Community Advisory Board
George Gorman began his career in public service in 1977 as a summer seasonal employee at Jones Beach State Park. Demonstrating strong leadership and operational skills early on, he became a permanent park worker in 1980 and was promoted to Park Manager I in 1983 at 24 years old, making him one of the youngest park managers in the history of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. At that time, he was also assigned to manage the Jones Beach Marine Stadium, during its transition from theatrical productions to a major concert venue.
Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr. is Suffolk County, New York’s 67th Sheriff and the County’s first African American to be elected to a non-judicial countywide office. Now in his third term, he continues to serve and protect the county’s 1.5 million residents through innovative programs to reduce crime and recidivism.
Karen Boorshtein’s leadership was the heart of Family Service League’s mission. After beginning her career as a LCSW, she rose through the ranks to become President and CEO, guiding the organization for over three decades with empathy, integrity, and a deep understanding of human need.
Madeline A. Quintyne-McConney is a community leader, advocate, and mentor who has dedicated her life to empowering her community on Long Island, New York. She shares the inspiring journey of her upbringing, the influence of her parents, and her passion for advocacy. Born in Harlem and raised in Amityville, Long Island, Madeline's life has been a testament to public service and a deep dedication to the well-being of others.
Vanessa Baird-Streeter is the President and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI), bringing decades of leadership experience in government, business, and community service. Under her guidance, HWCLI has strengthened its role as a convener of nonprofit agencies, corporations, and community stakeholders, working collectively to respond to the challenges faced by at-risk populations.
Ralph Ekstrand is celebrating his 27th year as Supervising Pharmacist and Principal of Moby Drugs in Farmingdale. The company, established in 1935, is comprised of a full service retail pharmacy as well as a long-term care pharmacy providing pharmaceutical services to agencies and nursing facilities.
Paul Defendini has served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Farmingdale School District since 2018, marking over two decades of dedicated service to the "Daler" community. A seasoned educational leader with a background in both instructional and business administration, Paul’s leadership is built on a diverse professional foundation.
Christa Lucarelli Ms. Christa Lucarelli is the Director at the Farmingdale Public Library where she has worked since 1985. She graduated from Molloy College in 1991 with a B.S. in Education. Ms. Lucarelli then went on to earn her Master in Library Sciences from Queen’s College. In 2018 Ms. Lucarelli was a recipient of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Women of Distinction for her work with neurodivergent individuals and in 2021 was selected as a Farmingdale School District Wall of Fame honoree. Ms. Lucarelli currently serves as Vice President for the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce, serves as chair for the Women in Business Committee, and sits on the Board of Farmingdale Rotary. In 2024, Ms. Lucarelli was awarded the Vic Lambert Volunteer Award from the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce.
Serena Martin serves as executive director of New Hour for Women and Children, an organization dedicated to empowering mothers, women and children impacted by incarceration. New Hour provides fifteen weekly programs inside Long Island’s three jails and provides reentry support to those returning home from incarceration.
office of the president
Horton Hall, 2nd Floor
934-420-2145
president@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm