Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Members
The Lake Ontario Advisory Council's 15 voting members will represent a variety of interests, from recreation and tourism to education and research. The membership is designed to balance points of view represented, geographic diversity, and advisory functions the council will perform. An alternate for each seat will also be selected. Council meetings are open to the public and provide a place where community interests, support, and concerns are heard.
Citizen-at-Large
Katie Malinowski
Katie Malinowski serves in a citizen-at-large seat of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, and was the vice chair of the proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. She received her MS in Environmental Science - Water Resources from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Her undergraduate studies were completed at SUNY Binghamton with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies.
She has lived in the four-county area her entire life, except for during college and graduate school. She resides in Boylston, Oswego County; grew up in Sterling, Cayuga County; and graduated from the Red Creek Central School District in Wayne County. Her day job is the executive director of the NYS Tug Hill Commission, where she leads the state agency’s work with local governments and other partners in planning, natural resources, and community development.
John Allen
I was born and raised in Oswego, NY. My family has owned a lakefront seasonal camp on Lake Ontario near Pulaski, NY since 1955. My wife and I currently reside full-time in Oswego on the lake, after retiring from the active practice of law and moving back from Syracuse, NY. Our present home overlooks the area of the David W. Mills shipwreck, marked by a lighted buoy.
After graduating from Cornell University and Temple University Law School, I practiced with Bond, Schoeneck & King for 42 years at its Syracuse headquarters. In addition, I established a branch office for the Firm in Oswego which I also headed for 29 years. This allowed me to professionally serve clients throughout Central New York and, in particular the Counties of Oswego, Cayuga, Jefferson, Wayne and Onondaga. My practice concentrated on civil litigation, business and commercial matters, trust and estate planning and administration as well as working with tax exempt organizations.
As a native Oswegonian, a lakefront property owner and a long-time advocate in my professional life, I welcome the opportunity to promote eastern Lake Ontario’s unique marine environment and history.
I look forward to serving the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary as a Citizen at Large by contributing my knowledge of Oswego and Eastern Lake Ontario’s storied history and the introduction of my contacts and using the skills and expertise I developed over a 40+year professional career as an attorney representing a wide variety of local and regionally based clients.
Alternates
Robert Hagemann
I am a recently retired local government official, having served as the County Administrator for Jefferson County, NY for the past 28 years. In that capacity, I have had the distinct pleasure of partnering with Wayne & Cayuga & Oswego Counties, the City of Oswego, the original Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC), numerous NYS Agencies and NOAA to help collectively establish a Federal Marine Sanctuary on the southeastern shore of Lake Ontario. With NOAA’s “sweet sixteen” sanctuary officially designated, I will turn my attention to the newly formed SAC to help implement the plans established by the initially formed pre-designated SAC over the past several years.
Having been raised along the Lake Huron shoreline and subsequently spending more than a dozen years in City government on the eastern edge of Lake Michigan I am keenly aware of the vital role the Great Lakes have played in the early growth of our country and, consequently, the history that lies below its waterways. Over the next three years I hope to work very closely with my fellow SAC Members to help carry out the implementation and management of our four county regional waterfront program, helping to transform dreams into reality.
Networking with key public & private sector community leaders and working closely with state & federal officials to help secure longstanding support for our LONMS is an area that I can be of assistance. Applying “lessons learned” from already established sanctuaries to be applied to our program as it matures is another area that I would like to concentrate on.
Ben Heckethorn
Ben Heckethorn is an educator with the Oswego City School District where he teaches High School Social Studies. As a teacher, he recognizes the importance of preserving, researching and educating the community about the history at the bottom of Lake Ontario. He was born and raised in Oswego and has had the privilege of spending a lot of time on Lake Ontario. He has been a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council since the sanctuary was proposed in 2020 and looks forward to continuing to serve the Lake Ontario community. Ben resides in Oswego with his wife Courtney, and their son Drew.
Business, Marketing and Economic Development
Austin Wheelock
Austin Wheelock brings close to 20 years of economic development and leadership experience in Oswego County and Central New York. He is the Executive Director at Operation Oswego County, Inc., the county’s designated economic development agency, and has been employed there since 2006. He also serves as the CEO of both the County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency (COIDA) and the Oswego County Civic Facilities Corporation. In addition to the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, he also serves on several other professional and non-profit boards including the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council (CNYREDC), the Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board (CNYRPDB), the Oswego County Workforce Development Board, the Preservation Association of Central New York, and the Oswego Renaissance Association. He holds a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning degree from the University at Buffalo. He earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), granted by the International Economic Development Council in 2014.
