Gabriela Vega-Matthews has lived in the United States since 1993. For the past

eighteen years, she has worked for the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health as an advocate for and liaison to the Latino Community in Dutchess County. Gabriela is on the advisory board of Dutchess County Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and a board member of La Guelaguetza Festival, and The Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet. Currently, Gabriela is working closely with many Latino churches in Dutchess County to encourage collaboration to support the needs of the immigrant community.

 

Nate Vidal is a 21-year old member of the Marine Corps Reserve. He also works part-time at his church, Faith Assembly of God in Poughkeepsie, while attending Dutchess Community College part-time. In May he will be graduating with an Associates degree in Mathematics. His greatest accomplishment is accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and attributes all of his success and accomplishments to Christ.

 

Kimberly Barone is a lifelong resident of Dutchess County.  She attended Dominican College on a sports and academic scholarship.  Kim earned her master’s degree in special education, from SUNY New Paltz. She is a vocalist at Calvary Chapel of the Hudson Valley. She resides in Poughkeepsie with her husband John, and her three children Johnny, Evie, and Colton.

 

Charlie Cornacchio was a 38-year resident of the Hudson Valley before moving to PA in 2019. He has been a TV Sports Reporter, an entrepreneur, and an author.  He spent 13 years as a part of Calvary Chapel of the Hudson Valley as a patron, worship leader and head of Calvary’s video ministry. He has four children and 12 grandchildren, and was married to his high school sweetheart, MaryAnn for 48 years before she went home to be with our Lord in July of 2022.

 

Jonah Ritter is a lifelong Dutchess County resident. Following graduation from Spackenkill in 1977, he earned a B.S. from Babson College with a major in Entrepreneurial Studies. Jonah is past Vice President of Robert- Mark Inc., past President Dutchess County Realtors Association, and past President of Vassar Temple. He is the current Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County and founding Trustee of the Town of Union Vale municipal library. Jonah has owned and operated First Direct Corporation for 35 years which provides CRM software and services nationwide and is in the process of developing the Tree of Life Tree Farm. Married 38 years, Jonah and Mary have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

 

Lisa Simpfenderfer grew up in North Dakota where she met her husband, Mike. They moved to New York 34 years ago raising their 8 children. Her youngest will be graduating from high school this year! Lisa has been the office administrator for Calvary Chapel of the Hudson Valley the past 6 years and serves in children's and women's ministries there. Lisa loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, gardening and spending time outdoors.

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Rocky Santo was raised in a Christian home and developed a deep relationship with Jesus from a young age. God has placed a call on his life to be a mighty influence for good in the world through his work and through his interactions. He sees the Dutchess Community College campus, where he takes part time classes as well as the local small business community, as his mission field. Rocky owns Lenscape Media, a video production company in the Hudson Valley and he uses his creative gifts to help small businesses communicate. Rocky is blessed to be surrounded by great opportunities, great mentors, and a great God.

 

Stacey Nicole Bottoms is the Deputy District Director to the 39th District State Senator, Rob Rolison. She is a disciple of Jesus Christ and is heavily involved in ministry inside and outside of the church, serving on many committees and boards in the Poughkeepsie community. In 2019, she started her own non-profit called Readers Are Leaders, Inc. Stacey is a licensed minister, a Health Ambassador of the Northeast Region for the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc, and is currently enrolled in SUNY Empire State College to achieve her Bachelors in Public Administration. She also holds nursing, real estate, health insurance, and CDL licenses. She is certified in CPR and BLS, and is training for an amateur boxing fight.

 

Marcus J. Molinaro began his career in public service in 1994 at the age of 18, when he was first elected to serve on the Village of Tivoli Board of Trustees. In 1995, he was elected Mayor of Tivoli, becoming the youngest mayor in America. Following 6 terms as mayor and 4 terms as Dutchess County Legislature, Marc continued his service in Albany from 2006-2011, representing the 103rd District in the New York State Assembly. Marc was elected to serve as Dutchess County Executive and served three terms before he was elected as U.S. Representative in New York’s 19th District, an office he assumed in January 2023. Marc resides in Red Hook with his wife Corinne and children Abigail, Jack, Elias, and Theo.

 

William F.X. O’Neil became the 8th County Executive in Dutchess County in January 2023 to complete the term of former County Executive Marc Molinaro. Bill has served in the Executive Office of Dutchess County Government since 2005. Prior to his service to Dutchess County Government, he enjoyed a distinguished career as an executive in the healthcare software industry, including stints as Senior Vice President of Sales for Baxter Healthcare, Chief Operating Officer for MPower, and President of a FISERV subsidiary. A Hyde Park native who received his undergraduate degree from Niagara University and his MBA from the University of Utah, Bill achieved the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army before embarking on his successful career. He currently resides in the Town of Poughkeepsie with his wife Gail. 

 

Doug McHoul is a third generation funeral director.  He has served on the board of directors for Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, DC Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess, BSA Hudson Valley, and American Cancer Society. Doug is the recipient of several awards including Hudson Valley 40 Under 40, Community Advocate Award, and Next Generation Award. A member of St Mary Mother of the Church in Fishkill, Knights of Columbus, and Fishkill Republican committee. Doug served on the Fishkill Town Board and the Dutchess County Legislature since 2019.