Board of Trustees

Board member since 2025 (formerly 2014-2023)

John Bellardini ’96 is a Certified Turnaround Professional with more than 30 years of experience in finance, operations, and executive leadership. He holds a B.B.A. from Siena College, an M.S. from Binghamton University, and an MBA from the Sage Graduate Schools (now Russell Sage College).

Bellardini is the founder of Saldi Advisory, LLC, where he provides strategic management advisory services. Known for his hands-on approach, he specializes in elevating company performance – helping strong businesses excel further and guiding underperforming or distressed organizations back to profitability. His work has earned national recognition, including a prestigious turnaround award.

Throughout his career, Bellardini has served as CFO across a range of global industries, including commercial real estate, hospitality, construction, and OEM and Food manufacturing.

He has also served on several nonprofit and professional boards, including the Upstate New York Turnaround Management Association, Elmcrest Children’s Center, the National Ski Patrol, and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Bellardini resides in Rochester, New York, with his wife, Beth.

Board member since 2025

Chuck Bogosta is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across academic medicine, global health systems, and innovation-driven enterprises. He most recently served as executive vice president of UPMC, a $31 billion academic medical center and integrated delivery and finance system based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During his 26-year tenure at UPMC, Chuck held several foundational leadership roles, including president of UPMC International, president of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and president of UPMC’s Strategic Business Initiatives (now UPMC Enterprises). He also served as Chief Operating Officer of UPMC’s Physician Services Group and held executive roles at the University of Pittsburgh, where he remains a consultant.

At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Bogosta led the creation of the world’s largest distributed network of cancer centers, growing the program to 75 locations and $1.5 billion in revenue. As president of UPMC International, he helped establish UPMC’s presence across 10 countries, including hospitals and specialty clinics in Italy, Ireland, China, and beyond. Under his leadership at UPMC’s Strategic Business Initiatives, he launched a robust innovation and investment platform focused on digital health, biotech, and translational science.

Bogosta began his career in healthcare startups and previously worked in higher education administration. He is the founder of Bogosta Enterprises LLC, through which he provides strategic consulting services. He currently serves on several domestic and international boards.

In recognition of his global contributions to healthcare, Bogosta received the 2022 International Healthcare Leadership Award from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership. He earned a B.A. in Business Economics from the State University of New York, an M.A. in Educational Administration from Bowling Green State University, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the State University of New York.

Board member since 2026

Walt has 26 years’ experience in starting, growing and managing a global business as retired Founder and CEO of Fortitech Inc. Fortitech was a global producer of human nutritional products used in the Food, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Industries. The company had four business units covering the world and eight plants and distribution centers – USA, Denmark, Poland, Malaysia, Brazil, China and Mexico. The company was sold in 2012 to the DSM, the multibillion-dollar Dutch-based global leader in the Life Sciences Industries. Walt is Trustee/Secretary of the National Museum of Thoroughbred Racing and Hall Fame. He holds a bachelors in microbiology from SUNY Plattsburgh and in 2021, was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters by Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Alumna board member since 2025

Carol Buchanan ’82 is a retired IT business analyst with a career spanning more than three decades at Eversource Energy, New England’s largest energy delivery company. From 1982 to 2017, she supported operations serving over 4.4 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Buchanan earned her B.A. in Computer Science from Russell Sage College in 1982 and went on to receive her M.S. in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1989. A proud Sage alumna, she has served as a Class Agent for over four decades and remains active in Russell Sage College events and traditions, following in the footsteps of her mother, also a graduate of the college.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Buchanan is engaged in community service and currently serves on the board of directors for the Northern Middlesex YMCA in Middletown, Connecticut. She lives in Durham, Connecticut, and enjoys traveling with her husband, Tom, and spending time with her daughter and grandsons.

Board Vice Chair

Board member 2011-2020; returned in 2022

Judy Campisi ’80 is an accomplished nonprofit executive with extensive experience in strategic initiatives, organizational development, grant writing, corporate relations, and fundraising.

She has held leadership roles with the American Heart Association and served as president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. Currently a senior consultant with The Munshine Group, she has also led development efforts at Feeding Westchester. A past recipient of Russell Sage’s Doris Crockett Medal, Campisi brings commitment and expertise to her alma mater.