Don Riling
Alternates
Kevin Caraccioli
Kevin C. Caraccioli was born and raised in Oswego, New York. An attorney with over 30 years of experience, Mr. Caraccioli is currently the Oswego City Attorney, and represents several other municipalities along Lake Ontario, as well as the leading economic development organizations in Oswego County. Caraccioli has vast experience advising non-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as serving on many boards of directors throughout his legal career.
An avid supporter of Lake Ontario, Caraccioli grew up fishing, boating, swimming and diving its waters and is proud to serve as a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council. The father of two sons, Matthew and Jack, Kevin resides in Oswego with his fiancé Chelsea Giovo, an investigator with the Oswego City Police Department.
Jim Wieser
Jim Wieser is the owner and founder of RU4Scuba, a welcoming and adventurous dive center based in Williamson, New York, serving divers across the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regions. With over three decades of diving experience, Jim is a Scuba Schools International (SSI) Platinum Instructor Trainer, a PADI Master Instructor, and a React Right Instructor Trainer. He has trained thousands of students in scuba, freediving, and mermaiding and is passionate about creating new generations of safe, confident divers.
Beyond RU4Scuba, Jim serves as the Business Development Director for Y Soft, where he builds new routes to market, develops sales strategy, and oversees partner relationships across the Americas. His career includes leadership roles at OpenText Corporation, where he was Business Networks Growth Director, and at Xerox, where he was Director of Imaging and Content Management Solutions. Earlier, he worked as a Product Support Manager at Clark Boardman Callaghan and an Imaging Software Engineer at Eastman Kodak Company. He also has experience as a small business owner and technology consultant.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and a Master of Science in Software Development and Management, both from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is also a strong advocate for marine conservation and an early supporter of the effort to designate southeastern Lake Ontario as a National Marine Sanctuary.
Divers/Dive Clubs/ Shipwreck Exploration
Dennis McCarthy
Dennis McCarthy retired in 2009 after a successful engineering management career in consumer electronics and CATV, which involved travel to 28 countries. Now residing in Cape Vincent, NY, with his wife Kathi, he enjoys the tranquility of the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River.
Certified as a scuba diver in 1970 and an assistant instructor in 1972, Dennis began his diving career in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. A member since 1974 and past president of the Clayton Dive Club, he also co-founded the St. Lawrence Historical Foundation Inc. (SRHF) in 1993. His work with the SRHF notably included organizing the underwater survey that identified the French warship Iroquois, sunk in 1761 in the Thousand Islands.
Born in Skaneateles, NY, Dennis graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He is a member of the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS), holding a NAS 2 certification. He is an author of numerous articles, websites, and history books focusing on local US and Canadian shipwrecks. Dennis also volunteers at local historical museums. Currently, he and Kathi dedicate their time to researching and publishing books on the region's history.
Donna Johnson
I moved to Wayne County 33 years ago. One of the things that brought me here was Lake Ontario. Growing up on Long Island I was used to BIG WATER…and Lake O provided that beautifully. I have always had an interest in and respect for our natural resources. As such I have developed hobbies that keep me outdoors as much as possible. I have a horse, boat, bicycle, camper, kayak and two active dogs…all keeping me very busy.
In 2021 I decided to take the plunge to learn how to SCUBA dive…and I was HOOKED. Since then I have become a Master Diver and hit my 100th dive last fall. I have also become an SSI Instructor for Snorkel, Mermaid and Explorers (a children’s program). The shop I am affiliated with is the only dive shop in Wayne County and I have become the ad hoc social organizer, working with the owners to organize shoreline cleanups, seasonal parties and other fun activities.
As a diver I have had the opportunity and privilege to dive in Lake O, 1000 Islands, Niagara River, Keuka Lake, Lake Winnipesauke, Lake Champlain, NJ Coast, Florida Springs, Tobermory CA, and many times in beautiful Sint Eustacia in the Caribbean. This summer I intend to dive as much as possible locally and find new sites to dive in Lake O. I am excited to serve on the Advisory Council and hope I can help get the word out to as many people as possible.
Alternates
Ken Kozin
Ken Kozin has been a life long boater and SCUBA diver, growing up on a small lake about an hour from New York City on the NY/NJ state line. His first diving experience was with a surface supply aqualung unit made by Evinrude. He later received his PADI dive certification and is now a PADI dive instructor.
Ken has been diving on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River since 1995 and operates Thousand Island Dive Excursions (TIDE) out of his home in Clayton NY. He is active with the Clayton Diving Club and has served as club president and now as treasure. The NY State Divers Association has honored Ken in 2016 as Diver of the Year for his work with the Clayton club and efforts to develop mooring buoys on local wreck sites.
Ken is a retired High School Technology Education teacher at Lowville Academy & Central School in Lowville NY along with his wife Carol, a Businesses teacher. They both enjoy traveling in search of water related activities.
