top of page

about

                                                                         

​

Stephen Bodnar

Canastota, New York

Executive Director

Email: sbodnar1964@gmail.com 

 

Stephen Bodnar is Executive Director of NuHorizons. Stephen is currently owner / operator of SMB Consulting and 300 & under. Stephen is a former sports desk editor for the Syracuse Newspapers, worked at Magna International / New Process Gear until the plant closing in 2012, most recently he has worked at Crouse Hinds a division of Eaton Corporation. Stephen has donated his time throughout his life to helping good causes. Stephen is an accomplished bowler and past licensed owner with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board of Standardbred race horses.

​

​

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Kaitlyn Bennett

Canastota, New York

 Member - Board of Directors

Email: kaitlynnuhorizons@gmail.com

​​

Kaitlyn Bennett is Program Distribution Coordinator for the Nuhorizons Redistribution Center. and member of the NuHorizons Board of Directors.  Kaitlyn is also a member of the Board of Directors for Right Beginnings, Inc., a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit providing programs and services to victims of domestic violence.  Kaitlyn States: "As a mother who experienced my own personal circumstances of domestic violence, I am an advocate for NuHorizons to raise public awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, and to help raise the resources necessary to operate the Nuhorizons Redistribution Center  to provide a wide variety of items free of charge to those in need including victims of domestic violence. Through my contributions, I hope to demonstrate the passion my generation has to help those in need.

​

​

Rick Stevens

Canastota, New York

Member - Board of Directors

 

Rick is a lifetime resident of Canastota, New York.  Rick started Rick’s Rags with his wife Penny in 1984. Since 2000, Rick and Penny have also operated Zems Ice Cream and Miniature Golf.  Both family  businesses operate from their 14,000 square foot facility in Canastota. Rick, Penny, and their family give back to the community through supporting a number of community organizations and deserving students.

​

Dale Harp

Syracuse, New York

daymydawgsran@twcny.rr.com

Member - Board of Directors

 

Dale Edward ("Harpo") Harp is a member of the NuHorizons Advisory Committee. Dale has been employed at various companies in the greater Syracuse area including Crouse Hinds, Crucible Steel, General Electric, Carrier Air Conditioning, Holiday Inn, Syracuse Plastics and Magna Power Train, former Chrysler. Dale has various certificates from dale Carnegie Educational Achievement, Whitman College, School of Management for Entrepreneurial ship, as well as in Culinary Arts.  Dale's goal in life is to show all people they have a purpose in life, following his motto, "If you can save one life, that life may be the one that can save ten". Dale implements his motto through community volunteer work as a Board member of The Syracuse Cuse Connection, Southside Stand Magazine, as well as a volunteer for the Mary Nelson Youth Foundation.

​

Aneury Tamarez

Utica, New York 

atamarez@mtb.com

Member - Board of Directors

My name is Aneury Tamarez, I am the M&T Bank Branch Manager at the Canastota Branch. I have been at M&T for 6 years now and counting. I love what I do, and it satisfies me to see people meet their financial goals. I am originally from the Dominican Republic, came to the US when I was 11 years old and grew-
up in Brooklyn NY. I was a Dominican who played baseball during my early stages of life and decided to give soccer a try. I then fell in love for the beautiful game of Soccer. Today soccer is the reason of me being where I am today. I owe so much to this sport. Soccer was my motivation to go to college, where I attended
Morrisville State from 2014-2018. I acquired a Degree in Business Administration and a Concentration in Marketing. Today, I am part of the Catalyst group of Utica, and I am joining Nu-Horizons to be more involved and give back to the Canastota Community.

​

Andrew Bennett

Canastota, New York

Secretary, Member - Board of Directors

Email: andrewbennettx20@gmail.com

​

Andrew was born and raised in Central New York and is passionate about NuHorizons growing and personally being able to help others. He feels that combined, substance abuse and domestic violence is a huge area that could use more genuine people, and if we all work together - We can make a Difference!

​Andrew will work throughout the Central New York Community to gain support for the Nuhorizons Redistribution Center.     Andrew is a graduate of V-V-S high school and attended Onondaga Community College majoring in business administration and is currently employed by Rent-A-Center as Manager of the Utica, N.Y. store. Andrew has extensive experience in creating and operating marketing and promotional campaigns through various online 'daily deal' sites, including Groupon and Living Social. Andrew has done volunteer work with other nonprofits including constructing and managing websites and social media pages.

 

​

Deron Stinson

Ilion, New York

Member - Board of Directors

​

Deron was born in Harlem, New York and graduated from Bronx Community College. Deron has been involved with several nonprofit organizations including the Salvation Army and Rome, NY homeless shelter. Deron is an entrepreneur who has recently moved to Ilion, N.Y. and looks forward to connecting individuals and families in need throughout Oneida and Herkimer counties with the Nuhorizons Redistribution Center Program.

​

 

Sarah "Sally" Heater

Syracuse, New York

Member- Board of Directors

​

Sally was employed by the Onondaga County Health Department for many years and has long

been active in supporting numerous community nonprofit organizations. Sally has been a member in good standing of the CSEA for over 40 years, serving the union in many leadership roles, including with the Onondaga County local, Syracuse Area Retirees Local, CSEA/Voice Local 100A and numerous region and statewide committees. 

