Officers
Jennifer Lake, SPHR-SCP, MS
Chair
Jennifer Lake, SPHR-SCP, MS joined Bivona Child Advocacy Center’s Board of Directors in March of 2017. Lake is the CEO at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes. Lake holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from St. John Fisher College and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Learning and Human Resource Development from St. John Fisher College. Lake currently sits on the HR Committee at Bivona and she was recognized as a recipient of the prestigious 40 Under 40 award in 2016. She resides in Pittsford with her husband and daughter.
Kelly Thompson, CPA
Immediate Past Chair
Kelly Thompson, CPA joined Bivona Child Advocacy Center’s Board of Directors in March of 2015.
Kelly spent 18 years in public accounting and is currently the Chief Financial Officer at DePaul Group, Inc. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from SUNY Geneseo, and was the recipient of the RBJ 40 under 40 award in 2016.
Kelly resides in Greece with her husband and two children.
Aaron Bertram
Vice Chair
Aaron Bertram is Vice President of Government Programs, leading our Government Programs line of businesses (LOB).
He joined Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in July 2012. His most recent position was leading SafetyNet LOB over the last 5 years helping to drive the successful turnaround plan to reach financial sustainability and profitable growth for those products. Prior to that role, he worked within the IT organization in various leadership capacities.
Aaron began his career in 1993 at Celltech Pharmaceuticals in Rochester, New York. Previously, he also served as Director of Global Operations and Architecture at Constellation Brands, Director of Transition Management at Xerox and Director of Client Services and Enterprise Architecture at CitiGroup.
Mr. Bertram earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester - Simon School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland.
Aaron and his wife reside in Rochester and have a 13-year-old son in middle school.
Reginald Dejean
At-Large Executive Committee Member
Reggie is responsible for Lawley’s specialty insurance department, including errors & omissions(E&O)/ professional liability, medical malpractice, directors & officers(D&O), employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, cyber/network security (including privacy) liability and pollution coverages. Reggie joined Lawley in 2001. His more than 30-year career includes underwriting and management roles at Aetna, Travelers and Chubb insurance companies. Reggie holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from SUNY Buffalo. He is a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) and is currently pursuing his Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU) designation. Reggie has served on various youth sports boards in Fairport, NY including soccer, baseball and softball. He also served as a trustee for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Western & Central New York for 9 years. Reggie co-chaired the Rochester Light the Night Walk for 5 years and served on the committee for their Champions for a Cure event.
MaryLouise Steinwachs
Secretary
MaryLouise Steinwachs is Executive Director at PEKO Precision Products, Inc., a private contract manufacturing company located in Rochester, NY. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from St. Bonaventure University, a Master of Strategic Leadership at Roberts Wesleyan College, and PHR, SHRM-CP. She started her journey at Bivona as a volunteer in 2013, is an active committee member focusing on development, and joined Bivona’s Board in 2018.
Highlights of her expertise include collaboration, formulation, and execution of corporate strategies fostering organizational growth and financial stability. MaryLouise thrives on navigating new challenges by presenting creative solutions and perseveres against adversity. Her passions focus on children’s welfare, the advancement of youth to promote workforce preparedness, elevating individual strengths, and healthcare in the community.
Her family, cultivating friendships, and empowering individuals to navigate and overcome barriers provide her with “happiness factors”.
Abhas Kumar
At-Large Executive Committee Member
Abhas Kumar is a Sr. Vice President at NIIT USA Inc., one of the world’s top 5 providers of Managed Training Services and is also a director on the board of Eagle Productivity Solutions, based in Rochester. Abhas has an engineering degree from IIT Roorkee and an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur. Abhas served on the board of the India Community Center of Rochester from 2010-2012 and was the Chair in 2011. At the ICC, Abhas founded the ICC Professional Forum and helped institutionalize KRHTPA, where kids raise funds for local kid-oriented charities. Abhas has also served on the board of SAATHI of Rochester and has been a member of the Strategic Planning Committee at Bivona. When not working or volunteering, Abhas’ other interests are photography, learning to dance and theatre.
Jason Barnecut-Kearns
Treasurer
Jason Barnecut-Kearns serves as Trillium Health’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to his role as CEO, he served as Trillium Health's Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Development Officer.
Prior to joining Trillium Health, Jason was employed by Xerox Corporation for 25 years, where he served as Vice President of Finance. He has experience in global finance oversight and budgeting, strategic planning, management accounting, financial planning, and analysis. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business studies from Bournemouth University and he is certified as a Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA/GCMA), as well as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Jason currently serves as a member of the Finance Committee of Accountable Health Partners and he is on the Board of Directors of the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) and a member of their Finance & Audit Committee.
Jason previously served on Trillium Health’s Board of Directors as Vice Chair of the Finance/Audit Committee and Board Treasurer. In addition, he served on the Board of Out Alliance, GALAXe Pride at Work and Make A Wish.
