Category: Departments
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NEWSMAKERS: SUNY Oswego’s Mark Mirabito Earns Teaching Award
SUNY Oswego psychology faculty member Mark Mirabito has earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. Mirabito has brought his knowledge, teaching ability and communication skills to SUNY Oswego since 2001 as an adjunct teacher. The versatile instructor taught in a variety of departments before teaching regularly in the psychology department for the past decade. “He has mastered the art of making students comfortable and engaged while maintaining the rigor necessary for learning at the college level,” Thomas Darvill, a professor emeritus of psychology wrote in support of Mirabito’s selection. “The students I witnessed during my observation were interested, consistently attentive and quite respectful. Young people will learn best when their instructor expects them to be capable of mastery and shows this in his interactions with them.” Retired from his time as a teacher, coach and adviser with the Oswego City School District, Mirabito now dedicates much time to a wide range of SUNY Oswego committees and in service to the psychology department, from recruitment events to providing academic advisement. Many also have heard his voice as a public address announcer for a variety of Laker sporting events since 2008. Beyond that, Mirabito has also served as the (more…) -
NEWSMAKERS: CNY Community Foundation Announces New Hires
The Central New York Community Foundation has recently hired two professionals. Deraretu Abubeker • Deraretu Abubeker will serve as scholarships and student success manager. She is passionate about helping the community where she grew up and is eager to continue supporting students through their post-secondary planning journeys, according to a company press release. In her role, Abubeker provides information and support to students, families, community partners and schools while helping to manage our various scholarships. Before joining the Community Foundation, she served as a program manager and tutor counselor, guiding young people through career exploration, college applications and entrepreneurial development. Leila Moghadasi • Leila Moghadasi will serve as communications associate. She is a recent graduate of Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in writing, rhetoric and composition. In her role, Moghadasi provides communications support to attract and deepen relationships with nonprofit organizations, scholarship seekers and civic leaders. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Moghadasi worked at the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis in Rabat, Morocco. She is deeply committed to using ethical storytelling as a tool to amplify the voices of community members across Central New York. (more…) -
NEWSMAKERS: Pathfinder Has New Chief Information Officer
Pathfinder Bank recently announced Joe McManus as the bank’s new chief information officer, following the retirement of Dan Phillips, who spent decades in that position. With 16 years of service at the bank, McManus brings a wealth of experience in technology and information systems. Promoted to first vice president, chief technology officer in 2022, McManus has worked closely with Phillips over the past year to ensure a smooth transition of Pathfinder’s IT strategies. In his new role as senior vice president and CIO, McManus will oversee the eCommerce and IT departments, driving operational excellence, technological innovation and superior customer experiences. “We are confident that Joe’s expertise and vision will continue the strong legacy that Dan has built,” said Jim Dowd, the bank’s president and chief executive officer. “Joe’s experience and dedication, combined with his comprehensive understanding of our strategic objectives, make him the ideal leader to advance our technological initiatives.” A resident of Oswego, McManus lives with his wife, Laura, and their son, Joshua. Active in the community, he attends Elim Grace Church and enjoys live events, concerts, and exploring emerging technology trends. (more…) -
NEWSMAKERS: Peter-Clark Achieves Fellowship in the American College of Medical Practice Executives
ConnextCare’s President and CEO Tricia Peter-Clark has become a fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). ACMPE is the certification entity of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Fellowship in ACMPE’s industry-leading program demonstrates mastery and expertise in the profession of medical practice management. To achieve fellowship, Peter-Clark first earned the certified medical practice Executive (CMPE) designation by passing rigorous examinations that assess knowledge of the broad scope of medical practice management, as outlined in the body of knowledge for medical practice management. This includes business operations, financial management, human resources management, information management, organizational governance, transformative healthcare delivery, quality management and risk management. In addition, Peter-Clark completed a minimum of 50 continuing education credit hours to achieve CMPE status. To earn fellowship, Peter-Clark demonstrated leadership, innovation and professional engagement in the healthcare industry and the advancement of the medical group management profession. “Becoming a fellow in the ACMPE is no small task. It takes an immense amount of time, dedication and hands-on experience to earn this level of achievement,” said Steven Gaffney, president of the ConnextCare board of directors. “Tricia’s knowledge, education and dedicated determination has led ConnextCare to new heights with greater access to care (more…) -
NEWSMAKERS: CEO Bill Carhart Celebrates 20 Years Leading Oswego County Federal Credit Union
Oswego County Federal Credit Union (OCFCU) announced that CEO Bill Carhart is celebrating his 20th anniversary leading the organization. Over the past two decades, Carhart has established himself as a visionary leader, driving significant growth and innovation for OCFCU. Carhart graduated in 1990 from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and human resource management. Under his leadership, OCFCU has grown its total assets and increased loans and capital. In addition, Carhart successfully managed the opening of four new branches, expanding the credit union’s reach and enhancing its service offerings to members across Oswego County. Carhart has significantly lowered the average member age from 49 to 44 and created a millennial-aged member group, now representing 46% of the total membership. Under his leadership, OCFCU’s membership has grown by 170%, making it one of the fastest-growing credit unions in the region. It currently has 13,000 members. His forward-thinking leadership has led to OCFCU consistently being named a “Best Places to Work” company in New York State by the Central New York Business Journal. Carhart has also cultivated a positive and supportive work environment, leading to OCFCU maintaining low employee turnover. “Bill’s leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary,” (more…) -
