Leadership Genesee Class of 2025
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Jay Gsell was presented with the Barry Miller Lifetime Achievement Award–from left- Jonathan Finch, Artist who created the award, Tim Hens/Alumni who nominated Gsell, Jay Gsell and Peggy Marone, Director of Leadership Genesee/Class of 2002
“We took a chance at putting this program together, I had done this in Iowa, when I saw that effort and got here talking to my colleagues it just seemed like this was an ideal program for a community like this,” Retired County Manager Jay Gsell told the crowd at Terry Hills as he looked back on helping create the Leadership Genesee Program 25 years ago on Thursday evening.
Gsell was nominated Tim Hens, retired Genesee County Highway Superintendent.
Gsell presented Peggy Marone with a St. Christopher medal
Mickey Hyde-Class of 2006 was presented with the Outstanding Alumnus Award for 2025
Julie Carasone-Program Manager Care Coordinator Oak Orchard Community Health Center-Julie battled cancer during the program and was honored for her perseverance over the past year by her cohorts before the award presentation.
“Tonight was my graduation from Leadership Genesee, a yearlong program where I learned about Genesee County, her beauty, and the incredible people who make this place so special. What made the night even more meaningful was when MarcAnthony Bucci and the Best Class Ever, 2025, honored me for battling and persevering through my cancer treatments. They were a huge part of why I made it through. Their support, kindness, and friendship made my cancer journey easier to bear. I thank each and every one of them from the bottom of my heart. This truly was a night to remember,” says Julie Carasone.
Two graduates, Miranda Gray and Abigail Heineman, were unable to attend the graduation on Thursday evening at Terry Hills.
MarcAnthony J. Bucci–United Way of Greater Rochester & the Finger Lakes
Sara Brunner-Director of Gateway Home
Lisa Bors-VP of Public Relations & Development Arc GLOW
Alex Bookmiller-Accountant Alleghany Farm Services
Jeff Bartz-Lead Pastor Grace Baptist Church
Kariyn M. Backus-Director of Applications and Integrations GCC
Jennifer Back-Director of Technology & Assessment-Byron Bergen Central School District
Angelica Dickson-Griffin-Records Management Clerk-Town of Batavia
Brian Dilcher-Senior Commercial Underwriter-Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance Co.
Sara Hults-Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator-Veterans Affairs WNY Healthcare System
Rick Lawrence-Senior Staff Accountant WROTB Batavia Downs Gaming
Erin Marie Martin-Case Manager Genesee Justice
Jessica L. McAllister- Senior Financial Clerk Typist-Genesee County Office for the Aging
Jody Nichols-Chief Operating Officer-Council Rock Wealth Advisory Group
Amanda Norton-Tax Manager Withum
Claudia Nusstein-Conservation Education Program Coordinator-Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
Barbara L. Radley-Town Clerk-Town of Stafford, NY
Jessica Reyes- Operations Manager-Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union
Samantha R. Rychlicki-Domestic Violence Prevention Education Coordinator YWCA of Genesee County
Kayla Shuknecht-Public Health Nurse-Genesee County Health Department
Wendy Spence-ED Nurse Manager/Stoke Coordinator/RRH/UMMC
Jacqueline Evadnie Swaby-Education Director & Gallery Curator GOW Regional Arts Council
Jenelle VonBuren-Dual Recovery Coordinator for GOW/CCSI/Wyoming County Mental Health
Lindsey Weaver-Order Processing Supervisor-Liberty Pumps
Aurora Wzientek-Graphic & Creative Design Manager–WROTB/Batavia Downs Gaming
Heather A. Zerillo-Group Publisher-SMG-Batavia, LLC