OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Staff

Joe Paparone (he/ him)

Community Organizer

Rev. Joe Paparone is a tri-chair and coordinator with the New York State Poor People’s Campaign. This movement seeks to carry forward Dr. King’s work by organizing poor and dispossessed people to confront the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, militarism, ecological devastation, and the distorted moral narrative of White Christian Nationalism. Joe’s background in organizing includes issues of healthcare, labor solidarity, criminal justice, and immigrant rights. Joe is a lifelong New Yorker, growing up in the Mid-Hudson Valley, near New Paltz. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the College of Saint Rose in 2004 and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2012. He is a licensed minister with the Mennonite Church USA. Joe lives in Albany with his wife Lesley and their dogs, Artax and Nym. He plays saxophone in the Victory Soul Orchestra and The Abyssmals, and in his free time he enjoys finding vegetarian restaurants and exploring the Adirondacks via foot, bike or canoe.

René Dunda-Martin (they/ them)

Administrative Assistant

With a background in chiropractic care and a deep passion for helping others, René brings a holistic and people-centered approach to everything they do. Though René has never practiced clinically, their education instilled a strong understanding of health, wellness, and the importance of meaningful connection. Outside of work, René is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, hiking, and biking—experiences that constantly inspire appreciation for nature and balance. René also loves cooking and sharing the traditions and stories of their native heritage while teaching others about the rich history that shapes their identity and values. René believes in the power of community, learning, and living with purpose, and strives to reflect that in both their personal and professional life.

Steve Converse (he/ him)

Bookkeeper

Steve is a “money guy” who never met a financial report or a spreadsheet he didn’t like. Having been a treasurer or bookkeeper for a number of for-profit and not-for-profit entities, Steve brings a wide range of experience to bear on the financial affairs of both organizations. His objective is always to see money well spent in service to others. Steve and his wife Judy, a semi-retired ELCA pastor, moved to Rotterdam in 2024 and are loving every minute of it!

Karen Boice (she/ her)

Custodian

Karen has been a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, where faith, service, and community have always been at the center of her life. From her earliest days in Sunday School to her years singing in the church choir, stepping in as parish secretary, and studying to become a liturgical deacon, she has dedicated herself to the life of the church. As an only child, she has always felt that her church family was her true extended family, offering her a deep sense of belonging and purpose. A graduate of Russell Sage College, she built a distinguished career as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Research and Development at the Research Foundation for SUNY. In that role, she coordinated projects and initiatives across all SUNY campuses throughout New York State—an effort that required exceptional organization, communication, and leadership. Outside of work and worship, she finds joy in gardening, reading, and helping others. She is especially drawn to nature and the calming beauty of the beach, where she reflects on the wonders of God’s creation. Whether serving her community or enjoying a peaceful walk by the ocean, her life is a testament to faith, grace, and gratitude.

Advisory Board Members

Rev. Dustin Longmire (he/ him)

Interim Chair

Rev. Longmire 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 after interning with the Interfaith Alliance, the RFK Center for Human Rights and a number of congressional campaigns during undergraduate studies. He proudly served on staff for seven summers at Camp Calumet Lutheran in Freedom, New Hampshire. He LOVES to have called Upstate New York his home for over a decade and has served in leadership roles with a variety of local and statewide interfaith justice movements and nonprofit organizations as Co-Chair of the Schenectady County Food Council Advocacy & Empowerment Working Group, past Chair of the Sycamore Collaborative Interfaith Task Force, past Chair of the Schenectady Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and past President of the New York State Council of Churches. He is also a proud member of the Schenectady Rotary Club. His proudest professional achievements include leading the now Sycamore Collaborative to become an interfaith organization in January 2020, his service of Messiah Lutheran Church as Senior Pastor during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Grand Opening of the Rotterdam Community Center in September 2023.

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!

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.

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!).