Alumni Notes

Amanda Lehman

Amanda Lehman ’17 joined Harbor Counseling, in Pennsylvania. She has been providing mental health services for more than a decade, as well as drug and alcohol counseling for more than two years.

Harbor Counseling provides drug and alcohol assessments/evaluations and counseling for substance abuse and mental health issues. Lehman has a bachelor’s degree in human services with a concentration in psychology from SUNY Empire State College. “I love what I do, and I am very passionate about recovery,” she says.

Aliqae Geraci

Aliqae Geraci ’06 was named the director of Wayne State University’s Reuther Library in Detroit, Michigan. Geraci holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and labor studies from SUNY Empire State College, a master’s degree in labor studies from the City University of New York, and a master’s degree in library and information science from Long Island University.

Sara Hillyard

U.S. Army veteran and SUNY Empire State College alumna Sara Hillyard ’19 is coordinator of a support program that helps veterans cope with the effects of PTSD and traumatic brain injury. The program serves those living in New York’s Allegany County. 

Linda Lambert

Linda A. Lambert ’00 has been awarded the Distinguished Contribution by National or Chapter Staff Award from the American College of Physicians, a national organization of internists. Lambert, former executive director of the New York Chapter of ACP, was responsible for all management functions of the chapter and served as NYACP’s lobbyist. Prior to joining NYACP, she served as associate director, Division of Governmental Affairs, for the Medical Society State of New York, and as director of MSSNY’s Committee for Physician Health. She also served as executive director of the Orange and Ulster County Medical Societies. She received her B.S. in business, management and economics with a concentration in health policy and management from SUNY Empire State College and attended the University of Delaware Institutes for Organization Management and the Harvard School of Public Health/John F. Kennedy School of Government program “Understanding the New World of Healthcare.” She received her Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives in 1994.  

Brian Shields

Brian Shields ‘00 retired after three decades at WAMC radio in Albany. He has interviewed governors, senators, and rock stars. He’s also been the steady, calming presence who has guided listeners through some of the Capital Region’s most notable tragedies and triumphs. He was the host of Midday Magazine and Northeast Report. He says he’s ready to spend time at home and be a consumer of news, not a producer. 

Kim Brumley

Kim Brumley ’13 was named to the Liberty ARC board of directors in Amsterdam. Brumley is a lifelong local resident who comes to the Liberty ARC board with many years of financial management experience and a proven track record in leadership. She has served as the secretary-treasurer of Liberty ARC’s subsidiary, New Dimensions in Health Care, since 2017. She worked at the Amsterdam School District for 14 years and recently retired. Now, she is working part time as the director of employee relations for the city of Amsterdam. She also served as treasurer for the Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County board of directors from 2010 until 2015. Her B.S. from SUNY Empire is in business, management and economics.

Yosef Aryeh Grodsky

Rabbi Yosef Aryeh Grodsky ’80, (a pen name for Steven Grodsky), has written a book titled “American Spiritual Warrior: The Extraordinary Self-Realization Journey of an Ordinary Guy AND Four Keys to Spiritual Enlightenment.” He lives in Jupiter, Florida.

Emad Rahim

Syracuse resident Emad Rahim ’02, ‘03 joined Ztudium as chief operations officer of global education initiatives in North America. Rahim will lead development and design of Ztudium’s new business education directory and university ranking system. He completed his post-doctoral studies at Harvard, Tulane, and the University of Maryland Global Campus, and he earned a doctorate in management and two graduate degrees in business from Colorado Technical University. He completed his undergraduate education at SUNY Empire, where he earned his associate and bachelor’s degrees in community and human services. He was the 2018 recipient of SUNY Empire State College’s Alumni Community Impact Award. Rahim holds the endowed chair of project management education and is director of the undergraduate and graduate degree programs in project management at Bellevue University in Washington.

Rebecca Gould

Rebecca Gould ’11, ’15, ’19, chief financial officer and executive director of finance at Schuyler Hospital, has been appointed its next president by the Cayuga Health System board of directors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business, management and economics, an MBA, and an advanced certificate in project management from SUNY Empire. 