Ray Tucker
By vocation, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ in 1973. I retired after 35 years of military and civilian service from Air Force Research Laboratory, Information Directorate, Rome, NY, where I participated in research and development in Satellite Communication, Smart Weapon System Guidance, and Intelligence Reconnaissance activities. By avocation, I was certified as a SCUBA diver in 1970 and as an open water SCUBA Instructor in 1991. I have Nitrox and Tri-Mix diving gas certifications and am Full Cave certified. I have over 2500 logged dives from Caribbean and ocean environments to ice diving in New York waters. I have a special love of underwater photography and shipwrecks.
I am a founder and Treasurer of the Central NY SCUBA Club (CNYSC), and past President, Secretary and currently Treasurer of the New York State Divers Association. NYSDA is a not for profit corporation which promotes continuing diver education, protection of the diving environment, and promotion of diving in the fresh water areas of NY State. I am NYSDA’s representative and past Executive Vice President of the Underwater Society of America, the National Governing Board for Underwater Sports in the United States In addition, I am a Trustee and Chairman and 25 year Treasurer of the Beneath the Sea Dive and Travel Show now in its 46th year of providing continuing education to both the diver and general population in support of diving and the aquatic environment.
Education (K-12)
Brian Heffron
Brian Heffron is the Administrator of Workforce Development & Community Relations for the Center for Technology, Innovation & Instruction (CiTi), where he leads public affairs, strategic partnerships, resource development, and grant writing across a range of innovative programs. Brian oversees key initiatives including the CiTi Student Scholarship Program and the Oswego County Career Connection series, helping bridge education and workforce needs across the region.
Brian has played a central role in securing and managing grants for transformative projects such as the CiTi Manufacturing & Automation Lab, Oswego County CDL Simulator, Engineering Design Lab, Migrant Virtual Bridge, GenZ Leadership Academy, and the CNY Innovator Challenge, among others. Previously, Brian served as Principal and Director of Governance for Oswego County’s P-TECH program and began his career as a social studies and special education teacher in the Fulton City School District.
He holds a Certificate of Advanced Study from Le Moyne College, a Master’s in Education from the College of Saint Rose, and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Middle Tennessee State University. Deeply committed to community service, Brian sits on the Boards of Oswego County Workforce Development New York, Operation Oswego County, the Oswego County Micron Steering Committee, and the United Way of Greater Oswego County. He also serves as a K-12 advisor for the Oswego County 250th American Revolution Commission and volunteers with the Weston T. Hyde Education Foundation’s Fueling Futures initiative, the Fulton Rotary Club, and the Cicero Youth Soccer League.
Alternate
Melissa Spoon
My name is Melissa Spoon. I grew up in Moravia, NY and joined the US Air Force following high school. I was Military Police for 20 years and retired from the service in 2023. I work at Cornell Cooperative Extension as the Wayne County 4-H lead in Newark. I work with 300 plus kids on developing their leadership skills along with providing hands-on learning and development. Our focus is agriculture, but we also do woodworking, photography, STEM, cooking, gardening and animal science. I love what I do at 4-H and think it is an amazing organization that provides great skills to our youth. I have a Master’s Degree in Education and really love teaching the next generation. I have 2 daughters, a son and my husband and I have been married for 16 years. I am looking forward to being a part of the Lake Ontario SAC and helping preserve the amazing area we live in!
Higher Education
Kristen Eichhorn
Dr. Kristen Campbell Eichhorn is a visionary leader in higher education, specializing in student success and strategic partnerships. As the current Dean of Graduate Studies at SUNY Oswego, she oversees 1,200 graduate students across four colleges. In collaboration with the provost, Kristen was instrumental in launching SUNY Oswego's Great Lakes Institute and securing its inaugural director. She previously completed a Faculty Fellowship in the President’s Office at SUNY Oswego and an American Council on Education Fellowship at Cornell University in the Office of the Provost.
Kristen brings extensive experience in program reviews, curriculum development, assessment, strategic planning, fiscal management, and leadership training. Her passion lies in fostering connections between faculty, students, and community research initiatives, with a focus on translating scientific information for non-technical audiences.
Her academic service includes roles as Interim Dean of the Division of Extended Learning and two terms as Chair of the Communication Studies Department at SUNY Oswego. A prolific scholar, Kristen has published in diverse fields such as health, organizational communication, and public relations, contributing to leading journals. She co-authored Interpersonal Communication: Building Rewarding Relationships and co-edited An Integrated Approach to Communication Theory and Research.
Kristen also serves on the New York Sea Grant Board of Governors, Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools, ACE’s Council of Fellows, and the advisory board of the Central New York Biotech Accelerator at Upstate Medical University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Canisius College, master’s from West Virginia University and Ph.D. in communication from the University of Miami.