Jason is a recipient of the Rochester Business Journal's Financial Leaders Award, the Power List for LGBTQ+ Business Leaders, and the Power 30 List for Health Care.
Jason resides in Brighton with his husband Bill.
Kate Kenney
At-Large Executive Committee Member
Kate Kenney is a Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Employee Retention Solutions. Kate has more than 25 years of professional services experience, 15 of those years serving in the HR Industry. Employee Retention Solutions was founded to serve the SMB space in the areas of HR Solutions including Payroll, Benefits and Wealth.
Prior to launching Employee Retention Solutions, she was most recently a Partner and Senior Vice President at a consulting firm, where she supported the strategic expansion and growth of the brand while overseeing the firm’s client service, marketing, and operations teams.
Kenney earned her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego and plays an active role in the Rochester community as chair of the Community Impact Cabinet at the United Way of Greater Rochester and a board member at Bivona Child Advocacy Center and Delphi Rise.
Board of Directors
Caytie Bowser
As VP/Director, Product Development & Management at ESL Federal Credit Union, Caytie is responsible for the effective development and management of ESL’s product and service portfolios, including product design, understanding market, financial and credit opportunities, as well as risks, and trends. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in business administration from the State University of New York at Geneseo and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Caytie is a 2017 alumni of Leadership Rochester and has previously served as a Financial Coach with the C.A.S.H. (Creating Assets, Savings & Hope) Coach Program.
Outside of the office, Caytie sits on the boards of Causewave Community Partners and the SUNY Geneseo Roundtable Athletic Association, and is an active member of her local church.
Dr. Ashley Cross
Dr. Ashley Cross established the first girls’ home in Tulsa, OK, and raised awareness in the city about the issues concerning girls in foster care and youth aging out. She is a leader with a big heart and a lot of passion. Through civic engagement, the local church, a dedicated community, and a lot of faith and hope, Dr. Ashley raised over $1 million in funds and properties to house girls aging out of foster care or experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma. Dr. Cross currently serves as the Executive Director of Generation Two and also dedicates her life to working in the community to build and sustain hope in children in foster care and the professionals working with them. She sits on the board of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and Rochester Excellence Academy and is the founder of the Hub585, which oversees the Monroe County CarePortal, connecting children in foster care with the physical and relational resources they need.
Dr. Ashley also Pastor’s alongside her husband Melvin Cross Jr. at Glory House International. Ashley and Melvin have three daughters, Jordan, Harper, and Madison.
Jeff Cook
Jeff is a dedicated donor to many local and national charitable organizations focusing on the health and welfare of children. He is the CEO of Cook Properties whose main focus is on providing affordable housing throughout New York State.
Jeff graduated with from Binghamton University with a Masters Degree in Public Administration and lives in Honeoye Falls with his wife and two children.
Colleen Dandrea
Colleen is the CEO of Givily, a SaaS company located in Rochester NY that provides a donation management platform for businesses wanting to streamline their charitable giving process. Prior to her role at Givily, Colleen had consulted as a business and marketing strategist.
Colleen is passionate about the environment, sustainability, raising strong healthy daughters, as well as maintaining her own health and wellness through meditation, yoga and eating clean. She embraces giving back by volunteering and supporting causes that are close to her heart. Born and raised in Rochester NY. She currently lives in Pittsford NY with her husband, three teenage daughters and their dog.
Dr. Myra Henry
Dr. Myra Henry is committed, courageous and on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. As President & CEO of YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County, Dr. Myra Henry brings over 20 years of experience as an administrative change agent with a passion for integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles within organizational systems. Her appointment at YWCA also is a moment in history as she is the first woman of color to lead the 138-year-old organization. Dr. Henry is well known in the community having worked closely with organizational committees and leadership teams in higher education, medical centers, and not for profits as well as community agencies to develop and deliver professional development, coaching, and leadership training.
In her work, as the leader of the YWCA Rochester & Monroe County, Dr. Henry is intentional and thoughtful in her approach to advancing the agency’s mission to “Eliminate Racism and Empower Women”. She is a relational leader that takes time to connect with YW staff, residents, and clients. Dr. Henry has launched new equity programming, focused on women of color fundraisers, and has embedded the tenets of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the YW’s continuum of housing, supportive living, and young adult services.
Dr. Henry’s personal philosophy of change requires that she “stand in her own truth while walking toward her purpose”. As a lifelong learner, Myra earned her doctorate degree in Executive Leadership with an Equity Lens from St. John Fisher College and her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Management from Keuka College. Myra has also completed the Leadership Coaching Certificate Program and the National Inclusive Excellence Academy.
