a captain, I depended on

years, I have enlisted another colleague to help me

my teammates. No one expected me to do everything

with this, and it has been a huge help. We now can

myself, so why, as an adult, have I found it so difficult

share the extra “invisible workload,” and we have fun

to ask for help?

doing it.

There are many reasons why women in leadership

I have learned that trying to be everything to

roles struggle to ask for help. For me, it is feeling

everyone doesn’t work and no one wins. Different

that I must constantly prove I earned my place.

seasons of my life have required different versions of

We’ve all heard of “impostor syndrome.” We can

Danielle. Sometimes my career is more demanding;

define it; we know when we are feeling it, yet the

sometimes it is my family. Over time, I have learned

further we progress in our careers, the harder it is to

to invest my time and energy with intention and

dismiss the self-doubt about our skills and qualifi-

that it is OK to pass on extraneous activities. Being

cations, something we’ve all likely experienced. In

selective can be as easy as delegating a project or

my mind, nothing triggers those feelings more than

asking your spouse to cook dinner, saying yes to a

asking for help. It makes me feel like I am admitting

carpool offer, or better yet, the cleaning service. continued...

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Success isn’t a Solo Sport Am I capable of cleaning my own house? Yes. Would

are the ones who recognize the value of teamwork,

I rather spend my weekends with my kids acting as

collaboration, and relying on the strengths of the

their #1 fan while I watch them do what they love or be

people around them. By intentionally spending my

a self-proclaimed Uber driver for them, vs. scrubbing

time and energy, I have not only become a better

a toilet? Also, yes.

leader but a better parent, spouse, and friend. I hope we can stop trying to do everything ourselves and

It has taken a while, but I have realized that the

start embracing the villages we have built around us

strongest leaders are not those who have all the

so we don’t need to.

answers or carry the workload themselves. They

About the author: Ms. Danielle Farrell is a dynamic leader and established architect with over 20 years of experience in the architecture industry. In her role as Assistant Vice President in LAN’s Goshen, New York office she excels at maintaining client relationships, working with consultants, leading design teams, and managing contractors. Danielle’s desire to design started from a young age and since starting her career, she has built a strong portfolio of work that reflects a robust creative spirit. She has an extensive background in sustainable design practices and high-performance buildings and her diverse skills and abilities allow her to take projects from the schematic design phase through construction. Danielle has the ability to see both the big picture and the intricate details that are required for a successful project.

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Your business now has a seat on our executive team.

Welcome Sarah Gillespie, MHV’s new Chief Banking Officer. Sarah leads our branch teams, business development, and financial education. Twenty-six years in credit unions, two mergers, and a Pleasant Valley upbringing. Her mandate: a voice for the businesses we serve, where decisions get made. Talk to our business team → mhvfcu.com/business

mhv

credit union Federally Insured by NCUA

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There’s No One Way to Lead Sixteen women on confidence, resilience, and building careers on their own terms. No single blueprint exists for becoming a leader.

built companies from scratch. Some spent decades

For some women, leadership was something they

climbing the corporate ladder. Others created their

pursued deliberately. For others, it arrived unex-

own ladders. They have taken risks before they felt

pectedly—a family business that needed a new

they were ready. They questioned themselves. They

generation, an opportunity that seemed too small to

have weathered loss, economic uncertainty, burnout

matter, a career change that opened an entirely new

and unexpected turns…. but they kept moving

door, or a challenge that demanded they step forward

forward.

before they felt ready.

that leadership doesn’t require having all the answers

Perhaps, more importantly, they learned

before you begin. Their stories also challenge some of Their paths to leadership have been remarkably

the longstanding assumptions about what a woman

different but the lessons they have learned are

in business is supposed to look like.

strikingly similar. Some inherited businesses. Others 22

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There’s No One Way to Lead

Sometimes, leadership finds you. For Erin Boyce, leadership arrived through tragedy.

Today, success for Boyce isn’t simply measured financially. It is how she feels when she puts her

In 2019, after her husband died unexpectedly,

head on the pillow at night: Did she do the right

Boyce became the sole owner and president of the

thing? Did she treat people fairly? Did she take

nearly 90-year-old Boyce Excavating Co. She had

care of her employees, customers and family? For

not spent her life preparing to run an excavation

her, character is the bottom line.

company. But when she looked at the employees and families who depended on the business, she

Her story captures one of the most important

knew she couldn’t walk away.

lessons

echoed

throughout

these

women’s

experiences: sometimes confidence doesn’t come “I didn’t enter construction because I dreamed

first. Sometimes responsibility does.

of owning an excavation company,” she says. “I

continued...

entered it because people were counting on me, and I wasn’t willing to let them down.”

ERIN BOYCE

That decision meant stepping into an unfamiliar

Business/Organization: Boyce Excavating Co., Inc.

industry while carrying the responsibility of more than 70 employees and their families. It also meant learning to lead while navigating grief, uncertainty and the pressure she placed on herself. “So far, I have survived 100% of my worst days and I don’t plan to give up now.”

Her greatest lesson? Leadership isn’t about having every answer. “It’s about continuing to show up even when you’re unsure.”

Title: Owner and President Years in Business: 87 (7 years for me) Industry: Construction Hometown: Middletown, NY Education: College Graduate Generation: Never ask a woman her age! Favorite Book or Podcast: I enjoy history, so most historical fiction. Open to recommendations. Three words that describe you: Loyal. Quirky. Stubborn. (In no particular order.)

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There’s No One Way to Lead

Sometimes the opportunity looks small. Vila Fitzpatrick knows what it means to recognize an opportunity before anyone else sees what it could become.

VILA FITZPATRICK Business/Organization: VGF Management SAS

VGF Management began when a U.S. business

Title: Founder & Chief Executive Officer

owner asked her to find a bilingual back-office

Years in Business: 7+ years

professional in Colombia. Instead of seeing one job

Industry: Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) & Business Consulting

opening, Fitzpatrick saw a larger business need.

Hometown: Montgomery, New York “I quickly realized this wasn’t a challenge unique to one company,” she explains. “Many U.S. businesses

College, Trade School or School of Life? School of Life & continuous executive education

need talented people but struggle with the cost

Generation: Millennial

and complexity of growing their teams.”

Favorite Book: The Power by Rhonda Byrne

What began with three positions has grown into

Three words that describe me: Driven. Resilient. Resourceful.

a company serving businesses in New York, New Jersey, Florida and other U.S. markets.

“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, but becoming a mother gave me another motivation: I want to build a successful career on my own terms and show my children what is possible through hard work and determination.” Her advice to women considering their own leap is straightforward: “Just Start.” “You don’t always need a perfect business plan or perfect timing to recognize an opportunity,” Fitzpatrick says.

“You need to prepare, work hard, learn quickly, and be willing to take a calculated risk.”

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There’s No One Way to Lead For Claire Marin, her opportunity also grew from

“I had been studying distilling and observing the

a clear vision. A beekeeper turned distiller, Marin

industry,” she says. “In 2018 I made my first batch

wanted to create products made, grown and packed

of rye and bourbon whiskeys finished in honey.

in New York while supporting local agriculture.

Those barrels are just being bottled and they are amazingly delicious.”

When production partnerships with other distilleries failed—not once, but twice—she made

But the road hasn’t been easy. There have been

a decision that changed the direction of her

staffing challenges, changing market conditions

company.

and plenty of moments of doubt.

She built her own distillery, Catskill

Provisions where she distills and produces her brand, Pollinator Spirits.

But Marin’s philosophy is simple: “Giving up is just not an option! Clear vision and desire to succeed has kept me going despite these challenges.” Her advice to other entrepreneurs is to support local whenever possible. “It is the one thing we can all do everyday to keep thousands of businesses moving forward successfully.” continued...

CLAIRE MARIN Business/Organization: Pollinator Spirits made by Catskill Provisions Distillery Title: Founder/Head distiller Years in Business: 16 Industry: Food & Bev Hometown: Long Eddy, NY is where I live. I was born in Madrid. Came to NYC at age of 14 immediately became a proud New Yorker! College, Trade School or School of Life? Fairfield University dropped out after one year. I have a degree in Landscape Design, speak five languages, and have conquered distillation! Generation: Gen X Favorite Book or Podcast: The Kite Runner Three words that describe you: Tenacious. Warm. Passionate Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

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There’s No One Way to Lead

The courage to take the leap. For Karen Fisher, the leap into entrepreneurship came in 1995, when the company she worked for was sold.

KAREN FISHER

Rather than starting over somewhere else, Fisher and her supervisor decided to start their own marketing

Business/Organization: FisherMears Marketing Communications

communications firm. That leap became FisherMears, a

Title: President

NYS MWBE Certified and an award-winning marketing

Years in Business: 31

communications company in Sullivan County that she

Industry: Marketing/Advertising

still leads today.

Hometown: Methuen, MA.

But perhaps the bigger leap came two years later, when

Education: Centenary College (now Centenary University)

her partner decided to leave the business to spend more

Generation: Baby Boomer

time with her children.

Favorite Book or Podcast: The Prince of Tides

Fisher’s first thought was, “If you’re done, I’m done”.

Three words that describe you: Creative. Giving. Competitive.

