Golisano Children's Hospital Board

We are committed to the excellence of patient care, education and research for the children of the Finger Lakes Region and beyond. This will be accomplished through fundraising and promoting an increased awareness of Golisano Children's Hospital.

Kim J. McCluski*, Board Chair

Chair of Golisano Children's Hospital's Community Fundraising Committee, McCluski is no stranger to community boards. She serves on the Pittsford Central School District Board of Education, Monroe County School Board Association, and the Nazareth College Board of Trustees in addition to her work with the hospital.

McCluski currently lives in Pittsford with her husband, Stephen. They are the parents of two sons, Brad, and Ryan. Ryan sadly passed away in 2004 and is honored by a memorial basketball tournament, The Rainbow Classic, each year. The tournament is held between Pittsford Sutherland and Pittsford Mendon High Schools, honoring both Ryan McCluski and Katie Pasley.

McCluski enjoys cooking and working out; her passion for the children's hospital springs from personal experience—she worked there from 1975 to 1983—and from the caring and dedication of the staff during Ryan's illness.

Daan Braveman, Former President of Nazareth College

Braveman will retire in June 2020 as the college’s longest serving president. During his 15 year tenure, eight buildings were built or renovated to support the college’s more than 60 undergraduate academic programs and 25 graduate programs and to improve the student experience.

Under Braveman, Nazareth created the nationally-recognized Center for Life’s Work in 2016, which integrates career development into a student’s entire college experience from day one, when each freshman gets a career coach. He continued to ensure that Nazareth partnered with the Rochester community. From renovating the Nazareth College Arts Center to make it Rochester’s premier mid-size theatre, to the Golisano Training Center, that will showcase a unique partnership with Special Olympics to create a new model of inclusion, fitness, and wellness for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Braveman, a Rochester native and 1969 graduate of the University of Rochester, is married to Lorraine Winn Braveman, a social worker, and they have a son, Adam, who is a lawyer in New York City.

Michael F. Buckley Esq., Partner, Boylan Code LLP

An attorney in the Rochester community for more than 45 years, Buckley is a long-time friend and supporter of the University of Rochester Medical Center. He has served on numerous boards with the Medical Center for more than 30 years including URMC, Highland Hospital, and the Wilmot Cancer Institute. Buckley is a member of the George Eastman Circle, the University’s leadership annual giving society.

Buckley’s longtime community service also includes board membership in Daystar for Medically Fragile Children, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and YMCA of Greater Rochester. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for Trusts & Estates and in Super Lawyers for Estate Planning & Probate.  

Buckley lives in Penfield, is the father of two grown children, Sean and Kathleen, and has six grandchildren.

Steve Carl

Jeffrey A. Davis, President of Elmer W. Davis, Inc.

Davis' ties with Golisano Children's Hospital run close to his heart—his daughter was treated here on a number of occasions, undergoing several surgeries. Now a healthy teenager, his daughter is the primary motivation behind Davis' decision to serve as a board member. Davis is an active member of the Golisano Children's Hospital Golf Ttournament Planning Ccommittee. He, his wife Patricia, and their family live in Pittsford.

Lauren Dixon

Roger B. Friedlander, Former President of Staples Business Advantage

Friedlander, who has been involved with Golisano Children’s Hospital for many years, has served both as Board Chair and as a member of the Executive Committee.

Most recently, as medical center liaison, Friedlander and his family have donated a pediatric intensive care transport isolette, which will help in transferring the tiniest patients by tending to their most critical care needs while in-between hospitals, as well as many additional contributions to wish list items.

Friedlander's daughter, Deborah Haen, also serves as an honorary member of the board.

Jay Gelb, Vice President, Rochester Home Equity

Gelb’s ties with Golisano Children’s Hospital date back to 1999, when his wife, Sandra, a 1989 University alumna, gave birth to premature triplets who spent three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Today, all three are members of the University of Rochester Class of 2022.

Gelb and his wife remain grateful for the care the babies received when they were born. Gelb, a member of Golisano’s board since 2001, has been supportive of the hospital for many years through the Golisano Children’s Hospital Gala and NICU Annual Fund.

Jay and Sandra live in Pittsford.