Fishing
Dale Currier
Dale A. Currier, M.S.Ed., CEM (Ret.), MEP grew up on the shores of Lake Champlain, in northeastern New York. From the age of one he has been involved in many water-based activities, SCUBA diving, fishing, boating and maritime history, in fresh water lakes and oceans worldwide.
As a maritime professional holding a US Coast Guard 100 Ton Master license for 2 decades he has operated a variety of commercial vessels on the Great Lakes, numerous inland waterways and several oceans.
A SCUBA diver since age 13 he got certified in 1971 through the YMCA SCUBA program. Since then, as a YMCA and NAUI Instructor and Instructor Trainer, he has introduced over 2,000 people to SCUBA diving. His dive log includes over 5,500 dives– from clear, warm tropical climes to ice covered lakes, and commercial diving.
He was the founder of the David W. Mills shipwreck documentation project on Lake Ontario at Oswego which became the first NY State designated Submerged Cultural Resource Site in New York’s Great Lakes. Around the same time he was invited to participate in the documentation of the Land Tortoise Radeau in Lake George, working under the guidance of Marine Archeologist Joseph Zarzynski.
David W. Mills Project served as the genesis of the new NOAA Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary where he has served on the Pre-designation Advisory Council and the new Sanctuary Advisory Council.
For the past 16 years he has served in numerous maritime positions in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. He presently serves as an Air Crew member in the Aviation program.
His non-maritime professional career has included a variety of public safety disciplines, industrial safety and security, management training and development and education. Since 2002 his full-time dedication is to the emerging field of emergency management primarily at the federal, state and local levels. Now semi-retired he consults with a wide variety of organizations in emergency management and performance improvement.
Mr. Currier lives in Oswego, NY with his wife Diane and 2 dogs, Tybee and Lucia. He is the proud father of two daughters and ‘’Pops” to three wonderful grandchildren.
Alternate
Josh Pierce
I was raised in Hannibal and Martville, NY, eventually settling in Oswego with my wife and two teenage boys where we have been the last nearly 20 years. I completed my bachelors in SUNY Oswego for Public Justice, received a Masters from SUNY Albany in Criminal Justice and am currently pursuing a doctorate of education from Marshall University. I am approaching two decades in law enforcement and potentially retiring next spring (2026).
I have volunteered in hockey and soccer youth sport programs and have in the last several years re-discovered my love of fishing with my boys. In our spare time we like to be outdoors (when the weather is nice) and do not boat or fish nearly as much as we would like, but manage to fit in some hiking in the Adirondacks and kayaking in Lake Ontario. I have had a great career in public service and look forward to this new effort with the lake we love so much.
History, Maritime History, Public Interpretation
Michael Pittavino
Michael R. Pittavino has served as curator of the H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego for over a decade where he specializes in Lake Ontario’s maritime history, heritage, and material culture. There, he works in support of the museum’s mission to collect, preserve, and promote the maritime historical resources of Lake Ontario, the Oswego River, and Oswego Canal. Michael’s work and research interests seek to bridge the gap between the people of Lake Ontario’s coastal communities and the resources contained within the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. He is actively involved in several historic preservation projects, including the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse, and believes that saving such historic assets leads to stronger communities and fosters a true sense of place.
Prior to joining the Maritime Museum, Michael earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Oswego. He is the co-author of Lighthouses & Life Saving at Oswego and has contributed to several other publications on Lake Ontario’s maritime history. Having lived and worked in the coastal communities of Lake Ontario since the mid-90s, Michael has developed a life-long passion for the region’s unique maritime resources. Michael is an avid boater and fisherman, making the Sanctuary a place where he not only lives and works, but recreates and plays as well.
Jim Kennard
Jim Kennard has been diving and exploring the lakes of the northeast since 1970. He’s found more than 200 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, New York Finger Lakes and in the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Utilizing his background as an electrical engineer, he built a side scan sonar system that located many of these shipwrecks. Significant discoveries include the two oldest shipwrecks discovered in the Great Lakes, the 1780 British warship HMS Ontario and the sloop Washington lost in 1803. In 1983 he found a unique horse powered ferryboat in Lake Champlain. All of these discoveries received worldwide attention in the news media. Discoveries made by Jim and his shipwreck teams have appeared in a number of publications including National Geographic, Sea Technology, Inland Seas, Wreck Diving, Skin Diver, and several Rochester, NY publications. He’s appeared on Discovery Channel, CBC, BBC, FOX News and recently in the National Geographic Drain the Oceans series on the American Revolution.
