OUR MISSION
The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence supports our school system and its extraordinary, diverse student body through advancing equity, excellence and inspiring all public school students.
OUR VISION
The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence partners with the City School District of New Rochelle and engages the broader New Rochelle community to develop, fund and implement high-quality educational and enrichment programming that enhances the school experience and helps students thrive and succeed along their educational journey.
OUR VALUES
Integrity
support honest and open relationships
Empathy
cultivate positive, caring interactions
Accessibility
open to all regardless of race, class, or ability
Respect
emphasize positive self-image and acceptance
Confidence
empower our next generation to succeed in college and career
Innovation
foster opportunities beyond the District budget
Creativity
provide space and time for reflection and expression
Community
forge bonds across the diverse population of New Rochelle
Volunteerism
encourage and facilitate civic engagement
OUR VALUES
Integrity
support honest and open relationships
Empathy
cultivate positive, caring interactions
Accessibility
open to all regardless of race, class, or ability
Respect
emphasize positive self-image and acceptance
Confidence
empower our next generation to succeed in college and career
Innovation
foster opportunities beyond the District budget
Creativity
provide space and time for reflection and expression
Community
forge bonds across the diverse population of New Rochelle
Volunteerism
encourage and facilitate civic engagement
OUR HISTORY
Established as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization in 1996, the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence was forged in an alliance between the Superintendent of Schools, members of the Board of Education and community leaders to enhance the New Rochelle tradition of excellence in education.
One of more than 3,000 communities nationwide that have private foundations to address the dramatic increase in the cost of public education, the Fund sought to support programs and activities that fall outside the normal operating budget.
The Fund operates with a streamlined staff that relies on volunteers to carry out its mission. The Board of Directors is comprised of parents, staff, community leaders, the Superintendent of Schools, school administrators and a Board of Education representative.
Meet the Board
Laurie Forkas
CO-CHAIRLaurie Forkas is Senior Assistant General Counsel for Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC) and is based in MMC’s New York office, where she has worked for nineteen years and has held various roles in MMC’s Legal Department. She is currently the Corporate Counsel for Marsh Captive Solutions globally and provides advice on a broad range of legal and commercial issues. In addition, she is Corporate Counsel for Marsh’s US Brokerage Operation. Qualified in Ohio, New York and London, prior to joining MMC, Laurie was a technology lawyer for a boutique law firm in New York City - Hall, Dickler, Kent, Goldstein & Wood, LLP. Earlier in her career, she lived in London working for Trans World International, Inc. as In-House Counsel and also lived in Vienna, Austria where she supported executives developing international opportunities. Her first career position was Senior Law Clerk in the Eighth District Court of Appeals, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. A Ohio native, Laurie has lived in New Rochelle for the past 23 years. She holds a law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law and she earned her undergraduate degree from Catholic University.
Jonathan Stark
CO-CHAIRJonathan Stark, Ed.D., joined the Fund’s Board in November 2016. He has twenty years of professional experience working in the areas of higher and postsecondary education. Currently, Dr. Stark serves as the inaugural Executive Director for the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, a corporate-academic Center of Excellence (CoE) in partnership with Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a CoE for Southeast Wisconsin, this role focuses on driving research, talent, and community engagement in areas of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), AI/data bias and ethics, health-wealth inequity, behavioral economics, and financial literacy. Prior to this role, Dr. Stark served as Columbia University's Data Science Institute’s Chief Administrative and Operations Officer, where he had oversight of the Institute’s financial & grants management, human resources, academic administration, and day-to-day operations. As part of his 17 years at Columbia University, he previously served as the Columbia Engineering's Assistant Dean of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (2011-2013) and Student Affairs Officer (2005-2011) for the Office of Graduate Student Affairs. Dr. Stark’s expertise includes academic administration, student development and STEM career advising, conflict resolution, and university admissions. Jonathan holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western CT State University, an M.A. in Applied Organizational Psychology from Fairfield University, and an M.A. in Higher Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania. In his spare time, he performs regularly as a bassoonist, contrabassoonist, and clarinetist with a number of local community orchestras and music ensembles.