Board member since 2026

Richard H. Daffner ’63, MD, FACR, RPh, LHD, practiced radiology with Allegheny Radiology Associates and Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for 30 years. Dr. Daffner also taught at several colleges and universities including Temple University School of Medicine and Duke University Medical Center. His list of scholarly accomplishments includes serving as author on eight textbooks, 27 book chapters, and 169 journal articles.

Board Chair

Board member since 2017

Caroline Leavitt DeCota ’84 retired as vice president, Managed Markets, at the global medical technology and pharmaceutical business, Smith & Nephew, where she managed its Medicare Part D program. She held positions at the American Pharmacists Association and at the National Community Pharmacists Association before moving on to manage an independent pharmacy buying group and later serving as director of PBM Operations for a national HMO.

During her extensive career in healthcare, Leavitt DeCota also worked for Bayer Pharmaceuticals in Managed Markets contracting and Sales Training. In addition to her degree from Russell Sage, she holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Golden Gate University.

Board member since 2015

Belinda Hilton ’97 is director of finance at The Business Council of New York State, managing financial operations and audit oversight. She previously held leadership roles in accounting at Albany Molecular Research and UHY LLP. 

She is also the chair of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and serves the Alumnae Association in multiple capacities. Hilton holds a B.S. in Accounting and lives in Guilderland, New York, with her husband, Averell, and their children, Isaac and Olivia.

Chair of the Student Success & Community Well-being Committee

Board member since 2021

James Kellerhouse ’96 ’98, MBA, is assistant vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and executive director of operations and engagement for Vanderbilt University in New York City, where he advances institutional initiatives and engagement efforts in one of the university’s key strategic markets.

A seasoned advancement professional, Kellerhouse previously served as vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs at Hartwick College, where he led fundraising, alumni relations, donor stewardship, government relations, and career engagement initiatives, including oversight of the college’s comprehensive campaign. Earlier in his career, Kellerhouse held leadership roles at Albany Medical Center, Albany Law School, The Albany Academies, and Russell Sage College.

He is active in several nonprofit and professional boards, including The Legal Project, the American Diabetes Association, and the Charitable Gift Planners of Northeastern NY. A proud Sage graduate, he lives in New York City and Albany, New York, with his partner, Tom.

Board member since 2026

Susan Learned ’91, PharmD, MD, PhD, is the President and Founder of Learned Consulting Group, LLC. Dr. Learned founded Learned Consulting after serving as Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Development at Indivior. Previously, she spent nearly 20 years at GSK leading various global neurosciences clinical divisions.

Board member since 2026

Shane McGann, PharmD, RPh is currently Vice President, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Atavistik Bio, bringing with him nearly 15 years of biopharmaceutical industry and leadership experience. Prior to Atavistik, Shane spent time at Mythic Therapeutics, BridgeBio, and Agios Pharmaceuticals, where he held positions of increasing responsibility and led global regulatory strategic planning and execution across Oncology and Rare Disease Portfolios, spanning all stages of clinical development. In addition, while at Agios he was a Director and Preceptor for their Biopharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program. Shane completed a post-doctoral Regulatory Affairs Fellowship at Genzyme, in conjunction with Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences where he was adjunct faculty. During his career, Shane has led, overseen, and contributed to the regulatory strategy for numerous preclinical and clinical drug development programs, including several approved therapies.

Board member since 2020

Jeff Mirel is a principal of Rosenblum Development Corporation, one of the largest fully integrated real estate development and management companies in the Capital Region of New York. Mirel is also the founder and former board president of Albany Barn, Inc., where he led the nonprofit’s successful efforts to establish a live-work incubator for creative industry called “The Barn.” 

He currently serves on the Capital Region Economic Development Council, as well as the boards of Discover Albany (Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau) and the Central Avenue Business Improvement District. Mirel is a Jefferson Award for Public Service medalist and has been recognized in City & State’s “Albany 40 Under 40” and the Albany Business Review’s “Power 50.” He is a graduate of Georgetown University and now lives in Guilderland, New York, with his wife, Janel, and their two daughters.