Goonan, now retired, is deeply committed to advancing the mission of Golisano Children’s Hospital. He and his wife Judy were honorary chairs of the 2014 Gala and generously named the nurse's documentation station in the new hospital's seventh floor. 

"With the support of a highly-committed and energetic Board, an extremely supportive University and Medical Center, and an entire community with a proven philanthropic track record, I have no doubt that we will meet the challenges that may lie ahead and continue to insure that children in our community will receive the best care."

Deborah Haen

John Halleran, President and CEO of Halleran Financial Group

Halleran’s first involvement with Golisano Children’s Hospital was a fundraising event that his company, Halleran Financial Group, sponsored to raise money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  John’s ongoing connection to the hospital began when he and his wife Laura met a family whose lives were changed by the “beacon of health and hope that the hospital is to families with children in health crises.” 

Halleran’s position on the board sprang from his participation in and corporate support of the annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Gala in 2013 and his and his wife Laura’s participation on the Gala commitee in 2014. The Hallerans made a generous commitment to the Gala through fund-in-need and sponsorships of fund-in-need.

The Hallerans reside in Honeoye Falls with their three children, Grant, Benjamin and Grace.

Jim Hammer, President and CEO, Hammer Packaging

More than twelve years ago, Hammer and his wife Donna decided they wanted to focus on helping the charitable efforts of Golisano Children's Hospital. They have been a major sponsor of both Gala and golf tournament and Hammer Packaging Corporation have generously donated the services for printing invitations for the Gala for many years. Hammer Packaging Corporation, of which Hammer is the president and CEO, was awarded the hospital's Miracle Maker Award for Outstanding Commitment by a Company.

In addition to his membership on Golisano Children's Hospital's board, Hammer is also a board member of the Mary Cariola Children's Center and a board member of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center and JP Morgan Chase's regional board of directors. A staunch believer in the power and importance of giving back to one's community, Hammer looks forward to growing and strengthening his relationship with Golisano Children's Hospital.

Howard "Howie" R. Jacobson, Managing Partner, Red Rock 1886, llc

Jacobson's connections with the hospital date back to the 1996 Gala when he served as an co-auctioneer.

In 1998, the place became even closer to his heart when one of his sons was in a life-threatening car and bicycle accident and airlifted to the children's hospital.“Dr. Walter Pegoli and the team performed their magic, and afterward, I wanted to do more. Being asked to join the Board afforded me that opportunity,” Jacobson said.  “After all, it’s all about the children.”

Jacobson has been involved with Golisano Children's Hospital for many years. He serves on the Gala committee and partners with community fundraising efforts. He has served as Chair of the Board and on the Executive Committee.

In his free time, he enjoys skiing, snow-shoeing, swimming, and wine-and-food sampling.  He resides in Rochester with his wife, Jona. They have seven children: Grace, Angus, Henry, Rory, Gunther, Paige and Tess.

Todd Levine, President, Digital Apparel Lab

Levine’s involvement with Golisano Children’s Hospital dates back several years, but he solidified his commitment in March 2002 when he joined the Board.

The William and Mildred Levine Foundation, of which Levine is president, committed $1 million to name the pediatric autism clinic that is located 200 E River Road. The Levine Clinic addresses the increasing needs for diagnosis and treatment in an environment that will meet the unique sensory needs of these youth. 

Levine and wife, Julie, are proud parents of three healthy children, Noah, Morgan and Rachel.

Scott Marshall*, President of Marshall Farms Group

Scott Marshall and his wife, Courtney, were proud parents of two healthy boys before they delivered their daughters, Anne and Molly. Both girls, though born two years apart, each arrived nearly 3 months early.

"After Anne, we thought this was just an anomaly," Marshall said. "Having had two boys at full-term, we were confident this wouldn't be a risk we’d run into again down the road."

Anne and Molly each spent 3 months in the NICU at Golisano Children's Hospital, gaining strength, learning to breathe and eat, putting on weight. Now, both are healthy girls and the Marshalls are giving back to the hospital in any way they can.

"The NICU is especially close to our hearts," Marshall said. It's a joy to be able to champion the hospital—the doctors, nurses, staff. After all, for a long time, they were the ones supporting us."