In 2013 he was selected a Fellow member of The Explorers Club. Jim received the Joyce S. Hayward Award for Historic Interpretation from the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History in 2015 for documenting the stories of Great Lakes shipwreck discoveries on his website www.shipwreckworld.com . He is the author of Shipwrecks of Lake Ontario – A Journey of Discovery published by the National Museum of the Great Lakes.
In addition to searching for elusive shipwrecks Jim is an avid hiker and amateur radio operator. He graduated from Clarkson University with a BS in electrical engineering in 1966. A native of Peekskill, he lives in Fairport, NY.
Alternate
Robert (Bob) Morgan
My name is Robert Morgan, and I am the alternate member for the History, Heritage and Public Interpretation section of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. I was the At Large member of the Proposed Sanctuary Advisory Council for almost five years.
I grew up spending every summer in Fair Haven, New York. My mother’s family has been from that area since early in the 1800’s. I have a B.S. in Chemistry from Union College ’79. I graduated with my M.D. from SUNY Upstate University ’83 and completed my Family Practice Residency in 1986. I was the Chief Resident during my third year. I earned my Fellowship in 2002. I was a practicing Family Physician in Oswego from 1985-2022. I retired completely, in 2024, as the school physician for Oswego, Fulton, and Hannibal School Districts and as the Medical Director of the Town of Oswego Volunteer Fire Department.
I have been a long-time member of the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego. I am presently the V.P. of the Board of Directors. In 2023 I qualified as a Merchant Marine Captain and am active in the Oswego Lighthouse tours. I have been a PADI certified diver since 1976. I have always been very interested in history, and in particular American history. I am a member of the North South Skirmish Association. Education has also been a passion of mine. I taught personal health education in the Oswego School district for 15 years.
I am looking forward to the years ahead of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary and to working with all the members of the advisory committee. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call or email me.
Alternate
Rosa Fox
Rosa Fox is Historian for the Town of Huron in Wayne County, a position she has held since 2015. Prior to “retirement” from teaching in 2014, she taught middle school instrumental music for over 35 years, 30 of those years at North Rose-Wolcott Middle School. At home on Great Sodus Bay, Rosa lives at Lake Bluff, overlooking Lake Ontario and the bay, with her husband David, daughter Lizzie, and a wonderfully wacky and inquisitive cat, Julie!
As historian, Rosa is responsible for the Town of Huron’s three historic buildings: the 1850 Huron History Center/Museum; the 1871 one-room Dayton Mills Schoolhouse; and the 1884 Huron Grange building. Writing is a favorite interest – especially writing about historical topics. Rosa’s Arcadia Publications Postcard Series book on Great Sodus Bay was released in 2016, and since then she has written a number of historical articles about Huron, Sodus Bay History, and the area's historical characters. As co-chair of the Wayne County Bicentennial, Rosa wrote many a post for the commemoration’s Facebook Page – a page she still administrates and writes for. Serving on the Bicentennial Committee was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects she has been involved in.
Having grown up on Great Sodus Bay, Rosa and family enjoy being on the water, relishing in Lake Ontario’s summer sunsets, exploring the area’s bountiful historical and nature sites, and digging deeply into local history. She owes her love of local history to her mother who enjoyed researching women writers and nature.
Recreation
Bill Crist
An educator spanning over forty years, Bill is now retired as the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Syracuse, having previously served as interim superintendent of schools for the Massena Central School District and superintendent in the Oswego City School District. Bill was an educator in the Oswego City School District for thirty-one years and is also a proud graduate of the school district.
Crist holds degrees from Ithaca College, Cornell University and SUNY-Oswego. He is a certified dive master and assistant instructor with PADI and enjoys the underwater world of adventure and discovery. Bill served on the predesignation SAC as a member on the Education seat, as well as serving as the chair of the council, from inception to designation. Bill’s community activities include service on several boards throughout the greater CNY region and currently serves as Chair of the Middle States Association for Elementary and Secondary Schools. He is also a trustee of his local church.
In his spare time, Bill enjoys the outdoors with family and friends, including: diving, fishing, boating, golfing, hiking, archery and hunting. Bill and his family are ardent Buffalo Bills fans and regularly attend home games, traveling by way of the BUSALO.
Bill is serving the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary as a member in the Recreation seat and is pursuing a USCG captain’s license. He is married with two adult children, two very cute grandchildren and one loving dog.
Alternate
Lee Dame
Lee Dame has been appointed to the Recreational-Alternate role on the Sanctuary Advisory Council for the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. With a deep passion for marine conservation and recreational activities, Lee brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this new role.
Lee and his wife have lived on Lake Ontario or one of its bays since 1989. Throughout this time, they have been active in various recreational activities such as fishing, sailboarding, sailing, and enjoying their PWCs.