William Hurley
William “Bill” Hurley is the Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services with Monroe #1 Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES). He oversees a team of 50 school mental health professionals who impact the lives of nearly 1,000 students annually across the region. A McQuaid graduate, Bill earned his Master’s in Social Work from Syracuse University and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Administration from SUNY Oswego. Bill is a Licensed Master Social Work and is active in the development of children’s mental health services in our community. He currently serves on the Greater Rochester Initiative for Children’s Social and Emotional Health Implementation Task Force.
David Mattucci
David A. Mattucci is currently the Executive Vice President and one of the current owners of Christa Construction, LLC. David started in the construction field at age 18 and worked throughout college. He attended Mercyhurst College studying Elementary Education and after college he continued down the path of construction. David has been involved with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) since 2003. Soon after, he built the first Bivona building located on 275 Lake Avenue. David has always helped and suppoted kids and people in need. David is a former board member for the Make a Wish foundation, NCMEC, Mommie for Miracles Committee member, and has been on the Scholl of the Holy Childhood golf committee for almost 20 years. David is married to Kelly of 18 years, and they have two daughters.
Andrew McDermott
McDermott is a co-founder of the Fairport Music Festival, originator and manager of the "Last Man Standing" organization, and Vice President/Sales for Information Security Corporation. Through his work with the Fairport Music Festival and "Last Man Standing." McDermott has raised over $3 Million for local charitable organizations. McDermott holds a Liberal Arts degree in English from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Margaret live in Fairport, N.Y. and have four children and seven grand-children, just to keep things interesting. Andy enjoys playing chess and golf and proudly boasts that he is the best 30.1 GHN golfer in Monroe County.
Patricia Uttaro
Patricia Uttaro has served as Director of the Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System since 2009. Patty's work and research has focused on the importance of early literacy and reading together as a family to build literacy skills and family bonding. She is a Reader with a capital R who credits her grandmother and mother for her love of reading and success in her career. Patty believes that the ability to read and understand what you read is the key to building a successful life, and that we all have a responsibility to model that behavior for our young people. A lifelong Rochester resident, Patty grew up in the South Wedge and currently lives in Chili with her husband Cosmo and two pups. She has two grown children, Scott who lives in Buffalo and Liz who lives in Rochester.
Sayeh Rivazfar
Sayeh Rivazfar is currently an Investigator with the New York State Police co-located at the Bivona Child Advocacy Center. She joined the New York State Police in December 2003, and was promoted to Investigator in August of 2016. Sayeh is a survivor of childhood trauma. As a result of Sayeh’s experiences, she has become the voice for other victims. Sayeh has shared her experiences with several various entities including victim’s families, parents, children, peers, Politicians, Law Enforcement agencies, and many different communities in hopes that this would show others hope for prevention, intervention, and/or comfort. Sayeh has conducted several media interviews and appeared on talk shows to educate others of her past experiences in hopes of reaching those who are in need or will listen. Sayeh is a consultant for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Team HOPE. Sayeh has successfully completed her education, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and has successfully pursed her goal of a career in Law Enforcement working with the New York State Police. Sayeh is the oldest of six siblings, is married, and has one child whom is her world.
Anne Wilder
Anne Wilder joined Bivona Child Advocacy Center's Board of Directors in August of 2017. Wilder is the President of Coordinated Care Services Inc. (CCSI), a not-for-profit management services organization specializing in the behavioral health and human services field. A Rochester native, she holds a degree in Marketing from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master's degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Rochester.
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Brian Tomeny
Brian Tomeny is a graduate of Fairport High School and holds a BS in Business Management from Ithaca College. He is currently a manager at B&L Wholesale Supply, a former Board Member at the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC), and was Chair-Person for The Red Tie Society which raises awareness and funding for RMHC. Brian is married and has two children.
Dr. LeKeyah Wilson
LeKeyah Wilson is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist with Rochester Regional Health. She also serves as the medical director of 5 RRH’s School Based Health Clinics, Industry School, and Monroe County Children’s Center. She matriculated at University of Rochester and earned her medical degree. She also completed her pediatric residency and adolescent medicine fellowship at University of Rochester. She graduated from Penfield High School and currently lives in Penfield with her two children, 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter. She enjoys spending her time watching her children participate in sports, especially basketball and cheerleading. She also enjoys traveling with her children and learning about different cultures.
Edward Townsend
Edward H. (Ted) Townsend is a Partner at Harter Secrest & Emery and serves as chair of the firm’s Health Care and Human Services practice group. In that capacity, Ted advises hospitals, health care providers, facilities and organizations in connection with operational, compliance and governance matters, including corporate compliance, HIPAA, fraud and abuse, professional licensure and misconduct issues, the implementation of internal compliance programs, patient-related issues, medical staff issues and psychiatric commitment issues. Ted received his J.D. in 2010 from Syracuse University College of Law where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Syracuse Law Review. Ted was born and raised in Rochester. He graduated from The Harley School in 1998, after which he obtained his undergraduate degree from Trinity College (Hartford, CT). Ted lives in Fairport with his wife, Jenn, children, Henry and Georgia and dog, Oscar.