Then she reconsidered. She bought out her partner and continued the company on her own. At the time, Fisher admits, she lacked confidence in herself and in her ability to be the face of the business. She pushed herself outside her comfort zone—and watched the business soar. A few years later, she took another leap. She offered

“They’re the reason you’re here. Stay close to them, understand what they need, and always manage their expectations.”

a partnership to Anne Dubrovsky, then the company’s top graphic designer, whose talent and creativity had become an important part of the business. Today, FisherMears remains a two-partner company. Over the years, as employees moved on, Fisher and Dubrovsky made a conscious decision not to continually rebuild a large staff. They both prefer being hands-on with the work itself: managing projects, solving problems, and working directly with clients. For Fisher and Dubrovsky, that’s not about keeping the company small. It’s about keeping the focus where it has always belonged: on the clients. “When you own a business, your clients are your bosses,” says Dubrovsky. And that’s not a bad thing. Fisher sums it up this way: 26

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There’s No One Way to Lead

Confidence often comes after the leap. Charlotte Van Horn made her own dramatic career shift when she left a controller position and entered

CHARLOTTE VAN HORN

the construction industry in 2005.

business. What she had to build was credibility.

Business/Organization: Tri-State Drywall & Acoustical, Inc

She knew that it was a risk, being unknown in the

Title: President

construction industry, but she felt she had the

Years in Business: 21 years

framework on the business side and could build a

Industry: Commercial Construction

team that could succeed.

Hometown: Born in Newton, NJ, grew up in Sparrowbush, NY

More than two decades later, her commercial

Education: SUNY New Paltz

contracting

company

Generation: Gen X

Acoustical

has

Tri-State

completed

She knew

Drywall

major

and

projects

throughout the Hudson Valley such as Resorts World Catskills, Sullivan County International

Favorite Book or Podcast: Tuesdays with Morrie Three words that describe you: Honorable.Dependable.

Airport, Legoland and The Eldred Preserve. She has built a reputation as a contractor that employees want to work for; and some of her employees have been with the company since the beginning.

“There will always be people that don’t want you to succeed and sometimes it’s easier to believe them,” she says,” my biggest challenge was overcoming my fear and just going after things.” Her reward? Seeing a project on plans, estimating it, building it and seeing it come to life, then stepping back and being able to say, “We built that”. continued... Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

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There’s No One Way to Lead Meghan Taylor took a professional risk when she left economic development for government affairs. She moved from familiar territory into a world where the issues were more complex and there was often no established roadmap.

Today, she

helps lead government affairs and public relations for three major Resorts World properties across New York. Her work requires navigating relationships with elected officials, regulators, community leaders and residents. It turns out that her economic development background was exactly what she needed to understand that projects aren’t successful simply because they get built, rather, it has to make sense for the community around it. That perspective is how she’s approached every project since. When she questioned herself, and her ability to succeed, she learned not to confuse

MEGHAN TAYLOR Business/Organization: Resorts World (Genting Americas Inc.) Title: Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Relations Years in Business: 15 Industry: Gaming, Hospitality & Entertainment Hometown: Campbell Hall, NY College, Trade School or School of Life? SUNY Binghamton (B.A., 2006); MBA, Mount Saint Mary College (2008) Generation: Millennial Favorite Book or Podcast: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Three words that describe you: Prepared. Competitive. Thoughtful.

uncertainty with being unprepared.

“For me, the way through has always been to focus on what I can control: knowing the issue, do the homework, listen carefully, surround myself with smart people, and keep showing up. Confidence doesn’t always come before difficult work. Sometimes it comes because you’ve done the difficult work.”

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There’s No One Way to Lead

Sometimes the next chapter requires letting go of the security of the last one. Susan Russ understands that lesson all too well. Early in her career, she left a secure position for a consulting opportunity that offered more responsibility working for a larger company, but less certainty or security, including no benefits or paid vacation. That gamble led to a permanent position, a career-changing mentor and opportunities she could not have predicted. Decades later, she would take another leap — leaving a big-city career to join Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts in Sullivan County as their Senior Director of

“My husband says I manifested it. Maybe I did but I also learned that sometimes manifestation needs a little help from a really good pitch!”

Marketing and Communications. continued...

“I used to joke that someday I was going to retire from my big-city job, move full-time to our second home in Sullivan County and volunteer at Bethel Woods, one of my favorite places in the world.” After the COVID pandemic, she was spending more time in Sullivan County and realized that she wanted to work there. So she wrote an impassioned letter to the CEO making the case for what she thought she could bring to the organization. She got the job.

SUSAN RUSS Business/Organization: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Title: Senior Director, Marketing and Communications Years in Business: 35 Industry: Nonprofit Arts & Entertainment Hometown: Teaneck, NJ Education: Rutgers University Generation: GenX Favorite Book or Podcast: Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend Three words that describe you: Curious. Creative. Tenacious.

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There’s No One Way to Lead

When the plan changes. Sometimes leadership isn’t about making the perfect plan, it’s about recognizing that the plan has changed. Dr. Theresa Hamlin, President and CEO of The

Each required taking a risk.

Center for Discovery, didn’t start her career with a

has always been believing that we could build

master plan to transform healthcare, education and

something that doesn’t exist,”

human services. She was simply drawn to children

“Particularly in a rural community.”

“The biggest risk Hamlin says,

who were underserved and underestimated. Over time, she saw how many children with complex conditions

were

excluded

from

opportunities

because the systems around them were inadequate. That realization became a calling.

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration. “Leadership starts with listening. Great ideas can come from anyone – anywhere in an organization.”

Under her leadership, The Center has developed an integrated model of care, invested in research,

And her definition of success has evolved from

created New York State’s first Children’s Specialty

checking off accomplishments to measuring impact.

Hospital for individuals with highly complex

Are people healthier? Are families hopeful? Do

developmental

employees feel valued? Is research changing lives?

disabilities

and

continues

develop new opportunities for transitional living.

“That’s success”.

DR. THERESA HAMLIN Business/Organization: The Center for Discovery Title: President & CEO Years in Business: 43+ years in Education, Healthcare and Human Services Industry: Healthcare, Education, Human Services, and Research Hometown: Neversink, NY Education: St. John’s University — Ed.D.; Columbia University — M.A.; SUNY New Paltz — Certificate of Advanced Study; College of St. Rose — B.S. Generation: Baby Boomer Favorite Book or Podcast: The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D. Three words that describe you: Curious. Compassionate. Persistent.

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There’s No One Way to Lead Anna Rose Mongiello Ciminera didn’t originally set out to become an executive in her family’s fresh mozzarella business. The former pageant winner

ANNAROSE MONGIELLO-CIMINERA

studied broadcasting, worked in public relations in

Business/Organization: Formaggio Italian Cheese

New York City, and eventually found herself back

Years in Business: 12 years

home in Sullivan County when the PR firm she

Title: Executive Director & Head of Marketing

worked for was hired by Formaggio, her family’s company. What began as helping with marketing, became an executive leadership role in the family business her father, grandfather and great-grandfather built.

Industry: Food Manufacturing / Cheese & Dairy Hometown: Native from Monticello, NY residing in Allentown PA College, Trade School or School of Life?: Connecticut School of Broadcasting + School of Life Generation: Millennial

“I didn’t necessarily take one giant risk,” she says. “I took a series of small steps, remained open to where life was leading me, and trusted that the right opportunities would reveal themselves.” Those steps led back home.

Favorite Book or Podcast: Book is my bible Three words that describe you: Passionate. Persistent. Family-oriented.

Today, she wears

many hats at Formaggio, elevating and creating brand awareness, developing relationships, and bringing a fresh perspective and energy. Ciminera has also had the opportunity to learn directly from her father Anthony, who she credits with giving her an education that no classroom could ever provide. “His knowledge, wisdom and example have helped shaped the person and businesswoman I am today.” There were moments when I questioned whether I could balance motherhood, family responsibilities, and being a working woman. I think many women ask themselves, “Can I really do all of this?” For me, the answer came with time. I learned to trust myself, keep moving forward, and give myself grace, knowing I didn’t have to figure everything out at once continued... Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

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There’s No One Way to Lead For Cathy Parlapiano, President and Owner of Here’s Help Staffing and Recruiting, entrepreneurship was

CATHY PARLAPIANO

always somewhere in the back of her mind. She even once imagined opening a coffee shop. She entered

Business/Organization: Here’s Help Staffing & Recruiting

recruiting in 1999 after working in human resources.

Title: President /Owner

Nine years later, she took the biggest professional

Years in Business: 25

risk of her career: buying into the business.

Industry: Recruiting

That leap led her to a place where she discovered a career that combined her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping people. “It turned out exactly where I was meant to be,” Parlapiano says. Today, what makes her work meaningful isn’t simply placing candidates in jobs. It’s creating connections that can change the trajectory of both an individual and a company.

Hometown: Orange County Education: SUNY Orange Generation: Gen X Favorite Book or Podcast: I am an avid listener of Mel Robbins. Just finished The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. Also a business nerd following all things recruiting, staying current on industry trends, leadership, and talent acquisition. Three words that describe you: Loyal. Funny. Compassionate… definitely funny

“There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping someone find their career ‘utopia’ while simultaneously helping our clients build successful, high-performing teams. Knowing that one introduction can positively impact both a person’s life and a company’s future is what drives me every day.”

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There’s No One Way to Lead

You don’t have to look the part. If there is one myth these women would like to retire, it is the idea that there is a single definition of what a strong woman leader looks like. Patricia Nilsen became the first woman CEO of New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric, and the first woman to lead a combined natural gas and electric utility in New York. Her career began as a temporary typist-clerk. Over more than three decades, she worked across customer service, operations, emergency management, training and communications before reaching the top. Her career was shaped in part by saying yes to

The challenge of being in charge of a company where thousands of employees work 365 days a year is daunting, but Nilsen has learned that preparation, responsiveness and teamwork are the keys to success.

opportunities to learn — including volunteering for storm response. During Superstorm Sandy, she was relocated to the Liberty division and spent weeks

What people may not know is that she is almost

working alongside employees, municipal leaders,

always working. “I take this responsibility seriously,

stakeholders

and strive to be available to our customers,

and

customers.

