Volunteer Leadership is Recognized

(Newburgh) - Administrators, board members, physicians, and other friends of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital gathered recently to honor outgoing Foundation, Auxiliary, and Medical Executive Committee volunteer leadership and welcome new leadership.

John Davies, who had served as Chair of the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation, has concluded his term. During his tenure, the Foundation launched its Architects of Progress Capital Campaign, was successful in obtaining several grants, and raised other major funds to bring new facilities, programs, and services to our region.

Mr. Davies will remain a member of the Foundation board.
Assuming the Chairmanship of the Foundation is John H. Smith Sr., of William A. Smith and Son, Inc. The Cornwall-on-Hudson resident served 29 years on the Boards of Trustees of The Cornwall Hospital, and then the merged St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served on several hospital board committees and in other leadership roles. New to the Foundation board is Beacon resident Mark T. Starkman, an attorney with Jacobowitz and Gubits, LLP.

Catherine Huggins, who had served as President of the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation Auxiliary, has concluded her term. During her tenure, the Auxiliary supported the Foundation through initiatives including the Auxiliary-run thrift shops and gift shops, and community programs including a holiday party for dialysis patients, and the granting of two scholarships to promising high school students.

Assuming the role of Auxiliary President is Joan DiTullo, of Wallkill. Mrs. DiTullo has been actively involved in various Auxiliary initiatives over the past few years, particularly the annual neonatal intensive care unit graduate party and the gala. Cathleen McVeigh is First Vice President; Carol Ziegler is Treasurer.

There also have been changes to the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee. Continuing as President of the Committee is Gurinder Mehar, M.D.; Stephen Lazar, M.D. replaces Gina Del Savio, M.D. as Vice President; Stephen Cestari, D.O., replaces Donna Kasello, M.D. as Chair of the Dept. of Ob/Gyn, and Richard Diamond, M.D., Seth Levin, M.D., Ahmad Masood, M.D., and Thomas Reed, M.D. replace Members-at-Large Dean Cassimatis, M.D., David Harrison, M.D., Anne Mullin, M.D., and Conrado Tojino Jr., D.O.

Picturead Above Clockwise: John Smith, Joan DiTullo, Mark Starkman