Timothy Cosgriff

Timothy J. Cosgriff ‘93, an alumnus and current SUNY Empire director of community events, had work in the “Sweet Creations” exhibition at the George Eastman Museum. His work, “Le Voyage Dans la Lune, Possible!” was a celebration of the work of Georges Méliès and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. The work further celebrated the museum’s work in film preservation. 

Jennifer Senich

Jennifer Senich ‘11 was named vice president of operations at Ithos Global in Troy, New York. The IT company provides clients with the ability to search regulations, generate compliance reports, access and organize supplier documentation and information, and ensure compliance. She earned an MBA from SUNY Empire State College.  

Judith Frizlen

Judith Frizlen ’89, ‘01 published her third book, “Unpacking Guilt, A Mother’s Journey to Freedom.” The book outlines her personal journey and the impact of it on her mothering. Frizlen started her third career as an author after converting the early childhood center she founded into a workers’ cooperative. Her career as an author is a culmination of her experience as a teacher and supporter of young families. Frizlen’s books are for parents, early-childhood teachers, and anyone experiencing regret, and are available through www.judithfrizlen.com. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from SUNY Empire. Frizlen is a lifelong learner who finds life, books, and mentors to be the most valuable teachers.

Hilary Kellogg Hurley

Hilary Kellogg Hurley ’19 joined the FUND for Lake George as director of development. In this role, she oversees all fundraising activities. She will work with FUND staff, trustees, and partners to coordinate and continuously optimize fundraising, marketing communications, and overall brand effectiveness. Hurley’s appointment marks a return to the region for the Glens Falls native after serving in development leadership roles with Wake Forest University and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society while living in North Carolina. She previously served as assistant executive director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, major gifts officer at Emma Willard School in Troy, and director of government relations for Special Olympics New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany and a master’s in community and economic development from SUNY Empire.

Arthur Moats

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Arthur Moats ’17 wrote a new inspirational book, “Theory of Life,” which is a “guide to becoming a person of impact and inspiration.” Moats retired from the NFL in 2019. He is now a sportscaster for the Pittsburgh Steelers and hosts his own podcast. 

David Sherrin

David Sherrin ’09 has written his third book, ”Authentic Assessment in Social Studies: A Guide to Keeping it Real.” He is a high-school social studies teacher at Scarsdale High School in Westchester County. The book argues for an expanded notion of assessment in social studies to include art, civic action, podcasts, creative writing, and more.  

Karllen Lawrence

Karllen Lawrence ‘14 moved to Queens from Dominica. She is employed at the United Nations Development Program and admires what the organization stands for, working to eradicate poverty globally. She has always loved volunteering and giving back. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in international politics at Newcastle University.  

Marcia Muller

Marcia Muller ‘10 joined Cornell Cooperative Extension as horticulture program leader in Monroe County. She has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from SUNY Empire State College. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Russian studies from Tulane University.

Lenka White

Lenka White ‘15 (nee Houskova) graduated from the Prague program in 2015 and has since worked in London and New York. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in journalism at Columbia University and is based in New York City. She has been covering the COVID-19 pandemic for the Czech and Japanese press. She works as a permanent correspondent in the United Nations. 

Bob Martin

Bob Martin ‘90 has written a novel, “Bronx Justice: An NYPD Novel.” 

Gary Allen

Gary Allen ’00, food writer and adjunct at SUNY Empire, published a book on sauces. Twenty years ago, Allen began to write about food and decided he needed to find out a bit more about the writing/researching process. He enrolled in SUNY Empire and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. His first book, “The Resource Guide for Food Writers,” was published in 1999, the year before he graduated from SUNY Empire. Since then, he has written, edited, illustrated, or contributed to approximately 40 published books. Since graduating, he has been an adjunct instructor at SUNY Empire, teaching courses in food writing and various food and culture topics, as well as evaluating PLAs for SUNY Empire students. 

Iris Martinez-Davis

Iris Martinez-Davis ‘18 was named associate vice president of human resources at SUNY Orange in Middletown. In her role, she will be a member of the president’s cabinet and manage human resources and payroll staff. Martinez-Davis previously served as human resources director at Fedcap Rehabilitation Services. Prior to that, she spent 20 years (1997-2017) with Kennedy International Management Company at JFK Airport in New York City.