The

experience

convinced her to move into electric operations and

community leaders and coworkers at any time.”

help formalize emergency management practices

continued...

for the companies.

PATRICIA NILSEN Business/Organization: New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) Title: CEO Years in Business: 34 Industry: Utilities Hometown: Endicott, NY College, Trade School or School of Life? I earned aBachelor of Science from Alfred University, Master of Arts from Syracuse University and from Elmira College. Favorite Book or Podcast: Book: Howl’s Moving Castle (the movie is great too) or The Spy Coast (great resilient female characters in both) Three words that describe you: Optimistic. Energetic. Resilient. Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

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There’s No One Way to Lead At just age 27, insurance agency manager Katrina LaGrutta was promoted to manage a second office and more than 20 insurance agents across seven counties — many with considerably more experience than she had. She questioned whether she belonged. Then a senior agent came to her for help. She solved the problem, created value for the client and the agent, and earned something more important than a title: trust in herself. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced throughout my career has been overcoming perceptions related to age and experience. As a young professional entering leadership roles,

“Leadership isn’t about having the most years’ experience,” she says. “It’s about showing up, providing value, being authentic and earning trust.” I often felt pressure to prove myself. This taught me the importance of confidence, consistency, and resilience. I’ve learned that credibility is built through actions, results, and relationships. Today, I view my age and journey as strengths, leading by example and helping others succeed. She describes her leadership style as hands-on, supportive and people-focused. She wants her team to grow into independent leaders rather than depend on her for every answer.

KATRINA LaGRUTTA Business/Organization: Comparion Insurance Agency Title: Agency Manager Years in Business: 12 Industry: Insurance Hometown: Callicoon, NY Education: University of Rhode Island Generation: Millennial Favorite Book or Podcast: Joe Rogan Three words that describe you: Driven. Thoughtful. Resourceful.

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There’s No One Way to Lead

Trusting yourself. Kelly A. Pressler has been certain about her career path since she was 14 years old. Her father told

KELLY A. PRESSLER

her that being an attorney was the perfect career

Business/Organization: J&G Law LLP

because she liked to argue. She took him seriously. After law school, Pressler initially expected to become a district attorney. Instead, she took a chance on a position with a large law firm,

Title: Managing Partner and Trial Attorney Years in Business: 17 Industry: Legal Hometown: Montgomery NY

Managing Partner and a trial attorney, helping

Education: Albany Law School of Union University, J.D. magna cum laude– 2009 Law Review: Albany Law Review Siena College, Loudonville, New York B.A. magna cum laude– 2006 Major: Psychology

lead a full-service law firm with more than 35

Generation: Millennial

employees and more than 30 areas of practice.

Three words that describe you: Diligent. Focused. Dependable.

discovered she loved complex civil litigation and eventually returned home to practice law at J&G Law, LLP in Walden, NY. Today, she is the firm’s

One of her earliest lessons in confidence came when she was unexpectedly thrown into a trial on a case she had never worked on—with only one day’s notice—and found herself facing a highly experienced attorney. She won.

“It taught me to believe in myself and focus on what has to be done instead of worrying or doubting,” she says. That lesson stayed with her. Pressler admits she still questions herself, but her strategy is simple: focus on what’s directly in front of her and remind herself that she can do it. continued...

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There’s No One Way to Lead For Cara Whalen, becoming an attorney was also a goal from a very young age.

CARA WHALEN

Her mother was a real estate agent. Her grandfather

Business/Organization: Mackey Catania & Whalen LLP

was an attorney. Growing up, Whalen saw both sides of the profession and eventually discovered that real estate and business law were where her interests truly lay. Today, she is a Partner at Mackey, Catania & Whalen, where she focuses on residential and commercial real estate, business law and estate planning. But her career isn’t simply about practicing law. Whalen deliberately chose to build her professional life in the Hudson Valley, the community where she grew up.

Title: Partner Years in Business: 12 Industry: Legal Services Hometown: Millbrook, NY Education: The College of Saint Rose and Western New England University School of Law Generation: Millennial Favorite Book or Podcast: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Three words that describe you: Determined.Dedicated. Honest.

“I knew I wanted to come back to the community I grew up in and have a family there,” she says. “It was important to me to invest my future in the Hudson Valley area.” That commitment to community is a recurring theme among these women. Their definition of leadership extends beyond their organizations and into the places where they live, work and raise their families. Katrina LaGrutta also returned home to begin her professional career. Like many people who grew up in rural Sullivan County, she believed that once you left, you didn’t come back. “I never imagined I could build a meaningful career in my hometown, let alone with a Fortune 100 company. I was wrong”. Twelve years later, she’s earned three promotions, built a home, raised a family, and achieved things she only once dreamed about. “All right here in the community that raised me.” Proof that sometimes the opportunity is right where you started. 36

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There’s No One Way to Lead For both Whalen and Pressler, becoming an

People began gravitating toward her. Conversations

attorney—and later becoming a partner at a

became more genuine. Relationships became stronger.

young age—were significant milestones. But their

And those relationships eventually translated into

proudest accomplishments are more personal.

business. But Johnson also learned the cost of trying to do everything.

Whalen states, “My biggest success would be having my daughters see my career continue to

Years of networking, community involvement and

grow and use it as motivation for their futures—

late-night follow-up eventually led to burnout. She had

whichever paths they may choose.”

to become more intentional about where she invested her time and learn to rely on her team. Her advice to

While

Pressler

states

that

her

proudest

accomplishment is her life. “I have intentionally and purposefully created the life I currently have and it is everything I could have wanted. I have a beautiful family with a loving husband and five wonderful children. I run a successful business with people I

younger women is one of the most memorable lessons in the group:

“Your real personality isn’t the liability you think it is. It’s the asset.” continued...

admire and enjoy the work I do. My family is happy and healthy and I have everything I feel I could have ever wanted.” All three women have managed to build a career AND a life close to home.

Finding your own voice.

BRITTANY JOHNSON Business/Organization: SERVPRO Team Johnson Title: Chief Growth Officer Years in Business: 40 (13 years for me) Industry: Cleaning, Restoration & Construction Hometown: Middletown, NY

For Brittany Johnson, the biggest professional

Education: Rider University – Business Education 2013

challenge wasn’t learning restoration, sales or

Generation: Millennial

financial planning. It was learning to be herself.

Favorite Book or Podcast: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Johnson joined her family’s SERVPRO business at 21, choosing to learn the business from the ground up rather than taking the more traditional career path her business degree might have suggested. For years, she walked into professional rooms and

Three words that describe you: Authentic. Determined. Selfless.

felt she needed to perform. “Fake smiles, safe conversation, personality tucked away.” Then, at a networking event, she was simply too exhausted to keep up the façade and the result was transformative.

She showed up as herself—

jokes, honesty, successes and struggles included. Everything changed.

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There’s No One Way to Lead

When passion becomes a purpose. For Stacey Millman, Evergreen Meadow Services

That meant taking a passion and turning it into

grew from something deeply personal: seeing a need

a business while simultaneously managing the

for her daughter and realizing that families like hers

demands of another career. It required long hours,

were struggling to find the mental health services

persistence and the willingness to build something

and support they needed.

before there was any guarantee that it would succeed.

Rather than accept that there wasn’t an option,

For Stacey, however, the reason made the hard

Stacey decided to create one.

work worthwhile. Evergreen Meadow isn’t simply a business venture; it is an opportunity to fill a gap she

What makes her story particularly compelling is that

experienced firsthand and make the path easier for

she didn’t simply walk away from her existing career

families who come after her.

to pursue the idea. She continued working as Benefit and Pension Executive, while building Evergreen

Her story is a reminder that some of the best

Meadow Services from the ground up, developing

businesses begin with a simple question: “Why

the concept, figuring out how to make it work and

doesn’t this exist?” And that is what makes her advice

gradually turning a need she saw in her own life into

to other women especially powerful: “Bet on yourself.”

a service that could help other families, too.

Sometimes your passion is born from what you love. Sometimes it comes from what you wish existed. And sometimes, the most meaningful business you can build is the one you create because you know firsthand that someone needs it.

STACEY MILLMAN Business/Organization: Business/Organization: 1199SEIU Benefit and Pensions Funds/ EverGreen Meadow Services and Academy Title: Chief Member Experience Officer / President and Founder Years in Business: 25+years in program, communications, advocacy and executive leadership: multi-year development for EverGreen Meadow. Industry: Healthcare Hometown: Cochecton, NY Education: BA SUNY Albany, MA SUNY Empire State College, School of Life Generation: Gen X Favorite Book or Podcast: Nothing Much Happens Here podcast Three words that describe you: Committed. Empathetic. Resilient. 38

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

If there is one myth these women would like to retire, it is the idea that there is a single definition of what a strong leader looks like.

Anna Rose Ciminera wants another assumption to disappear entirely: that women are somehow not smart enough, strong enough or capable enough to succeed in business. Women, she says, can be mothers and wives while also being successful, educated and driven. “We don’t have to choose one

“I’d like to dispel the notion that women are somehow

identity. We can embrace them all.”

more emotional than men. I’ve seen plenty of men overreact in the workplace; it just isn’t labeled the

Patricia

same way,” says Susan Russ.

assumption: that women have to give something up

Nilsen

challenges

another

outdated

to achieve professional success. She points to her Claire Marin agrees. “We communicate differently

own partnership with her husband, who helps care

than men that’s for sure, but I consider that an asset!

for her mother while she travels throughout a vast

Clarity in communication is super useful in leading

utility service territory. “He doesn’t just ‘help’ – he

your business forward.”

does it,” she says. “We’re better together.”

