Events

Mike McGovern has served as the Chair of Rotary International’s PolioPlus Committee since October 2014. In this role, he is the volunteer leader of Rotary’s largest humanitarian project, the global eradication of polio.  Rotary is the spearheading partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and has donated over $2.0 billion to ending polio and has worked with other partners to reduce the number of polio endemic countries from 125 in 1988 to 2 today. Mike also represents Rotary on the Polio Oversight Board.

Mike joined Rotary in 1986 as a member of the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA. He served as club president, district governor, district foundation chair, Council on Legislation delegate,  Rotarian Action Group chair, Rotary Leadership Institute division chair, international training leader, Institute convener, RI committee member and chair, trustee and vice chair of the Rotary Foundation, and director and vice president of Rotary International. He began serving as the global chair of the Rotary Leadership Institute on 1 July 2020.

 He served his entire career with the Town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine beginning as an intern in 1977 and serving as town manager from 1985 to 2016. His Rotary classification was "Town Government."  During his career he also led several boards including the Maine Municipal Association, the Maine Town and City Management Association and ecomaine and served on committees of the International City and County Management Association.     He currently serves on the board of Park Danforth, a not for profit retirement community and as chair of the Diocesan Review Board of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

Mike is a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation and a recipient of the Rotary Foundation's Citation for Meritourious Service.

He has served on regional boards for teh United Way and the American Red Cross.

In celebration of Foundation Month in the Rotary world, Dana and Don will be sharing some of the life-changing work that the Foundation has made possible, both around the world and here at home, as well as the recent international projects sponsored by CNY Rotary clubs.

Don Reese is a member of the Utica Rotary Club, was District Governor in D 7150 in 2002-03, and is CNY Rotary Foundation Committee Chair.

Dana Jerrard is also a member of the Utica Club, was D7150 DG in 2021-22, and is currently serves as Secretary of CNY Rotary.

Elizabeth Brando, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is a nonprofit executive skilled at leading efforts to strengthen fiscal support of mission-critical activities. As a leader in strategic planning and fundraising, Elizabeth has raised millions for higher education, cultural institutions, and Native-led causes with additional experience in multinational banking and project management in Silicon Valley. She earned her MBA from University of Arizona and attended Columbia University for coursework in art history.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Finkelsztein discovered his passion for medicine while researching Chagas disease during medical school. His journey led him to the U.S., where he continued his work at Weill Cornell Medicine, studying sepsis with a focus on improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Finkelsztein chose to bring his expertise to Ithaca, where he not only treats patients with complex infections but also mentors internal medicine doctors. He’s also dedicated to public health as a Tuberculosis Consultant for Tompkins County.

Beyond his medical work, Dr. Finkelsztein is known for his love of cycling, running, competing in local amateur cycling races. and spending time with family and friends.

Delmer Padgett, a native of Candor, NY, holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from Ithaca College and an administrative certification from Hood College. He began his career as a high school vocal music teacher in Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., where he advanced to department chair and Academy Head for the Visual and Performing Arts, as well as Academy Coordinator.

Delmer transitioned into administration as an Assistant Principal, focusing on equity and access for all students. In 2022, he returned to New York to serve as the Principal for Career and Technical Education at TST BOCES. After just one year, his dedication and leadership earned him a promotion to his current role as Director.

Delmer is deeply passionate about providing hands-on learning opportunities and fostering strong partnerships with the community, ensuring every student has the tools to thrive in their chosen career path

Christine Alexander is the new Principal of the P-TECH Academy at TST BOCES, located on the campus of Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). Her leadership aligns with her philosophy of providing students with innovative educational opportunities, as the academy's curriculum is centered on Project-Based Learning—a model she has taught and led for eight years.

A firm believer in "service over self," Christine is an active volunteer in her community of Auburn, NY. She contributes her time and artistic talents to organizations such as Zonta, Habitat for Humanity, The Matthew House, and Auburn Little League. Christine is also proud to share her passion for service with her two sons, who join her in giving back to their community.

Matt Hartz, a native of Lansing, NY, holds a Bachelor's degree in Health & Physical Education from Ithaca College, and a Master's Degree in Inclusive Education from Syracuse University. He began his career as a special education teacher at Lansing Middle School, then transitioned to Health, Physical Education & Special Education at TST P-TECH Academy. While teaching at P-TECH, Matt shifted into the role of Business Liaison for the last two years. Over the summer, Matt earned the Work-Based Learning Certificate from SUNY Oswego and made the jump to Work-Based Learning Coordinator for TST BOCES Career & Technical Education and TST P-TECH Academy.

Michael I. Kotlikoff is the interim president of Cornell University and professor of molecular physiology.

Prior to his appointment, Interim President Kotlikoff was Cornell’s longest-serving provost, holding that office from August 2015 to June 2024.

He is a veterinarian and biomedical researcher whose laboratory’s work in cell signaling and heart repair was continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for over 35 years. He was the founding chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and chair of the Mammalian Genomics Life Science Initiative, and served as the Austin O. Hooey Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine from 2007 to 2015.