Lee holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering (Clarkson) and an MS degree in Electrical Engineering (RIT). His educational background has equipped him with the technical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the Sanctuary Advisory Council.
Lee has also collaborated with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies to identify ways of developing their property in a sustainable and ecologically sound manner. Additionally, he has been involved in the boards of several non-profit agencies over the years, gaining valuable experience in quickly achieving results in this environment.
As an advocate for sustainable recreational practices, Lee aims to promote activities that harmonize with the Sanctuary conservation goals. His vision includes fostering a greater appreciation for the marine environment among the local community and visitors, ensuring that recreational activities are conducted responsibly and with minimal impact on the ecosystem. He looks forward to contributing to making advances towards enhancing the recreational opportunities within Sanctuary while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
Research, Science and Technology
Lisa Glidden
Lisa M. Glidden is a professor of politics and the director of SUNY Oswego’s Great Lakes Institute. She teaches courses on global politics, sustainability, energy and the environment, including a Great Lakes seminar. She is interested in community and coastal resilience, perceptions of risk, and the role that policy can play to achieve or hinder resilience. Her publications include Understanding Energy and Energy Policy (2014, Zed Books), Mobilizing Ethnic Identity in the Andes (2011, Lexington Books), and articles on Cuba’s energy policy, women’s activism in Ecuador, and on Cuban society and US misperceptions of it. She is currently working on an edited volume on social adaptation to climate change and hazards. She lives in Oswego, NY, and enjoys kayaking on Lake Ontario.
Alternate
Aaron Newman
Aaron Newman is an entrepreneur and avid explorer. He was the 24th human to explore the Mariana Trench, has been to the stern of the Titanic, and has been on numerous underwater archeology projects in Tanzania, Israel, Croatia, and the Great Lakes.
Having founded six successful software startups including Cloud Storage Sec, SecureCloudDb, CloudCheckr, Techrigy, Application Security, Inc. and DbSecure. Aaron has authored the books Enterprise 2.0, printed by McGraw-Hill, and the Oracle Security Handbook, printed by Oracle Press. He is an acclaimed international speaker on technology topics and has been awarded multiple patents in cloud and database security.
Aaron proudly served in the U.S. Army during the First Gulf War and currently serves as a Trustee of the Strong National Museum of Play and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
Tourism
David Granoff
A retired physician-surgeon, David Granoff has resided in Upstate NY for the past 18 years and works in Tourism as CEO and web designer of the DiscoverUpstateNY tourism project, which promotes recreational, cultural, and family tourism throughout the State.
He has worked in the tourism industry for the past 16 years, and is currently Chairman of Canal NY, an organization that fosters economic development along the Erie Canal, Secretary and Museum App designer of the newly renovated Safe Haven Holocaust Museum at Fort Ontario, and a member of the WCNY PBS TV Community Board in Upstate NY. He belongs to numerous service organizations, and multiple tourism agencies including Oswego County Advisory Council and the New York Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA).
Originally a native of southeastern Pa, he excelled as Salutatorian at The Perkiomen School in 1970, received a B.S. in Biology from Ursinus College, and graduated with a Medical Degree from PCOM, Philadelphia in 1978. After specialty training, he practiced 27 years as a surgeon, clinical professor, and instructor of Head and Neck Surgery. A boater and avid supporter of Lake Ontario tourism, Dave Granoff has been newly appointed as an Advisory Council member to the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.
Shane Broadwell
Shane Broadwell is a partner in the Broadwell Hospitality Group, a family-owned and operated business rooted in Oswego, NY, for over three decades. With a portfolio encompassing waterfront hotels, restaurants, and the Lake Ontario Conference Center in Oswego Harbor, Shane has a deep understanding of the region’s tourism landscape.
Drawing on this extensive experience, Shane serves as one of two voting members representing tourism for the new Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. His long-standing involvement in the Oswego community includes over 20 years with the Oswego County Pro-Am Fishing Derby, fostering strong relationships with local Charter Captains – a key element of the area’s recreational tourism. He also contributed to the success of waterfront events like the Tri-Oswego Triathlon (as Race Director) and Oswego Harborfest, where he helped bring the popular Air Show to the shoreline.
Shane’s commitment to the region extends beyond hospitality. As a former Oswego County Legislator (2012-2020), where he served as Chairman in 2018 and chaired committees such as Human Services & Finance and Personnel, he demonstrated his dedication to the community’s well-being. Notably, he spearheaded the creation of the Oswego County Land Bank in 2016 and currently serves as its President, showcasing his ability to drive initiatives that benefit the local area. His prior service on the Oswego County Tourism Advisory Council further underscores his understanding of the sector’s importance.