Hon. Deirdre Polow
VICE PRESIDENTTom Livaccari
TREASURERTom Livaccari began his career in wealth management in 2002 with the mission of bringing a different perspective to managing the financial affairs of ultra high net worth clients. Chosen to be part of UBS's Private Wealth Management Group, an elite group of 300 advisors out of the 6,700 at the firm, Tom focuses on providing clients with holistic financial planning, sound advice and an investment strategy tailored to fit the specific objectives of each client. Tom began his career as an accountant and later a technology consultant at Arthur Anderson. He later co-founded and helped build one of the world’s first end-to-end internet consulting firms and was part of the senior management team that took public and then sold the business to a major telecom company. Tom's background in accounting, consulting and as an entrepreneur, gives him a unique perspective on the needs of clients and their families.Tom has an M.S. in accounting from the NYU Stern School of Business and a B.S. in finance from Boston College's Carroll School of Management. Tom lives in New Rochelle with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters, Anna and Christina. He enjoys skiing, triathlons, sailing and coaching travel soccer. He is a board member of the Boston College National Alumni Association, former President of St. Augustine Church, former board member of Larchmont Shore Club and co-founder of the Media & Technology Advisory Group.
Meredith A. Hilton '72
SECRETARYMeredith ('Meri') Adler Hilton is a graduate of NRHS, holds a B.A. with honors from Trinity College, Hartford CT, and a J.D. from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, NYC, where she served as Managing Editor of its Law Review. She has worked in publishing for newspapers and trade journals and as a corporate attorney in Manhattan. Meri began working with the Fund in its first year, as Co-chair of Poetry Out Loud and a member of the first Carnegie Hall concert committee. She joined the Fund board in 2000 and was elected chairperson in 2002. She served in that capacity until 2012 when she and Steve Silverman became Fund co-chairs. Meri is currently the Emeritus Chair. She also sits on board of Student Advocacy and is a past board member of The Guidance Center of Westchester and the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency. Meri is married to Ken Hilton, proud mother of 3 sons who are all alumni of NR public schools.
Dr. Corey W. Reynolds , ex-officio
Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Corey W. Reynolds is a two-time alumnus of Seton Hall University. Upon the completion of his Bachelor of Art degree in English as a Two-Ten Scholar and being inducted in the Inaugural Class of the Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society in English at Seton Hall, Corey was awarded a full scholarship to Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education as a coveted Intern Fellow. One year later, he was awarded a Master of Science in Education degree with a concentration in Elementary Education and was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. For over ten years, he served as classroom teacher in the Mount Vernon and Greenburgh Central School Districts. Corey then matriculated as a postgraduate student at the College of New Rochelle. Within two years, he earned a second Master of Science in Education degree in the concentration of School Administration and Supervision. Immediately upon graduation, he sought the opportunity to become a school administrator and was named the Assistant Principal at Ossining Union Free School District’s Park Elementary School. While at Park School, Corey returned to Seton Hall University in order to pursue his terminal degree in the field of Education Leadership, Management, and Policy. In two years, he completed the traditional course of on-campus studies, was for a second time named to the scrolls of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, successfully wrote and defended his dissertation, and earned the title of Doctor of Education. Since then, Corey has served the children of Westchester County as the Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in Ossining, as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the White Plains City School District, as the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision in the Yonkers Public Schools, as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Personnel in the Greenburgh Central School District, and as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer for the City School District of New Rochelle. Dr. Reynolds is an active Life Member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in White Plains’ Beta Alpha Alpha Chapter. He currently serves as the President of the Beta Alpha Alpha Scholarship Foundation and as the Scholarship Committee Chairman. Previously, he served in the roles of Blood Drive Committee Chair, Social Action Committee Member, as a Board Trustee and as the Board Vice President of the Beta Alpha Alpha Scholarship Foundation, as Assistant Keeper of Records and Seals, and as Chapter Vice Basileus. Professionally, he has served as an active member of the Lower Hudson Council of School Personnel Administrators and the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Curriculum Council, as an Advisory Committee Member of the Center for Educational Leadership and Human Services at the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, and as a member of the New York State Association of School Personnel Administrators. He is currently a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the School Superintendents' Association, the New York State Council of School Superintendents, the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents, the Southern Westchester BOCES Chief School Administrators' Association, and the National Association of Black School Educators. Dr. Reynolds has received numerous awards, citations, and proclamations from local, county, and state elected officials. When asked, Corey states that his proudest achievement was being awarded the "Father of the Year Award" by the City of White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach and the City of White Plains Youth Bureau in 2013. Dr. Reynolds currently devotes each day to the betterment of scholarship and aids in the development of the leaders of tomorrow as the Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer of the City School District of New Rochelle. It is his belief that, “Education is not a profession, it’s a calling. As an educator, one must take students’ minds beyond their perceived limitations and challenge them to a place of ever higher aspiration because perception, unchallenged, becomes reality.”