Erin Boyce believes women bring empathy, resilience,

Attorney Kelly Pressler puts the issue more bluntly.

collaboration, and intuition to leadership and that

She wants the idea that an assertive, direct woman is

those qualities are strengths, not liabilities.

somehow difficult or unlikeable to disappear. Being

Dr.

Theresa

Hamlin

rejects

the

notion

that

leadership requires having all the answers. Some

assertive means you are a bi**h, she says of the stereotype. “It’s really time for that concept to die.”

of the strongest leaders, she says, lead through

And Meghan Taylor sees another impossible standard:

collaboration, empathy, curiosity and the ability to

women are often expected to be confident, but not too confident; decisive but not too direct: ambitious but not too ambitious etc...

bring people together.

continued...

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There’s No One Way to Lead

Success isn’t always what it looks like from the outside.

For Fisher, it meant sleepless nights during the

The finished product is rarely the whole story.

pay cut so she could continue paying her employees.

recession wondering whether there would be enough work to make payroll, eventually taking a personal

For Cathy Parlapiano, what people see is a successful

For Boyce, it means carrying the weight of decisions

business, established clients and a career she loves.

that affect dozens of families and dealing with

What they don’t see are the long hours, planning,

difficult conversations that few people ever see.

setbacks and balancing act of entrepreneurship and

motherhood. Through it all, she made being present

Charlotte Van Horn describes the same reality in the

for her daughter’s milestones a priority. “My daughter

construction world which never comes with a 40-hour

never had to wonder where my priorities were—she

work week. Missed vacations, weekend work and

always knew she came first,” Cathy says proudly.

knowing that other people’s livelihoods depend on

“Success isn’t just about working harder – it’s about

the decisions you make weighs on her. “The stress

knowing when to pivot and remembering that life

of having so many people depending on you for their

balance matters just as much as business success.”

livelihood is very nerve-racking.”

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

There’s No One Way to Lead

The people behind the leader. None of these women describe their journeys as solitary. Fisher credits her husband as her biggest cheerleader. Boyce points to her parents, employees and business associates who believed in her before she fully believed in herself.

Redefining the meaning of success. Perhaps the most striking commonality among these women is how little their current definitions of success have to do with status. LaGrutta once measured success by the scoreboard. Today, she asks whether she gave her best effort and showed up fully committed.

Johnson describes a mentor who helped her build confidence, establish realistic goals and silence the negative self-talk that had held her back. Ciminera credits her father and her husband for believing she can do anything. Millman credits her family, particularly her mother,

“Most true success is made up of many small successes along the way,” says Kelly Pressler.

and the network of people working alongside her to bring EverGreen Meadow to life. Hamlin credits mentors, colleagues, board members, family and, perhaps most powerfully, the families

Success for her used to mean winning a case. Today, she defines it as, “persuading a judge, making a client happy, teaching something to a younger attorney,

served by The Center for Discovery.

figuring out a challenging issue.”

Whalen says that her parents were always incredibly

Fisher’s is whether clients keep coming back because

supportive saying, “As long as you do the best you can, that is all that matters.” Charlotte Van Horn remembers a former project manager on a job who believed in her abilities and once told her, “It’s not always a bad thing to let them think that you’re the dumbest person in the room.” She didn’t understand it at the time, but has learned that people who discount you quickly learn that they are wrong and the outcome is usually in your favor so “shame on them for just assuming.” Nilsen credits her parents who taught her to believe that she has the right to a ‘seat at the table.’ Her dad later telling her and her daughters that they could seek careers in traditionally male fields and that he was confident that they could do it.

her team helped them achieve their goals. For Russ, success has moved away from titles and advancement toward enjoying her work and knowing it makes a difference. For Nilsen, success isn’t what you get. “It’s what you give and how you leave things for the next person.” For Cara Whalen, success has evolved from achieving a certain position to making a meaningful impact on clients and providing a quality service. For Fitzpatrick, it is the moment when a client tells her that someone from her team has become essential to the business. It is watching a team member gain confidence and build a better future because of an opportunity VGF provided.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

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continued... SCPartnership.com

There’s No One Way to Lead

A seat at the table —and a bigger table. None of these women describe success as a competition in which there is only room for one woman at the top. Instead, they talk about mentors, colleagues, employees, family members and other women who helped them along the way. Meghan Taylor and Susan Russ both speak about mentors who gave them responsibility before they felt ready. The best mentors, they say, don’t simply tell someone they’re capable – they give them the opportunity to prove it to themselves.

“When women reach positions of power, they lock arms, build bigger tables, and lift everyone up.” says Stacey Millman.

What would they tell their younger selves? Their advice is remarkably consistent: Don’t wait until you’re ready. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trust yourself. Be patient with yourself. Build relationships. Don’t be afraid to change direction. Don’t sacrifice who you are to fit someone else’s idea of a leader. And don’t confuse uncertainty with failure. Millman’s advice is beautifully simple: Be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey.

The legacy they want to leave. Ask these women about awards, revenue or titles, and eventually the conversation returns to people. They want to be remembered for how they made people feel.

For taking care of customers.

For

creating workplaces where employees feel valued. For supporting their communities.

For mentoring

others. For showing up when things were difficult. For doing the right thing. And perhaps that is the clearest definition of modern women in leadership: not women who have figured everything out, but women willing to keep moving forward, bring others with them and lead with both strength and humanity. Because leadership isn’t about never being afraid. It’s about taking the next step anyway. It’s about knowing

Vila Fitzpatrick adds, “I don’t want my employees

when to speak up, when to listen, when to take a risk

to simply complete a task for VGF, I want them to

and when to ask for help. It’s about understand-

understand the business, take responsibility and

ing that the path may change—and that changing

eventually be able to lead others.”

direction isn’t failure. And it’s about realizing that the most meaningful measure of a career isn’t always

The strongest women leaders aren’t simply building

what you achieved.

their own careers. They’re creating opportunities

for other people to grow. The goal isn’t simply to

Sometimes it’s who you helped, what you changed

get a seat at the table. It’s to make sure the table

and how many people are better because you

gets bigger.

were there.

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BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE We’ll Handle The Law.

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Sullivan County Partnership Grows Gold Investor granted to the rural and suburban communities that need it most. Archtop Fiber is a provider of multi-gigabit, 100%

Founded by a team of seasoned telecom and fiber

fiber-optic Internet and phone service on a mission to

industry leaders, Archtop believes that access to

close the digital divide in communities that have long

high-speed Internet is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

been overlooked by traditional broadband providers.

From families and farms to schools, small businesses,

Serving residential and business customers across

and healthcare providers, Archtop is committed to

the Northeast, Archtop brings symmetrical upload

ensuring that every member of the community can

and download speeds of up to 10 Gbps over a

participate fully in today’s digital world. Affordable

world-class fiber network — delivering the same

pricing, local investment, and exceptional customer

fast, reliable connectivity that larger cities take for

service are at the heart of everything Archtop does.

Executive Investor Land & Water Realty’s focus is pretty simple. They work with buyers and sellers with an interest in properties where the land and the water are the differentiating factors including views, terrain, natural springs, streams, rivers and lakes. These differentiating factors are as unique to each property as are fingerprints to humans and we aim to highlight the value of each.

Investor Guide Star Managed Wi Fi provides a secure, cloud based wireless network that is fully designed, monitored, and maintained off site by experienced IT professionals. Their solution delivers reliable, property wide connectivity while reducing operational overhead, eliminating the need for on site IT resources, and ensuring users stay connected through proactive monitoring, real time support, and built in security. Scalable by design, Guide Star Managed Wi Fi grows with your property, allowing you to focus on your business while we manage performance, security, and uptime. 44

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

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Events Recap – A Busy Year Indeed! QUARTERLY MEETING — April 23rd

We were also honored to hear from Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay and Sullivan County, NY Government Planning Commissioner Heather Brown, who offered valuable insights on regional collaboration and the importance of continued investment in our communities. From infrastructure investments to new development opportunities, the message was clear: collaboration is fueling real results. Events like this reinforce the strength of our network and the shared commitment to shaping Sullivan County’s future.

We kicked off this year’s event calendar with amazing energy and great turnout for our Quarterly Project Meeting at Resorts World Catskills, where nearly 150 partners, investors, and community leaders came together to talk about what’s next for Sullivan County. We highlighted the progress made over the past decade, with the Partnership continuing to drive momentum through strategic projects, shovel-ready sites, and business attraction efforts. CEO Marc Baez shared an optimistic outlook, emphasizing that the county is at a true “take-off point” for growth.

ELDRED PRESERVE GROUNDBREAKING — June 18th The Partnership was thrilled to organize and host the ceremonial groundbreaking of The Eldred Preserve’s planned $16 million spa and wellness destination. Expected to open in 2027, the 14,000-square-foot facility will be a standalone, full-service spa open to the public, with planned features including hydrotherapy experiences, private treatment rooms, relaxation spaces, and outdoor wellness amenities.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

SCP CLASSIC INAUGURAL GOLF TOURNAMENT — June 25th The weather could not have been more perfect, and the spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains provided a breathtaking backdrop for a day filled with great golf, friendship, and community at Roscoe Mountain Club in Roscoe, NY. Thank

you

the

companies,

businesses,

individuals who generously donated raffle prizes and sponsorships. Most importantly, thank you to every golfer who participated and every volunteer who gave their time and energy. Events like this are only possible because of people like you. We are already penciled in for year #2 on June 17, 2027.