Gary Mauro*, President J.T. Mauro Co. Inc.

Mauro shares ownership of a mechanical contracting company with a tradition of taking a vested interest in its clients. For Golisano Children’s Hospital, that means J.T. Mauro steps beyond its expected role in providing complete mechanical systems for our PICU/PCICU and the William and Mildred Levine Pediatric Surgical Suite projects; they also support the hospital financially funding a PICU nurse’s station, sponsoring the annual Gala and golf tournaments, and generously serving as the presenting sponsor of the Miracle Makers’ Luncheon since its inception

Mauro says that, "Over the years, I have had the unique opportunity to watch Golisano Children's Hospital grow. From that, I have witnessed firsthand the commitment of its administrators, department heads and staff to the cause—providing superior pediatric care to the Rochester's children."

Mauro serves as co-chair of the annual GCH golf tournament and serves on the planning committee for the annual gala. He currently serves on boards of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Hillside Children’s Center Foundation.

"It's an honor for me to play a role in one of our community’s greatest assets," he said.

Mauro lives in Brighton with his wife, Suzanne, and has a daughter who lives in Chicago.

Kathy Parrinello, RN, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center

Parrinello’s leadership skills have translated well in her work with Golisano Children’s Hospital. A strong advocate of the hospital, Parrinello has been a huge help with getting the word out to the Medical Center community about events like, and serves as co-chair of the annual GCH golf tournament, the Golf Classic and the Ski Outing.

In addition to her administrative duties, Parrinello precepts and teaches students in the University’s graduate school of business, the Simon School, in healthcare management. Parrinello also chairs the COO forum for the Hospital Association of New York State and serves on the Board of the State appointed, Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency and is also a board member of the Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester, where she chairs the Program and Planning Committee.

Brian Pasley, Executive Vice President, Consumer Lending Manager and CRA Officer at Canandaigua National Bank & Trust

Pasley’s connection with Golisano Children’s Hospital occurred when his daughter, Katelyn, was diagnosed with leukemia and was in the hospital for intensive chemotherapy treatments. After only five weeks, Katie passed away suddenly at 8-and-a-half years old. 

However, her legacy lives on with a program named in her honor, Katelyn’s Connection, allowing patients and families to access games, movies on demand, Internet access, and email. It also includes educational content for parents such as what a new diagnosis means, how to clean a catheter, and what to expect of a new prescription. “As a parent, full of questions, having access to information and being able to research on your own volition is incredibly helpful.” Katelyn’s Connection was installed thanks to support from the Pasley family, friends, the Golisano Children’s Hospital Gala, the Rainbow Classic annual basketball tournament, and more.

Pasley, a graduate of the University of Rochester, resides in Pittsford with his wife, Barbara. The Pasley’s have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Ann Pettinella, Director of Organizational Development and Training for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.’s Rochester office

Pettinella is a longtime friend of Golisano Children’s Hospital. A personal connection to Strong Memorial and Golisano Children’s Hospitals inspired her to join the board and advocate for the children’s hospital. She was touched by the experience of her friend and fellow board member, Kim McCluski, whose late son, Ryan, was treated at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Seeing what she and her family experienced deepened my understanding of how hard it is for children with medical issues.” Pettinella was also grateful for the care many of her family members received at Strong Memorial Hospital.

She is excited to be part of efforts to attract leading professionals in pediatrics from across the country to Rochester and continue to enhance the hospital’s reputation nationally.

As a corporate trainer, she provides management, team, and sales training to client companies in Rochester and throughout the country. Pettinella and her husband, Edward, live in Rochester. 

Jennifer (Jenni) Ralph*, Owner of Wisteria Flowers & Gifts, Chair of the Golisano Children's Hospital Gala, Executive Committee

Ralph’s connection with Golisano Children’s Hospital began in 2003, when her daughter Charlotte was born with a minor facial deformity. During her daughter’s stay at the children’s hospital, Ralph recognized how lucky she was to have the institution right in her community and knew she had to give back in some way.