Dr. Dagoberto Artiles
Principal, New Rochelle High School
Kristin Quillinan Bamberger
Hon. Margaret Bavosa
Member, Board of EducationMargaret Bavosa is a native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, and a proud resident of New Rochelle for over forty years. She lives with her husband, Jim, and extended family on the south end of the city. She was elected on May 18, 2021 as a member of the City of New Rochelle Board of Education. Mrs. Bavosa, who has been an educator for over thirty-five years, has an Ms.Ed in Administration and Supervision, and an Ms.Ed in Teaching. She holds permanent NYS teaching certificates for grades N-6 and 7-12, and has taught both secondary math and English in the New Rochelle School District. As well, Mrs. Bavosa has been awarded certificates from Harvard University for studies in both Shakespeare and Culturally Diverse Literature. Over her many years of teaching, Mrs. Bavosa offered individual and group tutoring sessions for students in local public venues, and ran an after school program to create inclusivity and combat bias and bullying. She was selected to work in an after school program for gifted minority males to support high achieving academic goals. Her volunteerism also included teaching religious classes for teens, delivering Meals on Wheels, and working as a teacher for adult second language learners. Mrs. Bavosa has always been a staunch supporter of the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, and she is thrilled to be a Board member of the Fund as a liaison from the BOE. She hopes to bring to this role a strong awareness of the possibilities that can be afforded all students in support of equity and accessibility. She looks forward to promoting the continued intellectual and cultural creativity generated by the Fund.
Iliana Fleischman
Iliana Fleischman was born and raised in New York City. She attended Hunter College graduating Cum Laude as a double major in English Literature and Journalism. After college, she worked in the fashion industry in sales and production for several well-known designers and retailers. She is now a proud resident of New Rochelle, where she is raising her family, and works as a full time real estate agent focused on lower Westchester County. Iliana is thrilled to be a part of the New Rochelle Fund to help pay forward all of the amazing opportunities she received as a child in the public school system and is excited to help continue the work of helping to offer meaningful programs that enrich and empower New Rochelle's students.
Hon. William Iannuzzi
President, Board of EducationMr. William Iannuzzi was elected on May 21, 2019 as a member of the Board of Education of the City School District of New Rochelle for a five-year term commencing on July 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2024. Mr. Iannuzzi was elected as President of the Board of Education in July 2022 and previously served as Vice President during the 2020-2021 school year. Born and raised in the West End of New Rochelle, he started school at Daniel Webster Elementary School, attended Albert Leonard Middle School, and graduated from New Rochelle High School in 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree in Public Accounting from Mercy College. Mr. Iannuzi’s entire adult life has been dedicated to serving the youth of New Rochelle. Since age 19, he has been working at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, first as a Youth Development Professional, and later becoming the youngest Mascaro Clubhouse Director at 21-years-old. Mr. Iannuzzi is the Director of Programs responsible for program strategy across the organization. In addition to serving in leadership capacities on numerous school district and community committees and boards during the past several years, in 2022 Mr. Iannuzzi was selected as a Next Generation Afterschool Leader Recipient from the National Afterschool Association.