UPCOMING EVENT Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner Thursday, October 8 Resorts World Catskills

ARCHTOP INFORMATIONAL LUNCHEON — July 31st The

Partnership

was

pleased

host

informational luncheon for more than 40 municipal and county leaders at Resorts World Catskills. It was a chance to have a conversation with Archtop Fiber representatives about expanding fiber broadband

Walter A. Rhulen Award Dr. Theresa Hamlin President and CEO, The Center for Discovery Distinguished Service Award Fred W. Stabbert III Publisher, Sullivan County Democrat

infrastructure across Sullivan County through New York State’s ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program. Archtop is working to bring fast, reliable

SCAN HERE FOR TICKETS

Internet to more Sullivan County communities.

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What I Learned About Leadership Before I Ever Had a Title

Sarah Gillespie Chief Banking Officer, MHV

Recently, I’ve been fortunate enough to embark

industry, starting with my early days as a teller. I’m

upon a new role within an industry that I love. As

grateful to every colleague, manager, and mentor

Chief Banking Officer at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal

who helped form my approach to leadership.

Credit Union (MHV), I’ve been provided with what we’d all want when taking on a new position: a fresh

Not surprisingly, many of the tenets they’ve passed

set of opportunities and challenges. There are also

along are central to our industry as a whole.

new colleagues to meet, and smaller details I hadn’t considered, like the chance to see a different, yet equally beautiful Hudson Valley landscape unfold

Trust And “Always On” Ethics Early on, I learned that credit unions revolve around

on my commute.

trust. It’s our edge and our superpower. America’s

However, more than anything else, I’ve found myself

released the results of a survey in February 2026

reflecting on the valuable lessons that have shaped

that clearly demonstrates this fact. One finding

my career–particularly my leadership style–and

was that credit unions hold a 17-point advantage

brought me to where I am now. These lessons

over large national banks when it comes to the

span my entire 26-year career in the credit union

topic of trust.

Credit Unions, the industry’s trade organization,

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

What I Learned About Leadership Before I Ever Had a Title “Credit unions aren’t just another financial option,”

forming team I’ve led was built on my facilitation

said America’s Credit Unions President and CEO

and their ingenuity — not the other way around. My

Scott Simpson at the time. “They’re the partner

philosophy: If you’re here, it’s for a reason, so jump

Americans trust to move forward with confidence.”

on in. Every idea won’t be a hit, and that’s fine. It’s more important to me that team members feel

In similar fashion, I strive to be a partner who helps

comfortable sharing ideas; giving, receiving, and

each team member navigate their day and the

interpreting feedback; and taking the ownership

challenges that inevitably crop up with confidence.

required to drive work forward. If the team develops

So whenever possible, I share “the why” behind a

the design of whatever the work in question is, they

decision and connect it to the bigger picture. If you

are already bought in.

go out of your way to demonstrate transparency 99 percent of the time, then, at moments you need to

In this way, acknowledging my limitations and

keep things close to the vest, the team will trust in

eagerness to hear from my team can help create

your leadership.

psychological safety. Google found in its Project Aristotle (2016) that the single most important

I’m also acutely aware of how precious my team’s

factor that contributed to one team outperforming

trust in me is, and I never take it for granted. This

the other was the concept of psychological safety,

means modeling strong ethical and leadership

which boils down to feeling safe to take risks, admit

behaviors at all times. They’re “always on” because

mistakes, and share ideas. I’d argue that a leader’s

trust can erode with one misstep.

own humility goes a long way toward creating this

Over the course of my career, the trust I place in

type of safe, affirming environment.

myself has become vitally important as well. The

Understand the Organization’s Values

term “gut check” arose out of 1960s sports culture–

My own career developed within a safe, affirming

on the surface, a very different world compared to

environment, and I knew this. My last piece of

financial services. Both rely on sets of written rules,

advice for leaders and individual contributors alike

designed to enhance safety and create a level

is to learn about your organization’s values as well

playing field. That’s an oversimplification, but my

as how these show up in the communities it serves.

point is that, no written rules or regulations cover

Dig up its annual report. MHV’s own report makes it

every scenario. Which is why, from a leadership

clear that people matter most, including members,

lens, it’s critical to build a culture where the gut

employees, and community partners.

check is embraced. This is why I’m so excited to build on MHV’s already As a leader, if there’s a red flag, I want team members

strong foundation of member service, community

to acknowledge it. Welcome phrases include, but

impact, and innovation. It’s also why I know that

are not limited to: “I think we’re overlooking a

I can encourage my team and colleagues to set

risk,” “This product may confuse MHV customers,”

boundaries, take care of themselves and their

“Can we challenge this assumption?” and “I have

families, and to always expect professionalism and

another approach.”

respect. Those aren’t just words on a report. They’re

The Power of Humility I don’t have all the answers, and I stopped

the same reasons I stayed in this industry for 26 years, and why I’m glad to be building on them here.

pretending I did a long time ago. Every high-per-

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On Trusting Your Instincts

By Niki Jones, CEO Niki Jones Agency

As leaders, we are often asked to share the secrets

train). I also could not have imagined that thirty years

of our success: to explain how we set and achieve our

later, I would not be practicing medicine at all but

goals or when we first knew we wanted to lead. These

instead leading a strategic communications firm I

are important questions, and I’ve learned a lot over the

had built from the ground up. For a long time, these

years by reading other women’s perspectives. Still, I

two chapters in my career felt polarized: on one side, I

can’t help but notice that many pivotal moments of

provided lifesaving measures to people on their worst

my career were not the result of careful planning,

days, while on the other, I advised organizations on

motivation, or goal setting. At the time they occurred,

how to market themselves to the public. When people

they seemed completely serendipitous. I realize now

asked me how I came to work in communications

that these career junctions— like my debut in crisis

after working as a tactical patrol paramedic for more

communications—were not, in fact, the result of

than a decade, I didn’t have a clear answer for them. I

luck. They were guided by instinct. For that reason,

just felt it was the right next step for me.

I’m going to talk a little bit about the importance of trusting the process and leading from your gut.

One day, however, a client of mine found themselves in the middle of an emergency. Their phone was

I was 18 years old when I started working as an EMT

ringing off the hook with inquiries from colleagues,

for New York City Health and Hospitals Corp. I could

stakeholders, journalists, and employees. Everyone

not have imagined the injuries I’d treat, the cultural

demanded an immediate answer and the pressure

diversity of the people I’d serve, or the scenarios I’d

on my client—and therefore on me—was mounting.

find myself in (like army crawling under a subway

At that time, I did not have much official experience

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

On Trusting Your Instincts

in crisis communications. What I did have, however,

This is the power of instinct: It guides you toward

was my experience in emergency response. And

projects you love and projects that help you fulfill

as it turns out, maintaining your composure is as

your purpose. Although I may not have been aware

important when saving an organization’s reputation

of it, my instinct had been guiding me back to where

as it is when saving a person’s life. I drew on the

I first began, not via what I was doing but why I was

skills I developed as a paramedic to calm my client,

doing it. When I took the paramedic’s oath, I swore to

set priorities, manage competing demands, and help

“serve unselfishly and continuously in order to help

them successfully navigate the crisis.

make a better world for all mankind.” The methods by which I uphold this oath have changed throughout my

Suddenly, the dividing line that had separated my

career, but my commitment to fulfilling its principle

career in two disappeared. I knew this was a field

has not. My career has consistently shown me that

in which my knowledge would be an extremely

when you act with purpose, your determination and

valuable asset to my clients. I began actively

passion leave an indelible impression upon clients,

pursuing opportunities in crisis communications

partners, or staff. For this reason, I strongly advocate

and increased my portfolio of government clients. I

for instinct as an essential component of success

sought out work with public health organizations like

and a critical tool for leaders—especially female

health departments, safety net hospitals, and State

leaders—to develop and trust.

agencies. In 2024, I even signed a contract with New York City Health + Hospitals – the same hospital system I dispatched from when I was working as a tactical patrol paramedic.

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advocate. connect. empower.

Supporting the financial progress of leaders in business. Learn more at key.com/women. Amy Lattimer Area Retail Leader Vice President amy_l_lattimer@keybank.com Phone: 845-615-5109

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TIPS

for Starting a Successful Woman-Owned Business

In 2002, sparked by the idea women have different financial experiences and money needs than men, a team of women leaders from KeyBank hosted a seminar with financial journalist Jane Bryant Quinn. The talk was titled “Control Your Financial Destiny.” It was well received, and it generated a lot of conversation—especially within KeyBank. By Amy Lattimer KeyBank 56

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

4 Tips for Starting a Successful Woman-Owned Business What followed was research and evidence that

but it is also critical to understanding how business

showed that women did, in fact, have unique

decisions can impact your wealth—throughout your

financial needs. This was particularly true for

career and into retirement.

women business owners. They were less likely to secure traditional financing and often lacked access

2. Know your pitch. What is your value proposition?

to the same networking and mentorship opportuni-

Being able to articulate why your product and

ties as men in business. So KeyBank acted. In 2005,

service will matter to customers and sharing it

we launched Key4Women, a program dedicated to

with as many people as possible before you open

lending, education, networking, and advocacy.

for business will give you a sense of how well it resonates with people and if they are willing to

2025,

Key4Women

celebrated

its

20th

spend money for it.

anniversary. The lessons learned have been many, and today women are more widely recognized as

3. Create a business plan. Business plans are

innovators, leaders, and job creators.

important, because they allow for educated projections of future performance. Also, under-

According to the U.S. Small Business Administra-

standing the market and your competitors is a great

tion, women own more than 12 million businesses

way to forecast your first three years of sales and

and employ 10.7 million workers. Their businesses

expenses. The Small Business Development Center

generate $1.2 trillion in sales. And there’s no sign

(SBDC) and your local office of SCORE can provide

of slowing down. Last year, 49% of new businesses

guidance with research founded industry statistics

were founded by women.

to help with your business plan, especially with

Positioning for success

revenue projections.

Women in business have come far. At KeyBank, we’ve

4. Build an advisory board. This one comes

witnessed it firsthand—through Key4Women—and

complements of Leah Busque, TaskRabbit founder

we’re committed to sharing what we’ve learned so

and former Key4Women Forum speaker. Busque

women in business, particularly women starting a

says tapping into your network to form a reliable

business, can be better positioned for success than

group of advisors who can offer objective analysis

ever before.

and bring new skill sets where yours may be weak is critical. Start with who you know and trust as well

In this spirit, here are four tips to help women

as those with experience in your industry. Organiza-

starting a business launch with success and

tions such as Chamber Women’s Business Council,

experience sustained growth.

Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and Women’s

1. Understand your reason. Why are you starting your business? To fill a void in the market, change

Presidents’

Organization

(WPO)

can

provide

guidance and support.

your lifestyle, make a difference? Key Private Bank

Thinking beyond balance sheet

advisors say that when business owners first become

Another thing to consider when starting your

clients, few know whether the goal of their business

business is that good business doesn’t always

is to support their lifestyle or to reinvest back into

mean a strong bottom line. Sometimes the most

the company for long-term growth. Knowing the

successful businesses go beyond the balance

type of business you’re operating is not only the

sheet and make having a broader impact on the

first step to determining how you define success,

community it serves a top priority. continued...

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4 Tips for Starting a Successful Woman-Owned Business Studies consistently show consumers—typically around a rate of 70%—prefer to purchase goods and services from socially responsible companies. Being a socially responsible business will also add to your community’s vitality, improve customer loyalty and help drive employee recruitment and retention. According to Double the Donation, 93% of employees want to work for companies that make a difference. Nearly 9 out of 10 millennials say their job is more fulfilling when they are provided opportunities to make a positive impact at work and in the community.

Thriving in all shapes and sizes After more than 20 years of helping women businesses owners through Key4Women, we’ve learned there are many factors that contribute to a business’s success or failure. Due diligence and thoughtful consideration can go a long way toward establishing a strong foundation, regardless of your growth plans. Also, remember this: while much is made of the number of startups that fail, many succeed and contribute to the economic development of the regions they serve and operate in. In fact, many thrive, and many are women who are paving a path for those who follow. A path marked by easier access to capital, more networking opportunities and broader access to strategic partnerships that drive growth and sustainable success.

About the author: Amy Lattimer serves as the Area Retail Leader for Hudson Valley West, providing strategic leadership and support for KeyBank’s retail branch network throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties. In this role, she partners with branch leaders and teammates to deliver exceptional client experiences, strengthen community relationships, and drive business growth across the area. Content provided for informational and educational purposes only and is in no way to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. We cannot and do not guarantee its applicability or accuracy in regard to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal financial issues. Key4Women is a registered trademark of KeyCorp. ©2026 KeyCorp.® All rights reserved. Key Private Bank is the marketing name through which KeyBank National Association (KeyBank) provides a range of financial products and solutions. CFMA #250919-3514978

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WBE Certification 101 — A Conversation with Charlotte VanHorn President and Owner, Tri-State Drywall & Acoustical, Inc. Introduction I have had the pleasure of representing Charlotte VanHorn and Tri-State Drywall & Acoustical in Port Jervis, one of the most well-respected commercial drywall and acoustical contractors in the Hudson Valley. As for her background, see page 27, where she is featured. She is also a friend, confidant, and incredible businesswoman. Below is a recent discussion we had, focusing on the longevity and growth of her business, the role of WBE certification, what it does and does not do, and what she Interview by Michael E. Catania

would tell a woman thinking about starting her own shop.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

WBE Certification 101— A Conversation with Charlotte VanHorn

You were certified in 2015, ten years after

What do people misunderstand

you started the company. Why then, and not

about WBE certification?

at the beginning?

Charlotte: Most state-funded projects have a desired

Charlotte: Tri-State Drywall & Acoustical, Inc. was

M/WBE participation level, but that does not mean

started in 2005. At the initial start-up, there were three

we automatically receive the project.

equal partners. In 2015, Tri-State was reorganized.

Drywall needs to bid on the project just like any other

One partner was bought out, and I became the

contractor. We must present a competitive bid. If

managing partner, with majority ownership. In 2019,

the owner/GC does not receive a competitive bid,

I completed the transition and purchased the balance

they can file for a participation waiver for the project.

of the company, becoming a 100% shareholder. In

Tri-State must submit qualification applications and

2015, Tri-State was pursuing the Resorts World

prove that we can complete the project. This industry

casino project in Sullivan County. There was a large

is all about reputation.

Tri-State

WBE/MBE percentage required on the project, which led me to apply for the distinction.

What does a WBE participation goal on a public job mean for a subcontractor like you? How does it

Walk readers through what the application process

change who calls you?

is. What surprised you about it?

Charlotte: A public owner sets a participation goal;

Charlotte: The documents. Personal tax returns,

the general contractor must show a plan to meet it-

personal financial disclosure, proof that you put your

called a utilization plan. If they do not find M/WBE

own money in, bank signature cards, equipment and

contractors that are qualified and competitive for the

lease records, resumes, payroll; and just how long

project, then a waiver is issued, but the GC must prove

the whole thing took from start to certificate. It was

that they did their due diligence in completing the

about a six-month process. Most readers have no idea

utilization plan.

that the State asks for personal financial information. The process is very in-depth.

Recertification does not always go smoothly. What happened, and what did it take to fix it?

How did the State determine whether you operated and controlled the business? Charlotte:

Charlotte: Tri-State applied for our WBE re-certification in 2022, and was denied. I received a letter

My initial application also required an

from NYS stating that they did not believe that I was

in-depth interview. I was asked questions regarding

competent to run a construction company and that

all the information that was submitted to test my

my background was strictly administrative.

knowledge. I was then asked questions about the con-

felt that Tri-State was a “dummy” WBE company,

struction field, our scope of work, and the processes of

controlled by my husband and set up in my name. We

bidding, obtaining contracts, scheduling manpower,

immediately filed for appeal. During recertification,

acquiring materials, and how we complete projects

a company must submit paperwork on officers of

– means and methods. The state was very interested

the corporation, their resumes, who has what duties,

in how much I was involved and wanted to confirm

who has the authority to bind contracts, control

that I was not just administrative and that I knew the

projects, basically describing day-to-day operations.

industry from the ground up.

I answered all questions truthfully explaining our

NYS

processes. NYS felt that I came from an accounting continued... Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

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WBE Certification 101— A Conversation with Charlotte VanHorn background and did not have enough construc-

You are certified with New York State. Are you

tion experience to be viable.

certified anywhere else, and do the programs talk to

At this point, being

the President of Tri-State, NYS felt that I was not

each other?

physically onsite completing the construction work

Charlotte: Tri-State is also WBE for the Port Authority.

myself, so I didn’t count anymore. The truth is that any construction company our size, whether womanor man-owned, would not have their President onsite physically performing metal framing, insulating, etc. I had to get letters from general contractors, owners, employees, suppliers, and people in our industry stating how they knew me, what they believed my ca-

Each certification must be completed with its own paperwork and its own requirements. Just because you receive a certification does not mean that you will receive the next. Most applications require that you submit a list of projects completed that prove you have similar experience and are qualified.

pabilities were, how I fit into the construction industry

For a small woman-owned business reading this

and what their dealings were with me. I needed to

and wondering whether certification is worth the

prove my worth. NYS finally came back and set up

trouble, what is the honest answer?

a preliminary hearing.

I answered question after

question for almost two hours to test my knowledge of the construction industry, from bidding to project management, to contract negotiations, from how projects are built, to what material is used, industry standards, and OSHA requirements. Finally, the judge asked the NYS official who was assigned to my case if he would like to retract his first ruling.

Charlotte: Being WBE does have a few drawbacks. There is a tremendous amount of paperwork that needs to be filled out monthly regarding any projects that you are working on that is using your WBE certification to meet participation goals.

Upon

recertification, there is also a tremendous amount of paperwork and information submitted. I think that overall, it has benefited my company because we actively pursue municipal work.

About the author: Michael is a partner with Mackey Catania & Whalen and leads their construction practice group. He has spent the last two decades helping developers, design professionals, contractors, and business owners navigate the legal pitfalls of construction in NY and NJ. That means contracts before the project starts, sound counsel when things get complicated, and courtroom experience when they must. He also serves as outside general counsel to several of the region’s leading construction and development firms, providing ongoing legal support across compliance, risk management, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution

NewHopeCommunity.org

Empowering People with Disabilities since 1975 62

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Development Opportunities, Land, Farms, Waterfronts & Homes 64

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Navigating the Challenges of MWBE Certification for Women-Owned Businesses in New York State

By Jonathan Rouis

For women who own and operate businesses in

and pursue opportunities specifically available to

New York, obtaining a Minority- and Women-Owned

certified businesses. While the benefits of certifica-

Business

can

tion can be significant, the application and recertifi-

provide access to valuable opportunities and

cation process is often more complex than business

resources to support business growth. Certification

owners anticipate. Understanding the requirements

can help women-owned businesses increase their

and common challenges can help women entrepre-

visibility, connect with potential customers and

neurs prepare for a smoother application process.

Enterprise

(MWBE)

certification

partners, access business development resources,

Understanding MWBE Certification New York State’s MWBE program was established to expand business opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business generally must be: • At least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women or members of designated minority groups who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. • Legally authorized to conduct business in New York State. • A for-profit, independently operated small business with no more than 300 employees. • In business for at least one year. • Owned by individuals whose personal net worth does not exceed the program’s established limits.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

Navigating the Challenges of MWBE Certification for Women-Owned Businesses in New York State Lengthy Processing Times

One of the most important

Business owners may also be surprised by how long the

requirements is demonstrating that ownership is genuine, substantial, and ongoing. The qualifying owner must independently control the company’s

certification process can take. Although processing times vary, approvals can take many months—and in some cases, up to two years. Women-owned businesses considering certification should factor these potential delays into their business plans. Starting the process early can help ensure certification is in place when an

day-to-day operations and major

opportunity arises.

business decisions—not simply hold

Recertification Requires Ongoing Attention

an ownership interest on paper.

Certification is not a one-time event. Businesses must periodically recertify and continue demonstrating that they meet all eligibility requirements.

Common Challenges During Certification and Recertification

Recertification requires updated documentation and may receive the same level of review as an initial application. This makes it important for business

Extensive Documentation Requirements

owners to maintain organized financial, ownership,

One of the biggest hurdles is the amount of docu-

and corporate records throughout the year rather

mentation required. Applicants may need to provide

than scrambling to gather everything when a recerti-

tax returns, W-2s, resumes for owners and key

fication deadline approaches.

employees, leases,

licenses, organizational

deeds,

and

other

documents,

supporting

records.

Planning Ahead is Key

Gathering this information can be time-consuming,

For women entrepreneurs, MWBE certification is

particularly for businesses with multiple owners

more than just a designation—it’s a tool for business

or complex organizational structures. Incomplete

development. However, the certification process

or inconsistent documentation can also lead to

requires advance planning, extensive documenta-

processing delays.

tion, and a clear understanding of the program’s requirements. It’s in your best interest to work with

Demonstrating True Ownership and Control

experienced advisors, such as CPAs specializing

Meeting the 51% ownership requirement involves

in your industry, who understand the financial,

much more than simply meeting an ownership

ownership, and compliance considerations involved.

percentage. Empire State Development reviews whether the qualifying owner truly exercises independent control over the company’s operations,

Taking a proactive approach to MWBE

financial decisions, and strategic direction. For

certification can help women-owned

women business owners, this means being prepared

businesses navigate the certification

to clearly demonstrate their role in managing

process, take advantage of available

the business and making significant decisions. Ownership documents, job responsibilities, financial authority, and day-to-day involvement should all tell

resources and opportunities, and continue growing their business.

a consistent story.

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From Planning to Progress: The Women Behind Delaware Engineering’s Community Impact Delaware Engineering, D.P.C. (DE) has a long-stand-

clients. Over the last five years, the Delaware

ing presence in Sullivan County, so the decision to

Engineering grants team in collaboration with the

open a local “satellite” office in 2019 was a no-brainer.

County’s municipalities have secured over $93 million

Mary Beth Bianconi — a partner in the firm with over

in funding for infrastructure projects.

30 years of experience in community planning and managing municipal infrastructure projects, had built

For example, Budrock was instrumental in helping

relationships with local officials over many years and

the Town of Thompson secure over $30 million in

understood the challenges elected leaders faced

grants and $20 million in interest-free financing for

when maintaining aging water and sewer systems

two critical sewer plant upgrades – one in Kiamesha

throughout the County’s towns and villages.

Lake and the other in Rock Hill. Both projects are out to bid and should be starting construction before the

One of six offices spread throughout the Hudson Valley

year’s end.

and Capital region, D.E.’s Sullivan County office is staffed by two experienced women – Helen Budrock,

Cory Dame, a Sullivan County native with extensive

Senior Planner and Grants Manager and Cory Dame,

experience in marketing, web and graphic design,

Marketing and Communications Manager – who

social media, and brand management, joined the firm

play a pivotal role in helping communities plan,

in 2021. “My role at DE as Marketing and Communica-

finance, and execute public infrastructure projects.

tions Manager is much more than just updating the

Budrock and Dame worked together previously in the

web site and maintaining our social media channels,”

non-profit sector before joining DE, but neither had

explained Dame. “I’ve designed outreach materials

experience with construction or public works projects.

to help our clients inventory lead service lines in their drinking water systems, designed public participa-

“It has been an incredible learning experience for

tion collateral for comprehensive plans, as well as

both of us,” remarked Budrock, who started working

evaluated and implemented software for our con-

for DE in 2019. A certified planner for nearly 30

struction inspectors, helping them transition to new

years, Budrock also has a strong background in

project management software designed to improve

grantsmanship. At DE, she not only provides support

efficiency, transparency and communication while

and assistance to local planning and zoning boards

managing complex construction projects.”

by reviewing large-scale development projects, she

manages a team of six grant-writers across three of

One example of Dame’s work in Sullivan County is

the firm’s offices. The team collectively helps secure

her contributions to the Town of Thompson Com-

hundreds of millions in public infrastructure grants

prehensive Plan Update, which required extensive

and financing annually on behalf of DE’s municipal

public outreach to inform the guiding document.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

From Planning to Progress: The Women Behind Delaware Engineering’s Community Impact Cory built and maintained a custom website and

Budrock and Dame work alongside DE’s technical

community survey, created hand cards explaining

staff and professional engineers to provide support

the comprehensive plan process, and designed a

throughout all phases of project development. From

traveling display for the Town to use at events to

responding to Requests for Proposals, Qualifying

capture community feedback.

Statements, to permitting and public outreach, securing grants and financing, and finally bidding and

Currently, Dame is working with DE engineers and

construction, they are an important part of Delaware

the Village of Liberty on outreach to capture Lead

Engineering’s success in Sullivan County and beyond.

Service Line Inventory information important to required EPA reporting.

Delaware Engineering, D.P.C. Company Highlight Delaware Engineering, DPC was founded nearly 40 years

Wherever we are engaged with municipalities or

ago in Delaware County, New York, hence the name,

industry, we are engaged with the community. We

to provide municipalities with civil and environmental

respect the unique character and nature of each

engineering from a local perspective, aimed at ensuring

community in developing customized solutions to

water quality and public health. Delaware’s colleagues

water, wastewater, stormwater, municipal buildings,

are the engine that drives our business, comprised of

structural, special projects and economic development

80+ engineers, scientists, planners, and environmental

challenges. Because we take the time to get to know

technicians. Our clients are predominantly municipal

each community personally, we treat each person and

entities with selected industry in our portfolio as well. We

each project with a commitment and passion as though

understand that municipal leaders come to government

it is our own hometown.

from all walks of life and bring unique perspectives, knowledge and experience that are to be respected and

As demonstration of our involvement in the communities

engaged in the process of governing. The functions of

in which we are trusted to work, we have paid our

government are complex, and it is our role to provide facts

successes back through community service contribu-

and guidance to municipal decision-makers to ensure

tions. In Sullivan County DE has sponsored numerous

that the best interests of the public are achieved.

Rotary Club events, supported the Liberty Flower Program, A Single Bite, Sub-Zero Heros plunge against

Our community is as broad as the locations in which

Alzheimer’s, Delaware Valley Youth Center River Race,

we work. We serve clients in the Capital District, the

and the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Neversink Crossing in

Adirondack and North County region, the upper and

Fallsburg, Western Sullivan Libraries, and other small

lower Hudson Valley, the Southern Tier and Catskill

but meaningful works through the area.

Mountain regions. In Sullivan County we have been engaged in work with the Town and Village of Liberty,

encourage

you

explore

Town of Thompson, Town of Fallsburg, Town of Tusten,

www.delawareengineering.com

Town of Bethel, Town of Callicoon, Town of Rockland,

Facebook and Instagram.

our

work

or follow us on

Town of Delaware, Village of Monticello, Village of Jeffersonville, and recently completed a The Sullivan County Assessment of Potable and Wastewater Infrastructure for Sullivan County Government. Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

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Success as a Female Executive:

Leading with Purpose While Protecting Balance

Karen Russell, CHC, MSW,MJ Chief Executive Officer New Hope Community

When I think about success as an executive, I do not

and resilient. Always. To everyone. Those qualities

think about a title, an office, or a list of accomplish-

matter, but they cannot come at the cost of losing

ments. I think about impact. I think about integrity. I

ourselves. I believe the best leaders are grounded

think about the people I have the privilege to lead and

leaders. They know when to move quickly, when to

the example I set along the way. Success, to me, is not

listen, when to ask for help, and when to step back

about doing everything perfectly. It is about leading

long enough to gain perspective.

with purpose, making thoughtful decisions, being a meaningful mentor, and building a life that allows me

Balance Is Not Perfection

to show up fully—at work and at home. Defining it as

I have never believed that work-life balance means

a female executive should no longer apply; but let’s be

every day is evenly divided between professional

honest-if that were the case, I wouldn’t be writing this.

responsibilities and personal life. Some days require

Knowing What Matters Most Leadership brings many demands, and they often

more from work. Some days require more from family. Some days require simply taking a breath and recognizing that rest is also productive.

arrive at once. There are decisions to make, people to

support, problems to solve, and expectations to meet.