ECONOMIC TRENDS: The State of Nuclear Industry and its Role in Power Generation
Austin Wheelock | ooc@oswegocounty.org In late October, Operation Oswego County attended Constellation Energy’s annual State of the Plant at the Nine Mile Point clean energy campus in the town of Scriba. Constellation holds this event annually to inform elected officials and community leaders about the current and future initiatives taking place at Nine Mile Point I, II and FitzPatrick nuclear stations. This year, potentially more than ever, it was important to hear the information and be a part of the conversation. Who is Constellation Energy? Constellation Energy is America’s leader in clean energy development, creating more than 10% of all carbon-free energy across the U.S. — nearly as much as the next two competitors combined. To understand the scale of its clean power generation capacity, it is enough to power the equivalent of 15 million homes. A large part of that clean generation comes from nuclear energy which emits no greenhouse gases, making it a clean power source. Although the greatest share of its generated power comes from nuclear, Constellation also manages and operates hydro, solar and wind assets as part of its diverse clean energy holdings. Constellation’s nuclear fleet produces more than 19,000 megawatts of clean electricity (more…) -
TIM’S NOTES: Art Scene at CNY Arts Center Shines Light on Creative Opportunities
Tim Nekritz | nekritz@gmail.com The neon theater sign welcoming visitors to the Art Scene at CNY Arts Center in Fulton was designed by the organization’s interim executive director, Bonnie McClellan and supported by grants and local businesses. An original play where, on an alternate timeline, the Apollo 11 astronauts battle aliens and Soviet spies. Art openings. Halloween-related activities including a musical spooktacular, scary tales and comedy, a witches’ tea and a movie marathon. A summer youth arts camp. Popular plays for the whole family. Crafting and baking classes for kids and teens. These are only some of the activities that the Art Scene at the CNY Arts Center in Fulton has hosted in the past few months. It points to filling a role that promotes creativity, craftiness and community for folks of all ages. Most notable from the outside due its large art deco neon decoration, the building at 121 Cayuga St. is a stone’s throw from the Oswego River, nestling just south of the former bank building that is now the 114 Reserve coffeehouse and just north of the Cayuga Street Steakhouse (formerly the Blue Moon Grill). Much as the neighborhood around it has changed and evolved, so (more…) -
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Top Employers
Here it is … the 2025 Business Guide. We just finished our 31th edition of the Business Guide, which lists hundreds of the largest employers in Central New York. Subscribers and other readers are getting a copy of the publication in the mail now. It brings fresh statistics about population, income, pricing of housing and education. It also brings several listings showing the largest employers in four Central New York counties. We survey all the companies and rely on the information they provide about employment figures. Then we put all the information in a spreadsheet and run the numbers. Here is a glimpse of our findings — the largest employers based on employment figures: Top private employers in Oswego County: • Constellation: 1,411 employees • Oswego Health: 1,365 • Novelis: 1,204 • Walmart: 880 • Oswego Co. Opportunities: 545 Top public employers in Oswego County: • SUNY Oswego: 1,500 • Oswego County government: 1,189 • Oswego School District: 793 • Fulton City schools: 730 • Central Square School district: 704 For figures in Onondaga, Madison and Jefferson counties, we grouped private and public employers together. Top employers in Onondaga County: • SUNY Upstate Medical University: 11,725 • Syracuse University: 5,999 (more…) -
ON THE JOB: The Outlook for 2025: What’s in Store for Area Businesses?
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant “As a law firm that began in Central New York in 1855 and has always had a major office here, our dedication to the region is ongoing and deep. In part due to our involvement in the expansion of the White Pine Commerce Park in support of the $100 billion Micron semiconductor chip manufacturing facility — we serve as the lead counsel to the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency on the project — we are looking forward to a great year for the region. This positive expectation is for both the business community and the wider community.” — David Burch, Partner and Syracuse office managing director, Barclay Damon, LLP, based in Syracuse “Our outlook for 2025 is to explore new partnerships with organizations that specialize in family care and healthy recreation. By supporting these types of businesses, we can help keep families engaged with their community while also encouraging health and wellness. — Tyler Ahart, Coordinator at Oswego County Prevention Coalition, Oswego “Stewart’s Shops is wrapping up a strong year and has a positive outlook heading into 2025. Our company is expanding heavily into Vermont next year and we will continue to (more…) -
Tim’s Notes: Hidden Gem — Oswego Civic Arts Center
Center draws on collaborations, communityby Tim Nekritz | nekritz@gmail.comIt’s a gorgeous, sunny Saturday afternoon in late August. A small group of volunteers are in the Oswego Civic Arts Center’s Frances Marion Brown Theater painting and hanging lights for the next Oswego Players’ production.In the western end of the east side building, the Art Association of Oswego has two exhibitions up in its galleries and spaces ready for the next class or gathering.While this humming center for creatives of all types is a hidden gem for some — and is among the properties that might be included in a new national park — those who know and love the spaces welcome the added attention to the fruits of their labor.If you were to walk into what was then known as Building 31 as recently as the early 1960s, you would have seen an abandoned building, where the only occupants documented were pigeons (and their droppings). This space definitely houses a comeback story.Constructed by the state from 1903 to 1905 as part of Fort Ontario’s operations, the building initially housed Fort Ontario’s quartermaster. But it subsequently played a role in one of the Port City’s most remarkable stories when 982 refugees came (more…)