United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s New Members

POUGHKEEPSIE – United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region welcomes three community leaders committed to making a difference to United Way’s Board of Directors. Joining the Board are Fred Clarke of Stenger, Roberts, Davis and Diamond, LLP, Susan Howell of RBT CPAs, LLP and Matthew Paquet of Abilities First and Dutchess Community College.

In addition, several members of the Board of Directors will move into new positions, with David Jolly, the Chief Operating Officer of Cornerstone Family Healthcare, serving as Chair of the Board and Kevin Cleary, retired executive with IBM Corporation, serving as Vice-Chair. Barry Rothfeld of Focus Media is now the Immediate Past Chair.

In addition, three longtime members of the Board have stepped down after decades of service: Steve Howell of RBT CPAs, LLP, Diane Passaro of Orange Bank & Trust and James Rollins of Covenant Urban Enterprises. United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region extends its deepest gratitude to them for their impeccable service to the community.

United Way is pleased to welcome the next generation of community leaders to its Board of Directors:

* Fred Clarke of Stenger, Roberts, Davis, and Diamond, LLP has spent the last two years at the firm focusing on Family Law, Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, and Guardianships for the elderly, minors, and persons with disabilities. Prior to law, Mr. Clarke led a wide-ranging career in government and corporate communications as Director of Radio and Television on Capitol Hill and as a VP of Marketing and Communications for JPMorgan. Mr. Clarke is an active member of many organizations in his community including the Cold Spring Lions Club, The Knights of Columbus, the Northern Dutchess Chapter of the NAACP (Officer), and the Dutchess and Putnam Bar Associations.

* Susan Howell of RBT CPAs, LLP has over 20 years of public accounting experience. Over the last decade, she has concentrated her efforts in the construction industry as a leader in the firm’s Construction Industry Practice. Susan is affiliated with several groups and organizations in the area including the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the New York State Society of CPA’s (NYSSCPA), the Construction Industry Council, the Greater Newburgh YMCA (Past Chair), and United Way’s Women’s Leadership Initiative Committee.

* Matthew Paquet has worked with Abilities First, Inc., for 14 years, currently as a Quality Assurance Coordinator. He is also entering his ninth year as the Director of Athletics for Dutchess Community College. Mr. Paquet has been involved with United Way for 10 years serving as volunteer, joining the Young Leaders United Initiative in 2008 and serving as the Chair since 2014, and acting as a Loaned Executive in 2011 and 2012.