For me, balance is about being intentional. It is about

Over time, I have learned that the clearest path forward

understanding that my time and energy are valuable,

begins with knowing what matters most. When my

and that I cannot lead well if I am constantly depleted.

values are clear, my priorities become clearer too. As

Protecting balance does not make someone less

women in leadership, we are often expected to be

committed. In fact, I believe it makes leadership

confident, composed, prepared, empathetic, decisive,

stronger, more thoughtful, and more sustainable.

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

Success as a Female Executive: Leading with Purpose While Protecting Balance

Lessons I Have Learned Along the Way • Be clear about your priorities. Not everything can be first. I try to focus on the commitments that truly matter and give them the attention they deserve. • Trust your team. Leadership is not about carrying everything alone. It is about building capable people, giving them room to grow, and trusting them to lead.

When women are supported in leadership, everyone benefits. Teams become stronger. Decisions become more thoughtful. Workplaces become more human. I believe part of my role is not only to succeed personally, but to help create conditions where other women can rise with confidence and authenticity.

Redefining Success on Our Own Terms Success as a female executive is about more than

• Protect your time. Boundaries are not barriers; they

reaching the top. It is about lifting others, staying

are tools that help us do our best work and preserve

true to yourself, and refusing to accept burnout as

the parts of life that keep us grounded.

the price of leadership. It is about creating a life and a career that reflects both excellence and humanity.

• Ask for support and offer it to others. None of

That is the kind of success I believe in—and the kind

us succeed alone. Mentors, sponsors, colleagues,

of leadership I hope to continue modeling.

family, and friends all play a role in helping us move forward.

Why? Because at the end of the day, I have more than 1,000 employees expecting my best. The measure of

• Lead by example. If I want others to value their

leadership is not the position you hold, but the op-

well-being, I must show that well-being matters in

portunities you create for others to rise, the strength

the way I lead.

you leave behind, and the example you set through

Creating Space for Others to Succeed

both excellence and compassion. Equally important, I am a role model to three amazing daughters, each

As a female executive, I also feel a responsibility

now an adult and paving her own way in her chosen

to make the path easier for others. Success should

field. I want them—and every woman who is building

not depend on who can endure the most pressure

a career, leading a team, or finding her voice—to

or make the greatest personal sacrifice. Organiza-

know that success does not require sacrificing who

tions need cultures where women have access to

you are. It requires knowing what you stand for,

opportunity, visibility, flexibility, and advancement.

leading with courage and kindness, and creating room for others to succeed alongside you.

About the author: Karen Russell has dedicated more than 30 years to New Hope Community, beginning her career in December 1995 as a Service Coordinator Appointed Chief Executive Officer in August 2025, Karen leads New Hope Community’s efforts to advance inclusion, advocacy, and innovative supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Previously, as Chief Operating Officer, she guided strategic planning and financial sustainability in collaboration with the organization’s leadership team. Karen is actively engaged in the Sullivan County community. She serves on the Sullivan County 180 Advisory Board and the Sullivan County Community Services Board, to which she was appointed by the Legislature. She is also the former Chair of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board and serves on numerous industry boards and committees. A resident of Bethel, New York, Karen lives with her husband and is a mother to three daughters. She holds a Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law, a Master of Social Work, and a Certification in Healthcare Compliance from the Health Care Compliance Association.

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Brittany, Brad and Laura Johnson - owners, ServPro Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties.

Finding Your Footing: A Woman’s Path in the Restoration Industry By Brittany Johnson Owner and Chief Growth Officer, SERVPRO of Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties.

Walk into most restoration job sites, and you’ll notice

in charge here? Do you know how to read a moisture

the pattern quickly. The crew leads, the estimators,

meter? Can you hold your own when a homeowner

the people running the drying equipment and hauling

is panicking about their flooded basement, and

out water-damaged drywall— most of them are men.

everyone is looking to you for answers?

It’s an industry built on physical labor, fast decisions,

and a certain no-nonsense toughness that has, for a

The truth that doesn’t get said enough: that discomfort

long time, worn a specific face.

is normal, and it doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

For the women stepping into this world, whether on

What the nerves are really telling you

the operations side, in sales, in project management,

Intimidation in a new or unfamiliar space isn’t

or running the business itself, that pattern can feel

proof you’re in the wrong place. It’s just your brain

like a wall before you’ve even said a word. You walk

registering that you’re doing something hard. Almost

into a room of contractors, insurance adjusters, or

every person who has broken into a field dominated

crew members and you can feel the assumptions land

by people who don’t look like them has felt that same

before you open your mouth. Are you really the one

tightness in the chest walking into a meeting or a job

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

Finding Your Footing: A Woman’s Path in the Restoration Industry site. The difference between the ones who stay and

with warmth and still being firm when it counts.

the ones who leave usually isn’t confidence they were

Maybe it looks like being the person who remembers

born with; it’s confidence they built, one uncomfort-

a homeowner’s name and asks about their kids while

able moment at a time.

also being the one who catches the detail everyone else missed on the estimate. Those aren’t contradic-

That distinction matters because it means you don’t

tions. They’re often exactly what makes someone

have to wait until you feel ready. You get to build the

memorable and trusted in an industry that can

readiness by doing the thing anyway.

otherwise feel transactional and impersonal.

Competence quiets a room faster than volume does

Building it, day by day

In restoration, more than almost any other trade, the

• Say yes to the hard conversations before you feel

work speaks first. Homeowners don’t care who is in the

ready. Readiness is usually a byproduct of doing the

room when their house is flooding at 2 am, they care

thing, not a prerequisite for it.

A few things tend to help along the way:

whether the person in front of them knows what to do next and can explain it clearly. Crews respect people

• Find people who’ve walked the path before you.

who show up prepared; who know the equipment; who

Other women in trades and construction-adjacent

can answer a hard question without flinching; and

industries are more available and more willing to talk

who follow through on what they say they’ll do.

than most people expect, and hearing that someone else felt exactly this same way is its own kind of relief.

That’s genuinely good news, because it means the fastest way to earn a seat at the table isn’t to

• Let mistakes be information. Everyone in this

out-shout anyone or to prove a point; it’s to know your

industry, regardless of gender, learns the technical

material cold, ask good questions when you don’t, and

and interpersonal parts of the job by getting some of

let your work do the talking over time. Confidence in

it wrong first.

this industry is less about walking in loud and more about walking in prepared.

• Track your own growth, not just other people’s

You don’t have to become someone else to lead

conversations that used to intimidate you without

opinions of you. Six months from now, you’ll be having thinking twice. That shift is worth noticing.

One of the most common and most damaging pieces

and abandoning who you are.

Being one of the few women in a room doesn’t have to be a burden to carry. It can just be a fact about the room, one that matters less the more comfortable you get in your own expertise.

The women who last in this kind of work tend to be

The nervousness fades. What’s left when you stick

the ones who found their own version of authority,

with it is someone who knows the industry, knows

not a borrowed one. Maybe that looks like leading

herself, and doesn’t have to choose between the two.

of advice women get in male-dominated industries is to toughen up, dress differently, talk differently, basically to sand off whatever makes them stand out. Some of that advice comes from a real place, learning to communicate directly and hold your ground under pressure is a genuinely useful skill. But there’s a difference between developing directness

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Investors on the Map

6 ALBANY

4 Binghamton

NEW YORK

Deer Park

2 12

3 LAKE HUNTINGTON

14 11

Pleasant Valley

Monticello

Poughkeepsie

15 9 New Windsor

Campbell Hall

8 MILFORD, PA

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | SUMMER 2026

10 Chester

Ever Wonder Where Our Investors are Located? From Albany, NY to Milford, PA — they’re not just from Sullivan County! Each issue, we’ll be calling out members from all over the map.

1 A. Alport & Son Inc. 5337 NY-42 South Fallsburg, NY 12779 Tel: 845-434-7500 alport.com 2 Apple Ice 171 E. Industry Ct Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel: 1-800-ICE-TO-GO appleice.com 3 American Electric 238 Nearing Rd Lake Huntington, NY 12752 Tel: 845-932-8111 americanelectriconline.com

6 Creighton Manning Engineering & Surveying, PLLC 2 Winners Circle Albany, NY 12205 Tel: 518-689-1814 cmellp.com 7 Hudson Valley Credit Union 137 Boardman Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12602 Tel: 845-463-3011 hvcu.org 8 Kittatinny 378 Route 6 & 209 Milford, PA 18337 Tel: 845-682-3539 kittatinny.com

4 Chianis + Anderson Architects, PLLC 31 Front Street Binghamton, NY 13905 Tel: 607-772-1701 chianisanderson.com

9 MHE Engineering, D.P.C. 33 Airport Center Drive New Windsor, NY 12553 Tel: 845-567-3100 mhepc.com

5 Consigli Construction Co., Inc. 199 West Road, Suite 100 Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 Tel: 845-674-7046 consigli.com

10 Orange Wealth Management 91 Brookside Ave Chester, NY 10918 Tel: 845-341-5043 orangebanktrust.com/orange-wealth-management

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development |

11 Resorts World Catskills 888 Resorts World Drive Monticello NY 12701 Tel: 833-586-9358 rwcatskills.com 12 Seminary Hill 43 Wagner Lane Callicoon, NY 12723 Tel: 845-887-4056 seminaryhill.co 13 SOCOTEC 3348 Route 208 Campbell Hall, NY 10916 Tel: 845-496-1600 socotec.us 14 The Arc Greater Hudson Valley 203 Cimarron Road Monticello, NY 12701 Tel: 845-796-1350 arcghvny.org 15 United Rentals 124 Windsor Highway New Windsor, NY 12553 Tel: 845-562-4560 unitedrentals.com

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