NIRSA Region 1 Committees & Work Teams

Thank you to our members for serving NIRSA Region I

2024-2025 Committee Appointments

This list will update as appointments are filled. For more information about our committees or how to get involved contact Scott Flickinger, Region 1 Member Network Representative at [email protected].

2024 Region 1 Conference Committee – Atlantic City, NJ

  • Steve Drasdis, CENTERS @ University of New Haven – Chair
  • Kyle Bianchi, Montclair State University – Vice Chair
  • Scott Lotze, Bucknell University – Consultant
  • Dean Bowen, Worcester State University
  • Anne Finetto, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
  • Lauren Arnoff, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  • Andrew Havrisko, Rowan University
  • Pete Vincent, Temple University
  • Dave Stewart, Towson University
  • Derrick Lessor, Penn State University-State College
  • Brooke Russell, Southern New Hampshire University
  • Emily Ohlson, Temple University
  • Rebecca Bastuga, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
  • Nyindu Kabangu, Brown University
  • Lauren Dalton, University of Connecticut
  • Tom Dougherty, University of Vermont
  • Michael Mix, Princeton University

Region 1 Nominations & Appointments Committee

This committee is charged with networking with, identifying and selecting talented professionals to serve on our various regional and national committees.

  • Tony Goldston, University of Delaware – Chair
  • Kelly Shorter, Penn State University – Vice Chair
  • Scott Haines, SUNY Brockport
  • Aaron White, Millersville University

Scholarship & Development Committee

This committee is charged with reviewing and allocating scholarships funded by the Region 1 Contingency Fund. This committee is charged with reviewing and revising scholarship criteria; assisting with the marketing of scholarship processes and announcements; and selecting recipients for regional scholarships. This committee is also charged with reviewing applications for funding of development opportunities within the region that coincide with recruitment and retention of Region 1 membership. THIS IS A NEW COMMITTEE AS OF 2024-2025.

  • Dr. Jason Incorvati, UMass-Amherst – Chair
  • Jay Gallagher, Temple University
  • Bobby Hermes, Lehigh University
  • Scott Haines, SUNY Brockport
  • Brian Calio, Rowan University
  • Sam Axley, University at Albany
  • Tony Goldston, University of Delaware

Small Programs Committee

This committee is charged with developing outreach and programming for small programs within our Region 1. The major focus of programming is developing educational session at the Region 1 Conference and hosting virtual round table conference calls throughout the year. Outreach to institutions which classify as a small programs will be supported by the State Directors and Regional Newsletters.

  • Brooke Russell, Southern New Hampshire University – Chair
  • Robin Ducharme, Babson College
  • Marissa Vittorio, CENTERS @ University of New Haven
  • Nashid Bracy, Colby College
  • Alexis Shura, Penn State University
  • Samantha Wary, Millersville University
  • Jackie Lew, New York University

Student Development Committee

This committee is charged with developing outreach and programming for students within Region 1.  The committee is comprised of student state leaders and committee advisor. The major focus of programming is assisting in the development of the Student-Lead on at the Region 1 Conference and hosting virtual round table conference calls throughout the year.

  • Phoebe Kurniawan, Rowan University – Region 1 Student Leader Rep
  • TBD – CT/RI Student State Leader
  • Marissa Brand, UMass-Amherst – MA Student State Leader
  • Bailey Crone, University of Delaware – DE/DC/MD Student State Leader
  • Rene Pinter, Plymouth State University – ME/NH/VT Student State Leader
  • Emma Cusmano, Rowan University – NJ Student State Leader
  • Jackie Lew, New York University – NY Student State Leader
  • Julia Burg, University of Pittsburgh – PA Student State Leader

Director-Level Development Committee

After a successful pilot year, this committee will be charged with creating and facilitating virtual round table discussions for campus recreation directors within our region.

  • Rebecca Cegledy, Boston College – Chair
  • Bobby Hermes, Lehigh University
  • Mike Rodier, Assumption University
  • Scott Lotze, Bucknell University
  • Christine Scollay, Syracuse University
  • Steve Kampf, Penn State University

Membership Recruitment, Retention & Engagement Committee

This committee is charged with welcoming new members and member institutions across R1, building retention efforts to keep members engaged and will assist in highlighting all of the NIRSA member benefits.

  • Cal McCarthy, University of Pittsburgh – Chair
  • Natalie Wilkinson, University of Maryland
  • Jessica Ward, Princeton University
  • Samantha Longo, Penn State University
  • Meghan Jordan, UMass-Lowell
  • Devin Roban, New York University
  • Tom St. John, Binghamton University

Health & Wellbeing Work Team

The work team is an extension of the NIRSA 2021 – 2024 Strategic Plan; specifically aligning with the priority that “NIRSA will continue to be a drive force in an integrated approach to health and wellbeing.”

  • Anna Champion, Penn State University – Chair
  • Kevin George, Rowan University – National Liaison
  • Robin Ducharme, Babson College
  • Lisa Martin, Mount St. Mary’s University-Emmitsburg
  • Diane Dreifuss, University at Albany
  • AJ Franco, University of Pittsburgh
  • Jada Khalil, University of Pittsburgh

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Work Team

The work team is an extension of the NIRSA 2021 – 2024 Strategic Plan; specifically aligning with the priority that “NIRSA will strive for inclusive excellence through an anti-racist and equity lens.”

  • Patty Williams, University of New England – Chair
  • Tim Groth, University of Delaware
  • Shelbi Long, University of Pennsylvania
  • Joel Grant, Princeton University
  • Maeve McKinney, University of Maryland
  • Scott Kazar, Central Connecticut State University
  • Melissa Minnifield, University of Maryland

Communications Work Team

This committee is charged with creating the design content for the monthly newsletters, creating and implementing social media strategy. The chair works directly with the Regional leadership team on a monthly basis.

  • Reighan Alston, Syracuse University – Chair
  • Christopher Banouch, Georgetown University
  • Angelina Wargo, Sacred Heart University
  • Valerie Lachapelle, University of Connecticut
  • Greg Cameron, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Jessica Cuadra, Syracuse University
  • Student Vacancy
  • Student Vacancy