A resident of Oswego for many years, Shane has been married to Elisa for 27 years, and they share two sons, Samuel and Mathew. Their family’s passion for the waters of Lake Ontario is evident in their frequent fishing trips and appreciation for the region’s natural resources. Shane’s blend of business acumen in the tourism sector, community leadership, and personal connection to Lake Ontario positions him as a valuable advocate for tourism within the National Marine Sanctuary.
Mercedes Niess
I serve as the Executive Director of the H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego.
I oversaw the successful consolidation of the Museum with the two other local maritime organizations, creating a more efficient, effective and fiscally sound not-for-profit. Programming was incorporated into the Museum, and new programs and events such as Festival of Ships were developed. Oswego Paddlefest hosts up to 350 paddlers along the Oswego Canal, ending in Oswego Harbor with Lake Ontario on the horizon. The Museum is home to several historic vessels, the NHL WWII Tug, LT-5 and the 1934 Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse. Schooner Ontario, is being retrofitted for use on Lake Ontario, serving as the only tall ship on the American side of Lake Ontario.
Having served on the original task force to apply for designation status, I then served on the Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC). Being part of the LONMS SAC Tourism Committee as an Alternate Member, I plan to use my problem-solving skills to benefit the LONMS.
I have served on numerous community committees and boards throughout Central NY throughout my career. I currently serve on the Oswego County Tourism Advisory Council, City of Oswego Promotion & Tourism Advisory Board and CANAL NY board. Collaboration is key to making the LONMS a world class sanctuary.
Awards:
2001 ZONTA “Woman of the Year”- Oswego Chapter
“100 People you should Meet in Oswego County”- Oswego County Business Magazine
2009 Oswego County Tourism Ambassador Award
Non Voting Seats
The following agencies have non-voting seats on the advisory council and may appoint a non-voting member and an alternate to the council:
City of Oswego
Robert Corradino
Robert A. Corradino, a lifelong resident of Oswego, NY, was sworn in as Mayor of Oswego in January of 2024, following eight years of dedicated service as a member of the Common Council. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening infrastructure, fostering economic development, and enhancing community engagement.
Born and raised in Port City, Corradino earned his business degree from SUNY Oswego before embarking on a successful career in the printing industry. His background in business and public service provided him with valuable experience in problem-solving, collaboration, and strategic planning, skills that now serve the city well.
Corradino entered public service in 2015, successfully running for Common Council’s 7th Ward seat. Throughout his tenure, he championed initiatives to improve city infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth. His forward-thinking leadership as mayor has emphasized smart growth aimed at attracting new businesses and residents to Oswego.
Guided by a deep respect for community values, Corradino’s dedication to public service is inspired by his family’s long-standing commitment to Oswego. His grandfather and father owned a neighborhood grocery store, and his mother, Emma Corradino, was a longtime volunteer at Oswego Hospital, instilling in him the importance of service, respect, and fairness.
As mayor, Corradino continues to focus on modernizing infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, and ensuring the well-being of Oswego’s residents. His leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to the city’s prosperity and future growth.
Corradino is married to Eva McCarthy Corradino, and they have two adult children, Lauren and Joseph.
Oswego County
Philip R. Church
Philip Church is the County Administrator for Oswego County, NY. He supervises all appointed department heads of the 1,000+ workforce, and develops and manages the $266 million annual budget, plus capital plan. He advises the County Legislature on all policy and budgetary matters, and implements the decisions of the Legislature. Church is a principal negotiator of tax agreements with nuclear power generators. He holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the Maxwell School, Syracuse University.
Beginning in 2014 he chaired a four-county task force to nominate historic shipwrecks to become the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary, and worked with state and federal agencies throughout the successful 10-year designation process.
An avid shipwreck diver and photographer, Church is deeply involved in submerged maritime heritage preservation efforts. As a volunteer, he directed the Oswego Maritime Foundation’s (OMF) submerged cultural resources program and helped establish the State’s first underwater shipwreck preserve in Lake Ontario, highlighted by the first live broadcast of an underwater ribbon-cutting. He worked with New York Sea Grant and Seaway Trail to establish four model underwater scuba diving preserves to enhance preservation and tourism along the Seaway Trail.
He serves as president-elect of the New York State Association of Counties, and will become president in September 2025. He serves on the National Association of Counties Land Use, Environment and Energy Committee; New York State Association of County Administrators and Managers; New York Sea Grant Program Advisory Committee; and Operation Oswego County Board of Directors (ex-officio).