Board member since 2023

Nicole Newman ’91 has dedicated her career to educating and empowering young people in the Capital Region. A lifelong math educator and administrator, she began teaching at Columbia High School and later joined the City School District of Albany, where she currently serves as principal at Giffen Elementary School. Newman holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Russell Sage, an M.S. in Mathematics Education from the University at Albany, and School Building Leader certification. She lives in Rensselaer, New York, and is the proud mother of four adult children: Kenneth Jr., Ashley, Sean Michael, and Cameron.

Board member since 2026

James Notaro ’84, RPh, PhD, is the Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Clinical Support Services (CSS), Inc., a Buffalo-based provider of medication management solutions. Prior to founding CSS in 1999, he held executive positions with Univera Health Care and was Director of Managed Care Programs/Research & Development with Centrus, an Albany-based prescription benefit management company.

Board member since 2000

Chet Opalka is president of Opalka Family Investment Partners and the family’s Kiwi Foundation. A chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, he co-founded Albany Molecular Research in executive and scientific roles, earning 28 U.S. patents. In recognition of his professional achievements and philanthropic leadership, he was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Russell Sage College. He is also actively involved in Albany’s regional ecosystem and serves on several for-profit and nonprofit advisory boards.

Opalka and his wife, Karen, are passionate supporters of the arts and education. In 2014, Russell Sage College named its Albany campus gallery in the family’s honor. They live in the Capital Region and have two children, Jesse ’97 and Courtney.

Board member since 2016

Tammy Parsons ’97, ’01 is director of academic advising services at Excelsior University, where she supports nontraditional and adult learners. Her career in higher education also includes several student support roles at Russell Sage College, including director of HEOP. She has been a dedicated volunteer with TAUM and numerous college organizations, including the Alumnae Association Board. Parsons is deeply committed to diversity and student success. She resides in Watervliet, New York, with her husband, Lewis, and their daughters, Kahlysa and Anisa.

Board member since 2024

Stacey Rowland is senior vice president and general counsel at Genting Americas. With a legal career spanning more than three decades, she has held senior roles in both government and private practice, including as vice president and general counsel at Rivers Casino & Resort. Rowland earned her B.A. in Economics from Boston University and her J.D. from Albany Law School. She actively serves her community through numerous organizations, including Proctors Theatre, the Town of Colonie Ethics Board, and the Albany Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. She was recognized by the Albany Business Review as a 2019 “Woman Who Means Business.”

Board member since 2026

Gregory Sciarra ’93, RPh, MBA is an executive healthcare and pharmaceutical operations leader. He is currently the Chief Operating officer and Co-Founder of Embrace Prevention Care. Embrace Prevention Care’s mission is to improve older adult care, not only for today’s older adults, but for all. Their clinical model has led to a reduction of hospitalizations of patients by over 40%. They currently operate in seven states and are providing care as part of Medicare’s 8-year pilot program, GUIDE, to improve dementia care and keep patients with dementia out of the hospital and skilled nursing facilities.

Chair of the Governance Committee and Investment Working Group

Board member since 2023 (formerly 2008-2021)

Ronnye Shamam ’64 is the owner of Shamron Mills, a Troy, New York-based manufacturer serving healthcare and institutional markets. A former high school language teacher, Shamam returned to Troy after decades in New York City and remains active in local civic life. 

She has served on multiple boards, including the RSC Alumnae Association and board of trustees. In addition to her Russell Sage degree, she holds an MBA from Long Island University and values Troy’s history and her lifelong connection to the college. She lives in downtown Troy and has one son, Bill.

Board member since 2026

Bill Shields ’84, RPh, MBA, is the retired CEO and current member of the Board of Directors at Advanced Infusion Solutions (AIS), the leading provider of advanced sterile, patient-specific intrathecal pump medications and in-home intravenous infusion including immune globulin therapies. He has a wide range of experience in leadership roles in the healthcare industry. Prior to joining AIS, he served as the President at MTS Medication Technologies, CEO at Artromick International, EVP at Amerisource, Bergen and President of PharMerica.