Mariana Jusufaj
Mariana Jusufaj is a dynamic leader in the realms of business development and entrepreneurship, with a strong foundation in international business. Holding a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California and a Paralegal Certificate from Pace University, she is a driving force for business growth and transformation. Mariana's expertise in program creation, coordination, and development, combined with her unwavering commitment to secondary education, positions her as a catalyst for economic empowerment and an advocate for underserved communities. Her significant accomplishment in organizing Latina and Black Domestic Workers in New York State and founding the We Rise Training Program exemplify her capacity to lead transformative initiatives. Furthermore, Mariana serves as the Chair of the Hispanic Advisory Committee in the City of New Rochelle, where she takes a lead role in fostering collaboration and promoting programs for the Hispanic community. As a consultant for the Department of Development in the City of New Rochelle, she holds a pivotal position as the Business Liaison/MWBE Coordinator, guiding small businesses toward educational resources, economic opportunities, and critical funding insights. Mariana's dynamic leadership in entrepreneurship and business development, combined with her commitment to empowering underserved communities and her role as the Chair of the Hispanic Advisory Committee, makes her a distinguished figure in these pivotal fields.
Linda E. Kelly
A graduate of Wellesley College, Ms. Linda E. Kelly enjoyed a successful forty-two year career in the City School District of New Rochelle as a teacher and administrator. Upon receiving a Masters Degree from Columbia University, Teachers College, she joined the New Rochelle High School History Department as a teacher of World History. She began her career in administration as Assistant to the Principal and then Associate Principal of New Rochelle High School. She then moved to central office as Assistant Superintendent, then Associate Superintendent. In 1991, Ms. Kelly was selected as Superintendent of Schools. She served in this capacity until her retirement in 2006. During her superintendency, many exemplary programs were developed including the Barnard Early Childhood Center, the Campus School: alternative High School program, Magnet programs at Columbus and Trinity, P.A.V.E. and smaller learning communities at New Rochelle High School. Numerous community partnerships enriched the curriculum and the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence was established. Significant grants were secured that added new and additional dimensions to the instructional program. Many awards were bestowed on the District for its students numerous achievements and multiple programs offerings including Blue Ribbons from the U.S. Department of Education and a rating by School Match that placed the District among the top in the United States. Ms. Kelly continues to be involved in a broad range of community activities and has returned to serve again as a Board member of the NR Fund, an organization of vital importance to our schools and community.
Adrienne J. S. Quinn
Adrienne J. S. Quinn is a graduate of the City School District of New Rochelle. She attended Mayflower Elementary School, Albert Leonard Junior High School and New Rochelle High School. She was accepted to Wellesley College when she was fifteen years old and graduated four years later. She graduated from Columbia Law School and became an Associate at Firms in Manhattan. Then, making an abrupt change, she was accepted and completed a Masters Degree in the Art of Teaching from Manhattanville College. She taught at Davis Middle School, Bronx Community College and Pre-kindergarten at the Children’s Center on Pintard Avenue. Holding General Education and Special Education Certification, she is an extremely happy Third Grade Teacher at Trinity Elementary School and was tenured in the Fall of 2022. She returned to teaching full time after her two children were accepted to colleges. She is Vice-President for the Westchester Association of Black School Educators (WABSE), on the Board of the Residence Neighborhood Association, on the Board of Sag Harbor Hills Improvement Association, and is actively working to improve Amistad Legislation. Her volunteerism has included: PTA President and other Board assignments at Trinity Elementary School, Isaac E. Young Middle School and New Rochelle High School, working with New Rochelle High School seniors create their college essays, My Brother’s Keeper Elementary Chair, and mentoring via Judge Rice’s Program. Ms. Quinn is thrilled to become one of the Fund’s newest Board Members.
LaThell Sebastian-Smith
Kristine Sharp
Kristine Sharp has been a resident of New Rochelle for over two decades. She currently works at the Private Risk Management Association as a Membership and Education Manager. Kristine has a rich history of service in various PTA/PTSA roles, including President of the George M. Davis PTA, Secretary at Albert Leonard Middle School PTA, and is currently serving as Treasurer of the New Rochelle High School PTSA. Kristine is a California native who earned a Bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University and a Master's degree from UC Davis. Kristine has watched her children flourish in the New Rochelle school district and looks forward to serving on the New Rochelle Fund for Excellence board to give back to the district and her community.