Honorary Board Members
Kathie Bivona
Kathie Bivona is proud to have Bivona Child Advocacy Center bear her name and is awed by the amazing work accomplished by the Team at Bivona. She is most pleased to serve as an Honorary Board Member. Bivona has a degree in Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She is the owner of an accessories business, “Green Eyed Girl.”
Jill Knittel
Jill Knittel is the President and Owner of JK Executive Strategies and specializes in Executive Level Retained Search for her client companies. JK Executive Strategies provides search and recruiting services on a direct hire and temporary basis throughout the greater Rochester region. As an individual who is committed to the community, Jill is a member of the Board of Trustees at St. John Fisher College, a $90mm Liberal Arts College located in Rochester, NY. Jill serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee and member of the Executive and Investment Committees. Jill also serves on the School of Business Advisory Board, Accounting Advisory Board and is a founding member of the Duplessis Wolfe Accounting Society. Jill received the Dean’s Medal from St. John Fisher in 2014. Jill also serves a member of the Board of Governors for Hillside Family of Agencies, a $143mm Human Services Organization headquartered in Rochester, NY. Jill has been involved with Bivona since 2010 holding several officer positions on the Board (Vice-Chair, Chair, Immediate Past Chair) along with her involvement on several committees (Executive, Governance, Stewardship, and Nominating). However, Jill’s most integral and demanding role was that of Chair of Bivona’s Capital Campaign. Through Jill’s guidance and leadership, Bivona raised over $5M enabling the move into One Mt. Hope Avenue. In recognition for Jill’s outstanding contributions, time and dedication, she was bestowed with the “Diane Larter Champion for Children Award” at Bivona’s Annual Dinner in 2017.
Lou Bivona
Lou Bivona led efforts in 2004 to establish Bivona Child Advocacy Center. His work has earned him numerous community recognition awards, including the 2002 Monroe County Crime Victims’ Advocate Award, the 2001 Boxing Hall of Fame Humanitarian Award, the 1995 Boys’ Town of Italy Man of the Year Award and the 1985 President Reagan Recognition Award for Community Service. Lou and Kathie Bivona established the New York Chapter of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 1982.
Tom Wahl Jr.
Tom Wahl, Jr. is a SR Vice President, Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Communications Journalism from St John Fisher College. He previously served as Chairman of the Boards; for Monroe County Easter Seals Society, the Finger Lakes Travel Association and NY Wine and Culinary Center Philanthropic BD. He is currently the chair of the Liberty Education Forum, the Chaine des Rotisseurs-Rochester Finger Lakes Association, Black Tie International and serves on the Civil Rights Commission for NY State. He started on the original Bivona Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors and is humbled to serve as an 'honorary' board member.
Gary Domenico
Gary Domenico joined General Code, LLC, in 2000 and acquired ownership of the company in 2007, and is now the former President and CEO. Prior to General Code, Gary was President and CEO of IMPCO Enterprises, a direct marketing company, from 1992 to 1999. He has been active on a number of boards including ten years at the Ad Council of Rochester (1994 to 2004), the Gates-Chili Chamber of Commerce (2009 to present) and the Bivona Child Advocacy Center (2004 to present), including the role of Chairperson. Gary was presented with the Board Leadership Award (Greater Rochester Awards) in 2009 for his work with Bivona and the prestigious Lantern Award from the Rochester Ad Council in 2000. He has a BA from Le Moyne College (1975) and an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology (1977).Gary has been and continues to be an instrumental guiding star for Bivona. He was a founding member of Bivona Child Advocacy Center in 2004 and since then he has held numerous Board positions (Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair) and sat on various committees (Executive, Facilities, Program, Strategic). He was then re-elected back to Bivona’s Board of Directors in 2010 and went on to hold the position of Program Committee Chair in 2013 and was Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee from 2015-2016. Gary officially cycled off from the Board effective September of 2016. In recognition and deep appreciation of Gary’s time, dedication and years of helping Bivona grow, he was bestowed with the “Diane Larter Champion for Children Award” in 2016.
Wayne F. Holly
Wayne Holly is President, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Sage Rutty & Company, Inc. Joining the firm in 1980, Wayne assumed the role of President, after mastering many positions within the firm. His strong beliefs in traditional values and ethical standards insures he is perfectly suited to lead Sage Rutty. Wayne holds a variety of licenses with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from Alfred University, as well as successful completion of the Securities Industry Association Executive Education Program at the Wharton School of Finance.
Wayne is married to his wife Judy of 32 years. They have 6 children and continue to foster care babies for Monroe County. They have fostered more than 50 babies (and counting) over the past 20 years.
