News

NORWICH, NY - The Chenango Foundation Board and Commerce Chenango are pleased to announce the graduation of the Leadership Chenango Class of 2022. The graduation marked the 18th year of high-quality leaders that are prepared to meet the future needs of our area.

Luke Murphy, Chair of Chenango Foundation and 2002 alumni, said, “We are very proud of the Leadership Chenango program and the foundation that it has created in developing leaders in our community over the past 30 years and in the future. Congratulations again to all of our graduates from the Class of 2020 and 2022.”

Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2022 and their employers: Sara Alger, NBT Bank; Kyli Anderson, Chenango United Way; Michael Asma, Preferred Mutual; Dawn Bagnall, Golden Artist Colors; Laura Beard, New York Central Mutual; Melissa Beers, entrepreneur; Kevin Gilley, Golden Artist Colors; Matt Gladstone, Chenango County Department of Planning; Jessica Henninge, entrepreneur; Jacob Lepcio, Norwich Pharmaceuticals; Matthew Masse, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital; Heather McShane, Canasawacta Country Club; Kathleen Mikalunas, NBT Bank; Brianna Miner, Commerce Chenango; Braderick Morrison, Chenango Health Network; Marci Riddel, Wells Fargo Advisors; Alexis Savidge, Family Planning of South Central New York; Adam Stoutenburg, Casella Waste Systems; Jerri Webb, Frontier Communications; and Allison Yacano, Chenango County Department of Planning.

Brianna Miner, Administrative Assistant and Receptionist at Commerce Chenango and LC class graduate, said, “The Leadership Chenango journey has been eye-opening to say the least. The classes we experienced gifted me with invaluable information on the inner workings of Chenango County as well as problem areas and how I might be able to help. I have no doubt that our class will all set out to do great things in Chenango County, armed with our newfound knowledge, love of the community, and each other’s friendship.”

An important aspect to note is that this class was Melissa Stagnaro’s first time facilitating the program on her own. A graduate of the Class of 2010, Stagnaro served as co-facilitator for the Class of 2020, and guided the Class of 2022 on their introspective journey. “To our fearless leader, whom we all owe a debt of gratitude, thank you for being our shepherd into growth and development for this county,” graduate Braderick Morrison, Chenango Health Network, said.

“This year’s class represented a diversity of backgrounds and industries, but they all have one thing in common: a desire and commitment to making out community a better place,” Melissa Stagnaro, class facilitator, said. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to be a part of this journey with them.”

The Leadership Chenango program was developed under the auspices of The Chenango Foundation in 1988. Initiated by business representatives, community leaders and government representatives, the program goals were to develop future leaders that could address the challenges of the area, including nurturing future leaders to fill volunteer roles in the community, and enhance those leaders’ knowledge of Chenango County and its various economic and socio-economic sectors. There are currently 350 Leadership Chenango alumni.

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