Hon. Albert Tarantino, '69
A New Rochelle native, Albert's heritage in the City goes back to the 1890s. He attended New Rochelle schools and was a member of the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. He and his wife Lynn live in the Sans Souci neighborhood of New Rochelle and have six children. Albert attended the Gemological Institute of America and the Bulova Jewelry School. He also proudly served in the United States Air Force. Albert is co-owner of Talner Jewelers, a business that has served New Rochelle's residents since 1927. He is District 2 Council Member in the City of New Rochelle, former president of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and a current member of their Board of Directors. Albert also is a board member of the New Rochelle Business Improvement District (BID), the YMCA, and the United Way of New Rochelle; and is a member of the New Rochelle Downtown Task Force. He is a former member of the New Rochelle Waterfront Advisory Committee, former president of the Sans Souci Homeowners Association and former member of the Advisory Committee on Boating and Marinas.
Nadine Wallace
Meet the Board
Laurie Forkas
CO-CHAIRLaurie Forkas is Senior Assistant General Counsel for Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC) and is based in MMC’s New York office, where she has worked for nineteen years and has held various roles in MMC’s Legal Department. She is currently the Corporate Counsel for Marsh Captive Solutions globally and provides advice on a broad range of legal and commercial issues. In addition, she is Corporate Counsel for Marsh’s US Brokerage Operation. Qualified in Ohio, New York and London, prior to joining MMC, Laurie was a technology lawyer for a boutique law firm in New York City - Hall, Dickler, Kent, Goldstein & Wood, LLP. Earlier in her career, she lived in London working for Trans World International, Inc. as In-House Counsel and also lived in Vienna, Austria where she supported executives developing international opportunities. Her first career position was Senior Law Clerk in the Eighth District Court of Appeals, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. A Ohio native, Laurie has lived in New Rochelle for the past 23 years. She holds a law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law and she earned her undergraduate degree from Catholic University.
Jonathan Stark
CO-CHAIRJonathan Stark, Ed.D., joined the Fund’s Board in November 2016. He has twenty years of professional experience working in the areas of higher and postsecondary education. Currently, Dr. Stark serves as the inaugural Executive Director for the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, a corporate-academic Center of Excellence (CoE) in partnership with Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a CoE for Southeast Wisconsin, this role focuses on driving research, talent, and community engagement in areas of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), AI/data bias and ethics, health-wealth inequity, behavioral economics, and financial literacy. Prior to this role, Dr. Stark served as Columbia University's Data Science Institute’s Chief Administrative and Operations Officer, where he had oversight of the Institute’s financial & grants management, human resources, academic administration, and day-to-day operations. As part of his 17 years at Columbia University, he previously served as the Columbia Engineering's Assistant Dean of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (2011-2013) and Student Affairs Officer (2005-2011) for the Office of Graduate Student Affairs. Dr. Stark’s expertise includes academic administration, student development and STEM career advising, conflict resolution, and university admissions. Jonathan holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western CT State University, an M.A. in Applied Organizational Psychology from Fairfield University, and an M.A. in Higher Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania. In his spare time, he performs regularly as a bassoonist, contrabassoonist, and clarinetist with a number of local community orchestras and music ensembles.
Hon. Deirdre Polow
VICE PRESIDENTTom Livaccari
TREASURERTom Livaccari began his career in wealth management in 2002 with the mission of bringing a different perspective to managing the financial affairs of ultra high net worth clients. Chosen to be part of UBS's Private Wealth Management Group, an elite group of 300 advisors out of the 6,700 at the firm, Tom focuses on providing clients with holistic financial planning, sound advice and an investment strategy tailored to fit the specific objectives of each client. Tom began his career as an accountant and later a technology consultant at Arthur Anderson. He later co-founded and helped build one of the world’s first end-to-end internet consulting firms and was part of the senior management team that took public and then sold the business to a major telecom company. Tom's background in accounting, consulting and as an entrepreneur, gives him a unique perspective on the needs of clients and their families.Tom has an M.S. in accounting from the NYU Stern School of Business and a B.S. in finance from Boston College's Carroll School of Management. Tom lives in New Rochelle with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters, Anna and Christina. He enjoys skiing, triathlons, sailing and coaching travel soccer. He is a board member of the Boston College National Alumni Association, former President of St. Augustine Church, former board member of Larchmont Shore Club and co-founder of the Media & Technology Advisory Group.