Ralph has dedicated countless hours working with her creative Wisteria team to design beautiful floral arrangements for a number of children’s hospital events, including our annual Gala, Radiothon, and Miracle Luncheon. Ralph has been the chair of the Gala for a number of years. Not only does she help transform the venue the day of the event, but she also donates a majority of the décor, making each year unforgettable. When she’s not hands-deep in creating floral designs, Ralph also volunteers at the annual Golisano Children’s Hospital Golf Classic, the Stroll for Strong Kids, the Radiothon, the Ski Day.

Ralph is excited to continue her work with the children’s hospital as part of the board and to be a part of something as exciting as the new children’s hospital. She lives in Pittsford with her two kids, Ben and Charlotte, and her fiance, Mike Catalana. Whether it’s skiing during Rochester’s winters or running the kids around for their various activities, Ralph enjoys spending time with her kids and staying active together.

Molly Branch Shill

Mark Siewert*, Chair from 2010-2015, former owner of Siewert Equipment Company, Executive Committee

Siewert has seen the expertise and kindheartedness of members of Golisano Children's Hospital first-hand. From November 2001 to July 2002, Siewert's son was cared for in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Siewert joined the board in June 2002 and since then, he has carried a strong belief in the children's hospital and passion for giving back throughout his tenure on the fundraising board. In June 2010, he became board chair and then stepped down from the position in June 2015.

Siewert was involved in the fundraising efforts for the new PICU/PCICU, which opened in 2004, and the William and Mildred Levine Pediatric Surgical Suite, which opened in 2006. The hallway leading to the pediatric surgical suite, which is filled with blue skies, kites and butterflies to serve as a calming force for children entering the facility, was named in honor of Siewert's son, Mark Daniel. Siewert participates in several subcommittees on the board to recruit corporate sponsors for the annual golf classic and gala events.

Mark and his wife, Marcia, were among the first individual donors to support the new Golisano Children's Hospital and its pediatric programs. Part of their generous gift named the Mark Daniel Siewert Pediatric Conference Center on the building's first floor.

Siewert also serves on the Al Sigl Foundation and Bivona Child Advocacy Center boards and McQuaid's board of trustees. He enjoys golfing, boating and reading. He and Marcia live in Pittsford and have another son, Christopher.

Mike Smith*, Executive ommittee

Mike Smith has been very involved with Golisano Children’s Hospital for a number of years. In 2008, he and his wife, Alice, were honorary chairs for Golisano Children’s Hospital’s annual Gala event – the biggest fundraiser for the children’s hospital. Since 2008, Smith offered to have his company, the Cabot Group, be the presenting sponsor for the Gala for 10 years and he recently renewed the sponosrship for another 10 years, ensuring the success of the event for years to come.He recently renewed this sponsorship for another 10 years.

“The gala is both a celebration of the children’s hospital and an opportunity to raise funds so the children’s hospital can continue to do its good work,” said Smith.

Smith, who has also been part of the Gala’s sponsorship committee, is continually impressed and moved by the enormous impact the children’s hospital has on our region. He has spearheaded his company’s efforts to support the hospital, which has included sponsoring the Golf Classic in addition to his continuous support for the Gala.

“It’s easy for us to participate. We don’t really do the hard work like the many wonderful doctors and nurses and volunteers, but we like to contribute,” said Smith. “You walk through life and you see so many needs, but when you see a kid with medical needs, it just makes your heart skip a beat. We don’t do much, but I truly believe in Golisano Children’s Hospital and so we do what we can to help.”

Steve Terrigino, CPA of the Bonadio Group

Steve Terrigino became involved with the hospital in November 2006, after his 12-year old son was hospitalized during the week of Thanksgiving for an appendectomy. “My wife and I were immediately impressed with Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Terrigino. “The care and level of service we were provided from the emergency room to the pediatric floor was unprecedented. The genuine care and attention my son received from Dr. Walter Pegoli was absolutely amazing.”

While at Golisano Children’s Hospital, Terrigino was surprised to see that every child was receiving equally exceptional care that paralleled his son’s. Terrigino’s son was released on Thanksgiving Day. That year, he and his family certainly had a lot to give thanks for. Terrigino has since then decided to join the board to repay his gratitude to Golisano Children’s Hospital. Steve served as chair of the Stroll for Strong Kids for several years. He has found a passion for this hospital and is excited to take part in its mission to offer kids in the Rochester area the best care possible. Steve served as chair of the annual Stroll for Strong Kids for several years.