Board member since 2026

Patricia T. Sparrell ’78 is a distinguished engineering and philanthropic leader whose career and service have had a profound impact on industry, higher education, and Russell Sage College. After earning a BA in Chemistry and Mathematics from Russell Sage College and an MS in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, she spent 35 years at ExxonMobil retiring as Global Manager of Process Engineering and Optimization Technologies leading a $100M budget with over 400 employees worldwide. She also served as President of ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. providing product safety, health, and environmental science support across all ExxonMobil businesses.
She has been a champion for women in STEM as founder and co‑chair of the company’s Downstream Women’s Leadership Team.[1]

Ms. Sparrell served on the Russell Sage College Board of Trustees for twelve years, including six years as Chair, helping to lead the College’s financial revitalization and establishing the RSC Endowed Service-Learning Program. Her volunteer leadership also includes key roles with the ARCS Foundation, Northwestern University’s Chemical and Biological Engineering Advisory Board, Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Chemical Engineering Advisory Board, and the ExxonMobil Potomac Annuitant Club.

Ms. Sparrell received the “Tribute to Women in Industry Award”, the Russell Sage College “Alumnae/i of Influence Award” and delivered the “Hugh Hulburt memorial Lecture” at Northwestern University. She also holds several patents and has authored multiple publications.

Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee

Board member since 2023

Albert Szesnat ’03, ’05 serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Center for Internet Security, where he oversees financial operations for the global cybersecurity nonprofit. 

Szesnat’s career includes roles in accounting and finance at organizations such as Freihofer’s, RPI, Town of Colonie, and the Ordway Research Institute. He holds a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA from Sage. He lives in Latham, New York, with his wife, Nicole, and their two children.

Board member since 2019 (formerly alumnae trustee 2006-2010)

Robin Taubin ’74 began her distinguished legal career after graduating from Hofstra Law School in 1977. She served as head of real estate for Viacom and its predecessors (Gulf & Western and Paramount Communications), overseeing global real estate matters for companies including Paramount Pictures, Simon & Schuster, CBS, and Madison Square Garden. 

After retiring from Viacom, she turned her focus to philanthropy, serving on the auxiliary board of Lenox Hill Hospital and supporting other healthcare and educational programs. Taubin is a dedicated alumna and an advocate for community service and the arts. She lives with her husband, Michael, in New York City, and enjoys spending time with her children and four grandchildren.

Board member since 2026

Dawn Thompson, JD serves as SVP of government relations for Live Oak Bank. Dawn leads advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. with Congress, federal agencies, and local and state government agencies.

Previously, Dawn was senior vice president, director of federal affairs, and associate counsel at the North Carolina Bankers Association where she led federal grassroots and advocacy efforts, answered bank regulatory and compliance questions, maintained corporate governance, and was the staff liaison for the North Carolina Young Bankers and Bank Security Committee. Prior to her role at the North Carolina Bankers Association, Dawn practiced law at Stewart & Schmidlin, PLLC in Smithfield, NC. Dawn is a graduate of Campbell School of Law in Raleigh, NC, and Stetson University in DeLand, FL.

Secretary of the board, chair of the Organizational Sustainability Committee

Board member since 2020

Christine Ward ’71 served as New York State archivist and assistant education commissioner, overseeing the nation’s leading state archives. She also led the New York Archives Partnership Trust and earned national recognition for her leadership in archival and cultural institutions. 

Ward holds an M.L.S. from the University at Albany and has been honored with multiple awards, including the University at Albany’s Distinguished Public Service Award and the Russell Sage Women of Influence Award. She has served on numerous boards, including her local school district and library boards, and area cultural institutions, most recently the RSC Alumnae/i Association, the Hart Cluett Museum, and the NY Archives Trust. She lives in North Greenbush, New York, and has one son and one grandchild.

Board member since 2026

Marc Watrous ’91 RPh, PhD, has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry having held roles that span product development through commercialization. He currently serves as a strategic advisor to life sciences companies in the areas of drug pricing, distribution, patient services and transformational commercial go-to-market strategies. He spent nearly 23 years at Genentech.  Prior to his retirement, he served as Senior Vice President for Managed Care and Customer Operations.

Board member since 2020

Benita Zahn is an Emmy-winning journalist and health reporter who spent over 40 years at WNYT-TV, co-anchoring evening newscasts and producing the acclaimed “Health Beat” series. 

Zahn holds a doctorate in bioethics and is a respected advocate for public health, wellness, and the arts. She has served on the boards of multiple nonprofits, including the Park Playhouse and Building on Love, and is a frequent event emcee and community speaker. She resides in Clifton Park with her husband, Robert Stulmaker.

Russell Sage College President Matthew Shaftel

View Dr. Shaftel’s bio.