Meredith A. Hilton '72
SECRETARYMeredith ('Meri') Adler Hilton is a graduate of NRHS, holds a B.A. with honors from Trinity College, Hartford CT, and a J.D. from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, NYC, where she served as Managing Editor of its Law Review. She has worked in publishing for newspapers and trade journals and as a corporate attorney in Manhattan. Meri began working with the Fund in its first year, as Co-chair of Poetry Out Loud and a member of the first Carnegie Hall concert committee. She joined the Fund board in 2000 and was elected chairperson in 2002. She served in that capacity until 2012 when she and Steve Silverman became Fund co-chairs. Meri is currently the Emeritus Chair. She also sits on board of Student Advocacy and is a past board member of The Guidance Center of Westchester and the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency. Meri is married to Ken Hilton, proud mother of 3 sons who are all alumni of NR public schools.
Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, ex-officio
Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Corey W. Reynolds is a two-time alumnus of Seton Hall University. Upon the completion of his Bachelor of Art degree in English as a Two-Ten Scholar and being inducted in the Inaugural Class of the Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society in English at Seton Hall, Corey was awarded a full scholarship to Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education as a coveted Intern Fellow. One year later, he was awarded a Master of Science in Education degree with a concentration in Elementary Education and was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. For over ten years, he served as classroom teacher in the Mount Vernon and Greenburgh Central School Districts. Corey then matriculated as a postgraduate student at the College of New Rochelle. Within two years, he earned a second Master of Science in Education degree in the concentration of School Administration and Supervision. Immediately upon graduation, he sought the opportunity to become a school administrator and was named the Assistant Principal at Ossining Union Free School District’s Park Elementary School. While at Park School, Corey returned to Seton Hall University in order to pursue his terminal degree in the field of Education Leadership, Management, and Policy. In two years, he completed the traditional course of on-campus studies, was for a second time named to the scrolls of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, successfully wrote and defended his dissertation, and earned the title of Doctor of Education. Since then, Corey has served the children of Westchester County as the Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School in Ossining, as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the White Plains City School District, as the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision in the Yonkers Public Schools, as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Personnel in the Greenburgh Central School District, and as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer for the City School District of New Rochelle. Dr. Reynolds is an active Life Member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in White Plains’ Beta Alpha Alpha Chapter. He currently serves as the President of the Beta Alpha Alpha Scholarship Foundation and as the Scholarship Committee Chairman. Previously, he served in the roles of Blood Drive Committee Chair, Social Action Committee Member, as a Board Trustee and as the Board Vice President of the Beta Alpha Alpha Scholarship Foundation, as Assistant Keeper of Records and Seals, and as Chapter Vice Basileus. Professionally, he has served as an active member of the Lower Hudson Council of School Personnel Administrators and the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Curriculum Council, as an Advisory Committee Member of the Center for Educational Leadership and Human Services at the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, and as a member of the New York State Association of School Personnel Administrators. He is currently a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the School Superintendents' Association, the New York State Council of School Superintendents, the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents, the Southern Westchester BOCES Chief School Administrators' Association, and the National Association of Black School Educators. Dr. Reynolds has received numerous awards, citations, and proclamations from local, county, and state elected officials. When asked, Corey states that his proudest achievement was being awarded the "Father of the Year Award" by the City of White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach and the City of White Plains Youth Bureau in 2013. Dr. Reynolds currently devotes each day to the betterment of scholarship and aids in the development of the leaders of tomorrow as the Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer of the City School District of New Rochelle. It is his belief that, “Education is not a profession, it’s a calling. As an educator, one must take students’ minds beyond their perceived limitations and challenge them to a place of ever higher aspiration because perception, unchallenged, becomes reality.”