Truman Tolefree

Don Tomeny, Area Vice President of the Great Lakes Region at SRS Distribution

Tomeny has a long history of supporting Golisano Children’s Hospital. During his tenure as an owner for B&L Wholesale Supply Inc., a division of SRS Division, the company has enabled the children in our community to receive the best medical care possible through its charity golf tournament. Since 1995, the tournament has raised almost $2.4 million to fund various pieces of needed equipment such as a 3D ultrasound and neonatal beds for babies who have undergone open-heart surgery. 

B&L has also supported the new Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness Building, PET-MRI suite, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, and served as the lead supporter for the expansion and relocation of the Pediatric Outpatient Treatment Center.

Tomeny, and his wife, Leslie, are generous supporters of social work services at Golisano to assist families in financial need. They live in Webster and have three grown children and several grandchildren. 

James G. "Jim" Vazzana, Managing partner at Wiedman, Vazzana, Corcoran & Volta, P.C.

Vazzana has been an active fundraiser for Golisano Children’s Hospital Board, and its predecessor, since 1988. He has great interest in the Children’s Hospital because of the loving and tender care that is rendered by both the doctors and nurses to the children of Western New York State.

Alan Wood, RE/MAX Plus partner, Ugly Disco co-founder

Wood and the Ugly Disco team, have been prominent supporters of Golisano Children’s Hospital for more than 10 years. After witnessing the quality of care the wife of one of his fellow Ten Ugly Men members received, Wood wanted to give back. The “love, empathy, and care” shown by pediatric oncologist and palliative care specialist David Korones, M.D., was particularly moving.

The success of the Ten Ugly Men, as well as the Ugly Disco, continues to raise awareness and funds for the children’s hospital. Wood remains impressed with the high quality of the staff at Golisano Children’s Hospital and the loving care they provide for their patients.

Wood works as a partner at RE/MAX Plus and he and his wife, Susan, are the proud parents of two children.

Kathy York

Bruce Zicari II, CPA and CVA of the Bonadio Group

Vice president and co-founder of Nancy & Friends Fighting Cancer, Inc., Bruce is committed to helping others. The organization raises and distributes funds for cancer research and individuals and families fighting cancer. Bruce has been a member of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center board for more than seven years, two of which he served as board chair. His work with Nancy & Friends and the Cancer Center inspired him to become involved with Golisano Children’s Hospital. After losing his sister to breast cancer 10 years ago, Bruce hopes that his position on the board will allow him to engage in similar cancer outreach programs, specifically those that help children fighting the disease.

“Golisano Children’s Hospital is a phenomenal cause and does a lot of wonderful things in the community,” Bruce said. “Both causes are extremely important to me and I hope to spend as much time with both organizations as possible.”

Bruce lives in Rochester with his daughter Isabella and enjoys boating, golfing, and spending time with his family.

* Executive Committee

Ex-Officio

• Kellie Anderson*
• Steven I. Goldstein
• Claire Haen
• Jill Halterman, M.D., M.P.H.*
• Jennifer Johnson
• David C. Linehan, M.D.
• Douglas W. Phillips
• R. Scott Rasmussen*
• JoAnne Ryan
• Mark Taubman, M.D

* Executive Committee

Faculty

• Jeffrey Andolina, M.D., M.S.
• Marjorie Arca, M.D.
• Susan Bezek, M.S., R.N., P.N.P. - B.C.
• Jill Cholette, M.D.
• Anjana Kundu, MBBS
• Michael Scharf, M.D.
• Laurie Steiner, M.D.

Honorary Members

• Michael Amalfi
• Brad Berk, M.D., Ph.D.
• Al Chesonis
• Judy Columbus
• John L. DiMarco II
• Wanda B. Edgcomb
• Harvey B. Erdle
• Nick Juskiw
• Richard E. Kreipe, M.D.
• Elizabeth R. McAnarney, M.D.*
• Dante Pennacchia
• Gail Riggs, Ph.D.

* Executive Committee