Wayne County
David Fantuzzo
I am a retired dentist and have owned property on Sodus Bay for 20 years. I fell in love with the bay when I visited a friend’s cottage 25 years ago. During that visit, our friends took us on a boat ride around the bay and out to Chimney Bluffs. We visited there a few more times and I remember telling my wife on the way home that we needed to find our own place on the water. We looked at cottages for a few years without success. Then on one trip we saw a new sign that said, “Waterfront lots for sale”. We drove down an unnamed road and fell in love with the view and immediately called the number on the sign and purchased a lot. We bought a boat and 2 jet skis before we built our house. We enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and just relaxing on our dock.
I got involved in the Town government around seven years ago joining the Huron Town Board in 2022. In 2023 I ran for Town Supervisor and with that role I was also a member of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors. After learning about the opening on the SAC for Wayne County, I volunteered for the position.
My area of interest is water quality. We need to protect Lake Ontario, its bays and tributaries. We owe it to future generations.
Department of State
Laura McLean
Alternate
Paul C. Ticco, PhD
Dr. Paul Ticco currently serves as an Ocean and Policy Analyst for New York State’s Department of State where he focuses on coastal management, offshore wind energy, and regional coastal and ocean planning issues. Previously, he spent fifteen years as the East Coast Regional Coordinator for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries where he participated in regional and national programs in marine spatial planning, biodiversity and deep-sea coral protection, regional ocean planning, climate change adaptation, and new sanctuary site development.
Dr. Ticco also held positions as Assistant Director of Virginia Sea Grant, and Chief of Comprehensive Planning at the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission, and was a tenured, research and visiting professor at several universities including Duke University, the University of Michigan, Roger Williams University School of Law, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and the University of Virginia. He was also President of The Coastal Society, and is a member of the editorial board of the Coastal Management Journal.
Internationally, Dr. Ticco has served as an official delegate representing the Center for International Environmental Law at the UN Informal Consultative Process on Ocean Affairs, and was an instructor to the Turkish government on coastal sustainable tourism.
Dr. Ticco holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia, and a PhD in Marine Policy from the University of Delaware’s Graduate College of Marine Studies.
New York State Parks/Recreation and Historic Preservation
Daniel Mackay
Daniel Mackay has served as Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation and Deputy State Preservation Officer for OPRHP since July 2017. The Division is responsible for administering historic preservation incentives and compliance measures under both federal and state law, including the National Register of Historic Places, the federal and state rehabilitation tax credit programs, the historic homeownership tax credit, and the Section 106 and Section 14.09 compliance review processes that identify and seek to protect historic resources. The Division also provides technical support and assistance to the 35 historic sites managed and interpreted by OPRHP.
In this time, he has overseen a transformation in senior leadership at the Division for Historic Preservation and led Division staff in efforts to secure a new capital funding role for the Bureau of Historic Sites, catalyze development of the agency's Our Whole History initiative, support expansions to the State Rehabilitation Tax Credit program, inform re-establishment of the NYS Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit, and launch the Historic Business Preservation Registry program, among other initiatives.
Previously, Daniel served as Executive Director of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and as Director of Public Policy for the Preservation League of New York State. In this latter capacity, his legislative advocacy led to establishment of New York's nation-leading state rehabilitation tax credit programs for commercial and owner-occupied historic properties, among other preservation initiatives.
Daniel's preservation policy experience is complemented by past environmental leadership experience with the New York League of Conservation Voters and consulting for various land trusts in the Capital Region. He was twice elected to the New Scotland Town Board, leading his former hometown in efforts to develop measures that scaled planning and economic development initiatives that were in keeping with the municipality's rural character.
Daniel serves on the Executive Committee for the National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers, which serves as a communications vehicle between State Preservation Offices, federal agencies and other organizations regarding national preservation policy.
New York Sea Grant
John Cannaday
Alternate
Katherine Bunting-Howarth, J.D. Ph.D.
Katherine (Kathy) Bunting-Howarth is Associate Director of New York Sea Grant and Assistant Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Her expertise is in coastal management and policy, community engagement, and using social science to inform extension programming.
She serves on multiple boards and committees including the Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council, Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS), Executive Council of the Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay, New York Water Resource Institute, Cornell Biological Field Station, and the Chesapeake Bay Program Science and Technical Advisory Committee. She enjoys working with diverse groups of people to address wicked problems-from changing lake ecosystems to estuarine eutrophication to climate adaptation.
She has led national workshops on crude oil movement across the Great Lakes Basin and climate-induced human migration and impacts on receiving communities. The former Director of Water Resources for the state of Delaware, Kathy served in leadership roles for two National Estuary Programs as well as the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Delaware River Basin Program. Bunting-Howarth holds a Ph.D. in Marine Studies (concentration in Marine Policy) (University of Delaware, 2001) and a JD with a certificate in Environment and Natural Resource Law (University of Oregon, 1995).