Dr. Dagoberto Artiles
Principal, New Rochelle High SchoolKristin Quillinan Bamberger
Hon. Margaret Bavosa
Member, Board of EducationMargaret Bavosa is a native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, and a proud resident of New Rochelle for over forty years. She lives with her husband, Jim, and extended family on the south end of the city. She was elected on May 18, 2021 as a member of the City of New Rochelle Board of Education. Mrs. Bavosa, who has been an educator for over thirty-five years, has an Ms.Ed in Administration and Supervision, and an Ms.Ed in Teaching. She holds permanent NYS teaching certificates for grades N-6 and 7-12, and has taught both secondary math and English in the New Rochelle School District. As well, Mrs. Bavosa has been awarded certificates from Harvard University for studies in both Shakespeare and Culturally Diverse Literature. Over her many years of teaching, Mrs. Bavosa offered individual and group tutoring sessions for students in local public venues, and ran an after school program to create inclusivity and combat bias and bullying. She was selected to work in an after school program for gifted minority males to support high achieving academic goals. Her volunteerism also included teaching religious classes for teens, delivering Meals on Wheels, and working as a teacher for adult second language learners. Mrs. Bavosa has always been a staunch supporter of the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, and she is thrilled to be a Board member of the Fund as a liaison from the BOE. She hopes to bring to this role a strong awareness of the possibilities that can be afforded all students in support of equity and accessibility. She looks forward to promoting the continued intellectual and cultural creativity generated by the Fund.
Iliana Fleischman
Iliana Fleischman was born and raised in New York City. She attended Hunter College graduating Cum Laude as a double major in English Literature and Journalism. After college, she worked in the fashion industry in sales and production for several well-known designers and retailers. She is now a proud resident of New Rochelle, where she is raising her family, and works as a full time real estate agent focused on lower Westchester County. Iliana is thrilled to be a part of the New Rochelle Fund to help pay forward all of the amazing opportunities she received as a child in the public school system and is excited to help continue the work of helping to offer meaningful programs that enrich and empower New Rochelle's students.
Hon. William Iannuzzi
President, Board of EducationMr. William Iannuzzi was elected on May 21, 2019 as a member of the Board of Education of the City School District of New Rochelle for a five-year term commencing on July 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2024. Mr. Iannuzzi was elected as President of the Board of Education in July 2022 and previously served as Vice President during the 2020-2021 school year. Born and raised in the West End of New Rochelle, he started school at Daniel Webster Elementary School, attended Albert Leonard Middle School, and graduated from New Rochelle High School in 2010. He received his bachelor’s degree in Public Accounting from Mercy College. Mr. Iannuzi’s entire adult life has been dedicated to serving the youth of New Rochelle. Since age 19, he has been working at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, first as a Youth Development Professional, and later becoming the youngest Mascaro Clubhouse Director at 21-years-old. Mr. Iannuzzi is the Director of Programs responsible for program strategy across the organization. In addition to serving in leadership capacities on numerous school district and community committees and boards during the past several years, in 2022 Mr. Iannuzzi was selected as a Next Generation Afterschool Leader Recipient from the National Afterschool Association.
Mariana Jusufaj
Mariana Jusufaj is a dynamic leader in the realms of business development and entrepreneurship, with a strong foundation in international business. Holding a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California and a Paralegal Certificate from Pace University, she is a driving force for business growth and transformation. Mariana's expertise in program creation, coordination, and development, combined with her unwavering commitment to secondary education, positions her as a catalyst for economic empowerment and an advocate for underserved communities. Her significant accomplishment in organizing Latina and Black Domestic Workers in New York State and founding the We Rise Training Program exemplify her capacity to lead transformative initiatives. Furthermore, Mariana serves as the Chair of the Hispanic Advisory Committee in the City of New Rochelle, where she takes a lead role in fostering collaboration and promoting programs for the Hispanic community. As a consultant for the Department of Development in the City of New Rochelle, she holds a pivotal position as the Business Liaison/MWBE Coordinator, guiding small businesses toward educational resources, economic opportunities, and critical funding insights. Mariana's dynamic leadership in entrepreneurship and business development, combined with her commitment to empowering underserved communities and her role as the Chair of the Hispanic Advisory Committee, makes her a distinguished figure in these pivotal fields.