Andrea DiPace

Andrea DiPace was named vice president and branch administrator at the Bank of Greene County. DiPace has been with the bank for more than seven years and has 20 years of banking experience. She is actively involved in the community and is a member of the Germantown Student Education Foundation and Friends of New Baltimore Recreation. She is also a board member of Palatine Manor, Greene County Rural Health Network, and the Germantown Garden Club. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from SUNY Empire State College.

Thomas Giorgianni

Thomas Giorgianni ’94 received the 2020 President’s Award for Teaching Excellence from SUNY Orange. The award was presented at a collegewide academic division meeting in early March, before COVID-19 social-distancing guidelines were put into place. 

Ellen Iversen

Ellen Iversen ‘96 assumed the position of business advisor at the Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center. She has been working at the center for six years, helping clients affected by storms Irene, Lee, and Sandy in 2011 and 2012. In her new role, she works with clients in need of expert counseling to start or grow a small business. She studied business, management and economics at SUNY Empire and is currently a small-business owner herself.

David Ossont

David Ossont ‘77 co-wrote “The Ghosts of Saratoga,” a young-adult novel chronicling the events of the Battle of Saratoga through the eyes of a young colonial scout.

Mary Jane Parry

Mary Jane Parry ’13 was named interim executive director of information technology at Mohawk Valley Community College and will serve as the college’s chief technology officer, responsible for maintaining the college’s information technology plan. Parry has been with the college since 1993, most recently as programmer analyst. She has a bachelor’s degree in business, management and economics from SUNY Empire State College and associate degrees in data processing, programming, and systems, as well as in business management from MVCC. She holds CompTIA Security+ certification. 

Alyssa Nicole Brown

Huguenot residents Alyssa Nicole Brown ‘19 and Steven Edward Dash ’15 were married on Sept. 1, 2019, at The Palace at Somerset Park, in New Jersey. Brown earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human development from SUNY Empire State College. She is a paraprofessional with the Department of Education. Dash received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from SUNY Empire. He is a lead transportation security officer, behavior detection, for the Department of Homeland Security. 

Shawn Walker

An archive of work by Shawn Walker ‘87, a founding member of the Harlem-based African American photography collective, the Kamoinge Workshop, joins the Library of Congress’ collection. The iconic photographer’s extensive collection will be the first comprehensive archive of an African American photographer to become part of the Library of Congress in more than 100 years. Born and raised in Harlem, Walker learned photography at a young age by practicing with his uncle, Herbert Hoover Winfield. Encouraged by his mother, Florine Winfield Walker, he earned a BFA degree from SUNY Empire State College and made photography his life pursuit. For more than 50 years, he photographed life in Harlem and surrounding areas. He also taught at New York University and the International Center of Photography.  

Magdalena Garcia

Magdalena Garcia ‘07, ‘14 has written a book of verse, “The Madness Inside My Head,” exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly through raw and unfiltered poems. She is a domestic violence survivor diagnosed with PTSD and major depressive disorder and writes as a form of therapy. Garcia was born and raised in New York City. She is an advocate for domestic violence awareness. She has three children.

David Theobald

As reports of a global personal protective equipment shortage began to come in, SUNY Empire alumnus David Theobald ’13, ’17, CEO of Stat Staff Professionals in Saratoga Springs, and his team offered assistance by donating their remaining N95 masks. In an effort to do even more, they began to make and share handsewn masks with SSP staff, family members, and clinical staff throughout the community.

Anne Meisenzahl

Anne Meisenzahl ’85 has written her first novel, “Long Time Gone.” It was published by TouchPoint Press in October 2019. “Long Time Gone” is literary fiction that deals with complex moral issues. Previously, she taught adult and exceptional education and wrote curricula for more than 35 years. She earned her B.S. in counseling psychology from SUNY Empire, her master’s degree in elementary and exceptional education from Bank Street College, and an MFA degree in creative writing from Florida State University. Her poems and nonfiction have been published in The Georgetown Review.