DeWITT, N.Y. — Leadership Greater Syracuse (LGS), a nonprofit that offers a yearlong civic-leadership training program, recently announced its 52-person Class of 2023, the 33rd class in the organization’s history.
LGS says it saw a more than one-third jump in the number of people interested in becoming part of the new class.
“As demonstrated by the 37 percent increase in applications, there is a rise in corporate social responsibility, desire for individual citizen engagement, and a demand for excellent community leadership,” Pam Brunet, LGS executive director, said in the announcement. “Whether it be serving on a board or in an elected capacity, community leadership matters. Central New Yorkers look to LGS to create a pipeline of committed community leaders who will serve our community admirably.
The 52 participants in the Class of 2023 will be immersed in the issues and achievements of the greater Syracuse community — and through the year-long program, they will be provided the tools and the connections they need to be stronger leaders, LGS contends.
LGS says it teaches participants about community leadership, empowerment, group dynamics, and community opportunities. Participants will become current on trends in government, education, health, economic development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
“LGS has a 32-year track record of inspiring people to make a difference in the community where we live and work,” said Brunet. A recent survey shows that 80 percent of all LGS graduates are still living in Central New York and have held more than 800 volunteer positions.
“The LGS Class of 2023 are diverse in gender, age, race, residence, profession, volunteer interest and employment sector,” she said. “What they have in common, is a belief in our community and willingness to do their part to make it even better.”
Leadership Greater Syracuse was founded in 1991 by CenterState CEO, Onondaga County, the City of Syracuse, and Onondaga Community College. The nonprofit receives financial support from many organizations including United Radio, Community Bank, and VIP Structures.
LGS Class of 2023
• Danielle Altamuro, Baxter International
• Elizabeth Balfour, CNY Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance
• Kristen Barney, Suburban Propane
• Christopher Berry, Marquardt
• Melissa Boughton, Anoplate Corporation
• Monica Browning, Monica Browning Photography
• Marissa Cameron, Hueber Breuer Construction
• Brandon Clifford, Mohawk Global
• Michael Conese, Anchor QEA
• Daniel Cooter, Loretto Management Corporation
• Timothy Crosby, SIDEARM Sports
• Colby Cyrus, Central New York Community Foundation
• Jason Davenport, GHD
• Darcy DiBiase, SUNY Upstate Medical University
• Shauna Diliberto, Commonspace Properties, Inc.
• Nicole Dzuba, C&S Companies
• Tashima Forney, Empower FCU
• Sarah Forth, Turning Stone Resort Casino
• Linzy Frank, Sitka Insurance
• Shynique Gainey, Pathfinder Bank
• Gretchen Gretsky, Brighton Physical Therapy
• Tylor Hubbert, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
• LaToya Jones, Healthcare Education Project
• David Kailer, INFICON
• Sara Kampf, C&D Advertising
• Steven Kelley, Bowers & Company CPAs, PLLC
• Justin Keskin, Wool Skateboards
• William Kirchoff, Distant Lands Coffee
• Gina Lazara, Dairy Farmers of America
• Luana Lovenguth, Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse
• Sydney Maurer, Clear Path for Veterans
• Lara Mosby, Symphoria
• Aurelie Murray, Byrne Dairy
• Kenji Myint, Hematology Oncology Associates of CNY
• Samantha Nedrow, Bristol Myers Squibb
• Daniel Nemeth-Neumann, Onondaga Community College
• Sean Reed, Syracuse Community Connections
• Teresa Renn, Le Moyne College
• Josh RoycE, YMCA of Central New York
• Gwendolyn Sanders, National Grid
• Kathleen Saville, JMA Wireless
• Rock Schneider, United Healthcare
• Emma Spector, CenterState CEO
• Jeffrey Spenard, SWBR Architecs
• Diego Uribe, New York National Guard
• Khrystyna Volytska, Berkshire Bank
• Brian Weston, SRC, Inc.
• Elizabeth Wierbinski, Housing Visions
• Pete Wiezalis, Mower
• Kelly Willcox, City of Syracuse
• Robin Woodson, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
• Maria Zumpano, Bousquet Holstein PLLC
