OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Staff

Rev. Dustin G. Longmire (he/him, they/them)

Executive Director

Born and raised in Connecticut, Rev. Longmire joined Messiah Lutheran Church as Pastor in August of 2014 after graduating from United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. During his time at seminary, he participated in clinical pastoral education at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, engaged in a year of local faith-based advocacy with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, interned with the Lutheran Office for World Community and served as Vicar of Saint Peter's Church in New York City. He also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Religion (with a focus on Islam) from the George Washington University in the spring of 2008.

Pastor Dustin has served his community through a variety of local and statewide ecumenical interfaith, and nonprofit organizations, including as Chair of Schenectady Community Ministry's Interfaith Task Force, as a member of the Schenectady County Food Council, as Chair of the Schenectady Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and President of the New York State Council of Churches.

Heather Zimmer (she/her)

Director of Operations

Heather has been a lifelong member of Messiah Lutheran Church. She currently has a bachelor's degree in early childhood and volunteers as Sunday School Teacher. in her free time, she loves to do crafts, enjoy family time and be outdoors as much as possible. She is looking forward to having an important role at this already amazing place.

Chris DeTeso (he/him

Food Pantry Administrative Coordinator

Chris was born in Rotterdam and has spent his entire life here. He is married to his amazing wife, Sarah, and together they have 3 beautiful children, Nathan, Grace and Anthony. He has been a member of Messiah Lutheran Church since 2019 and has been in Production Management for the last 20+ years. He believes we can do more for our community and those that can, need to. He also believes that no one should worry about where their next meal is coming from. It has become his passion to help and serve others.

Advisory Board Members

Kimlee Marquise (she/ her)

Chair

Kimlee is a commissioner on the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission. She has a BS in social policy and community services. Her goal for the RCC is to create a safe space where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, and everyone has a seat at the table to have their voices heard and respected. She and her wife live in Schenectady.

Sue Collins (she/her)

Board Member

Sue grew up in Fort Plain, and went to St. Lawrence University for her Bachelor of the Arts in French, during which time she studied for a year in France. She received a Masters in Education from SUNY Elmira and then taught French and sometimes English for the Perth Central School District and for the Canajoharie Central School District for thirty-four years. Sue worked as a Real Estate agent for ten years, then for Clarkson University as a Supervisor of Student teachers. She volunteers at Proctors theatre and the RCC Produce Pantry. Sue is married to Tom, has five children (with two bonus kids!) and six grandkids. She is an avid animal rescuer and loves to read, garden, golf, play bocce, bowl and travel.

Pete Jones (he/him)

Vice Chair

Pete has been retired since June of 2019 having worked most of his life for St. Clare's Hospital, with 27 years of the time as the recruiter. When Ellis and St. Clare's merged, he continued in a similar role at Ellis. Subsequently he trained healthcare workers for Schenectady Community Action Program. Pete, his wife Jean, and grandson Tyler joined Messiah in 2014. He currently serves as Chair of the Personnel and Community Service Committees. He is very excited about the Community Center and its potential positive service for the Rotterdam and South Schenectady neighborhood.

Jackie DeTeso (she/her)

Board Member

Jackie was born and raised in Lansingburgh, New York. After attending the College of St. Rose where she studied Special Ed and English, she married the love of her life. Before losing him 12 years ago, they raised three children of whom she is extremely proud. She has six glorious grandchildren. Jackie was the Assistant Manager at The Open Door Bookstore for many years. She is a Master Gardener and loves to paint and cook. She spends her time between Schenectady and Cape Cod, and has been blessed with a wonderful life. She firmly believes that all people should be afforded the same benefits she has had regardless of gender, ethnicity, social status or who they might choose to love.

Rachel DeTeso-Mathis (she/her)

Marketing and Publicity Chair

A full-time teacher for over twenty years, Rachel earned her BA in English from the State University of NY at Albany, and her Master of Science in Secondary Education from the College of Saint Rose. Prior to becoming a teacher, Rachel worked for several years in human services and nonprofit agencies. In her free time, Rachel loves to read, sew, talk about books, watch reality TV, and grow vegetables in her garden- especially tomatoes!

Penny Incitti (she/her)

Financial Secretary

Penny is a retired fifth grade teacher (Schenectady City Schools) who has lived in Rotterdam for 45 years. Raising four children in this community has led her to an understanding of why this Center is so necessary. She enjoys being involved and helping others, so the Advisory Board is an excellent avenue for her to be able make a difference.

Randy McGough (he/him)

Fund Development Chair

Randy is currently retired from NYS Government where he spent 35 years working in the field of Human Resources Management. Since then he has been blessed to volunteer with a number of Community Based Organizations within Schenectady County which are engaged in meeting the needs of the unserved and underserved populations of the county. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oneonta where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in US History/Black Hispanic Studies. He also attended graduate school at the State University of New York at Albany where I majored in African/Afro-American Studies. He enjoys serving on the board of the Rotterdam Community Center as it goes about meeting the needs of those who are currently struggling within the Rotterdam Community.

Katherine Snively (any pronouns)

Secretary

Katherine is a prolific notetaker who has lived in Schenectady County all their life. They have worked in various fields, including as a theatrical electrician, a mailman, and a farmer. They represent Congregation Gates of Heaven for the Community Center and are excited to see it grow and develop.

Matt Winans (he/him)

Board Member

Matt has lived in the Schenectady/Rotterdam area for the past 15+ years, and now considers the area his “adopted hometown.” He holds a BS in Healthcare Administration, and has almost 20 years of experience in healthcare system transformation. He also holds a leadership role with Schenectady Pride. In his spare time, Matt enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, and traveling with his husband, Andrew.

Drew Jones (she/her)

Board Member

Drew recently relocated to Rotterdam from sunny St. Petersburg, Florida. After actively participating in the LGBTQIA+ Support Group for the past year, she applied for and was appointed as the newest member of the RCC Advisory Board. Drew is excited to contribute to her new community, connect with visitors at the Center, and share her Southern charm and hospitality. In her free time, Drew enjoys spending time with her fur babies (Buttercup, Chaos, and Serenity), exploring the scenic towns of Upstate New York, the Mid-Atlantic, and New England, as well as pursuing her passions for photography, cooking, baking, and listening to Taylor Swift (she’s an avid Swiftie!).