Linda E. Kelly
A graduate of Wellesley College, Ms. Linda E. Kelly enjoyed a successful forty-two year career in the City School District of New Rochelle as a teacher and administrator. Upon receiving a Masters Degree from Columbia University, Teachers College, she joined the New Rochelle High School History Department as a teacher of World History. She began her career in administration as Assistant to the Principal and then Associate Principal of New Rochelle High School. She then moved to central office as Assistant Superintendent, then Associate Superintendent. In 1991, Ms. Kelly was selected as Superintendent of Schools. She served in this capacity until her retirement in 2006. During her superintendency, many exemplary programs were developed including the Barnard Early Childhood Center, the Campus School: alternative High School program, Magnet programs at Columbus and Trinity, P.A.V.E. and smaller learning communities at New Rochelle High School. Numerous community partnerships enriched the curriculum and the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence was established. Significant grants were secured that added new and additional dimensions to the instructional program. Many awards were bestowed on the District for its students numerous achievements and multiple programs offerings including Blue Ribbons from the U.S. Department of Education and a rating by School Match that placed the District among the top in the United States. Ms. Kelly continues to be involved in a broad range of community activities and has returned to serve again as a Board member of the NR Fund, an organization of vital importance to our schools and community.
Adrienne J.S. Quinn
Adrienne J. S. Quinn is a graduate of the City School District of New Rochelle. She attended Mayflower Elementary School, Albert Leonard Junior High School and New Rochelle High School. She was accepted to Wellesley College when she was fifteen years old and graduated four years later. She graduated from Columbia Law School and became an Associate at Firms in Manhattan. Then, making an abrupt change, she was accepted and completed a Masters Degree in the Art of Teaching from Manhattanville College. She taught at Davis Middle School, Bronx Community College and Pre-kindergarten at the Children’s Center on Pintard Avenue. Holding General Education and Special Education Certification, she is an extremely happy Third Grade Teacher at Trinity Elementary School and was tenured in the Fall of 2022. She returned to teaching full time after her two children were accepted to colleges. She is Vice-President for the Westchester Association of Black School Educators (WABSE), on the Board of the Residence Neighborhood Association, on the
Board of Sag Harbor Hills Improvement Association, and is actively working to improve Amistad Legislation. Her volunteerism has included: PTA President and other Board assignments at Trinity Elementary School,
Isaac E. Young Middle School and New Rochelle High School, working with New Rochelle High School seniors create their college essays, My Brother’s Keeper Elementary Chair, and mentoring via Judge Rice’s Program. Ms. Quinn is thrilled to become one of the Fund’s newest Board Members.
Kristine Sharp
Kristine Sharp has been a resident of New Rochelle for over two decades. She currently works at the Private Risk Management Association as a Membership and Education Manager. Kristine has a rich history of service in various PTA/PTSA roles, including President of the George M. Davis PTA, Secretary at Albert Leonard Middle School PTA, and is currently serving as Treasurer of the New Rochelle High School PTSA. Kristine is a California native who earned a Bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University and a Master's degree from UC Davis. Kristine has watched her children flourish in the New Rochelle school district and looks forward to serving on the New Rochelle Fund for Excellence board to give back to the district and her community.
LaThell Sebastian-Smith
Hon. Albert Tarantino, '69
A New Rochelle native, Albert's heritage in the City goes back to the 1890s. He attended New Rochelle schools and was a member of the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. He and his wife Lynn live in the Sans Souci neighborhood of New Rochelle and have six children. Albert attended the Gemological Institute of America and the Bulova Jewelry School. He also proudly served in the United States Air Force. Albert is co-owner of Talner Jewelers, a business that has served New Rochelle's residents since 1927. He is District 2 Council Member in the City of New Rochelle, former president of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and a current member of their Board of Directors. Albert also is a board member of the New Rochelle Business Improvement District (BID), the YMCA, and the United Way of New Rochelle; and is a member of the New Rochelle Downtown Task Force. He is a former member of the New Rochelle Waterfront Advisory Committee, former president of the Sans Souci Homeowners Association and former member of the Advisory Committee on Boating and Marinas.
Nadine Wallace
OUR EMERITUS BOARD
Donald Bakalor ’48
Hon. Noam Bramson ’87, Mayor of New Rochelle
Scott Cohen ’84
Hon. Barry Fertel, Member, City Council
Sonny Hagendorf
Audrey Mlotek
Brian Rosner, Esq.
Stephen B. Silverman, '80
Marlene Tutera