 

 

Patrick M. Bennett

Deerfield, New York

Treasurer, Member - Board of Directors

Email - patmbennett81@yahoo.com

​

Patrick M. Bennett is Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors and is currently employed by State Wide Autos, LLC , an automotive dealership he owns with his brother. Patrick also co-owns with his brother a consulting company that donates its time to provide grant writing services for Your Nuhorizons. Patrick has extensive personal and business social media background and experience, having developed and managed marketing programs using online sites. Patrick manages the Nuhorizons Facebook page. Patrick graduated from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School and attended LeMoyne College. 

 

 

ADVISORY BOARD

 

 

Brandon Teeps

Whitesboro, New York

​NuHorizons Advocate, Member - Advisory Board

Email - bteeps8868@gmail.com

 

Brandon works at DN Tanks. Brandon is also a motivated leader, with strong work skills, who also owns his own business, State Wide Services, earning numerous outstanding customer comments.  Brandon, who is a graduate of VVS High School and Mohawk Valley Community College (with degrees in Applied Science and Business Administration) looks forward to assisting NuHorizons in providing programs and services throughout Central New York. In specific, the NuHorizons Redistribution Center Program. 

​

Harry L. Hood, C.P.A.

Canastota, New York

NuHorizons Advocate, Member - Advisory Board

Email - hhood@darcangelo-cny.com

 

Mr. Hood is a certified public accountant licensed with New York State with over 40 years of experience. Harry is Treasurer and an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 600 (Canastota). Harry is also a member and past President of the Canastota Rotary Club, as well as being Treasurer and a Board member of the William R. McNeice Foundation.  Harry is also a member of the Board of Directors of the CNY Children’s Foundation. Harry graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree and from Syracuse University with a Master of Science in Accounting degree. Harry lives in Canastota. 

 

Heather Mulhall

Baldwinsville, New York

​NuHorizons Advocate, Member - Advisory Board

Email - HMulhall@tompkinsfinancial.com

 

"I am a full-time working Mom and Wife. My son John's birth ignited my existed passion further for the cause of providing essential programs for women. It is by divine intervention that Your NuHorizons found me. For my part, I intend to bring my skills to the Organization using my life experiences in the workplace, connections I have built over the years, and compassion for the challenges women face. It's my pleasure to serve and make an impact."

​

Drew DeBlasiis

Rome, New York

NuHorizons Advocate, Member - Advisory Board

Email - ddeblasiis1@mtb.com

 

My name is Drew DeBlasiis, I am the Vice President and Business Banking RM for Canastota, Rome, New Hartford, and Camden. I currently focus on servicing existing clients and bringing new business to M&T Bank. I work with my branch partners to effectively assist business owners in timely and effective solutions. These solutions include but are not limited to, Commercial Mortgages, Term Loans, Lines of Credit, and Acquisitions. I have spent 6 years here at M&T and my favorite part about my job is helping both businesses and individuals set them self-up for a better future. I have had the opportunity to meet many new people along the way and treat every interaction as a chance to learn something new. Today I am Vice President and Co-Founder of the NLD Foundation. A Foundation that for the last 7 years, has provided Academic Scholarships and assistance to individuals in need throughout the Rome Community. I also sit on
the Board of Directors for the Rome Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) and Rome Youth Professionals. Today I am a member of the Utica Rotary Club and part of United Way’s Resource Development Committee.

I am choosing to join Your NuHorizons to be apart of a bigger picture. Your NuHorizons involvement in the communities that surround them is leaving an immediate impact on those individuals and their families. I am looking forward to more smiles leaving their warehouse.

​

Ashley Marie Andrews

Deerfield, New York

Member - Advisory Board 

​

Ashley  is a college graduate with a degree in radiologic technology and currently a Cardiovascular Technologist at WYNN Hospital-Mohawk Valley Health System.

​

​​

ADVOCATES

 

J.D. Pabis

Auburn, New York

Email - jdpabis49@gmail.com

​

J.D. Pabis has a distinguished 40-year education career that includes 5 years as the Auburn City schools Superintendent. Now retired, J.D. is our advocate for Cayuga County.  Most recently, J.D. has connected us with the Matthew House who will be helping in the Ukrainian refugee program. 

​

David M. McManus

Oswego, New York

Email - dgymcmanus@gmail.com

​

David is our Oswego County liaison. David has over 30 years' experience in management. Over the years David and his wife Gwen have cared for or fostered 12 children with heart breaking issues. David is looking forward to helping those in need in his community through our Program.

 

Gwen Bennett

Sherrill, New York

Email - gwenbennett308@gmail.com

 

Gwen has worked in the food and beverage and hospitality industries throughout Central New York for over 35 years. A lifetime resident of Central New York, Gwen currently resides in Sherrill, New York.

​

​Marie Pratt

Sylvan Beach, New York

Email - Marieapratt@aol.com

 

Marie graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College with a degree in Secretarial Science (Legal Secretary). Marie has long been active in the local business community, owning the Harness House Restaurant in Vernon (1975-1985) and working for Pizza Hut from 1980 to 2007. In 1989, Marie became Pizza Hut's Director of Operations for restaurants throughout the Mohawk Valley (up to 19 restaurants). Since 1977, Marie has owned MAP Properties, a local apartment rental business.

​

​Lisa Flaherty

Oneida, New York 

Email - lisa@tiains.com

 

I am a Licensed Property and Casualty Agent with the State of New York and have been personally affected. I am looking forward to providing public awareness about this program.

​

bottom of page