CALLICOON – On September 11 and 12 the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation welcomed the Leadership Sullivan Class of 2023 at an Orientation Retreat at Villa Roma Resort Hotel in Callicoon.

Class members come from an array of industries around Sullivan County and beyond:

• Ursula Curry, Jeff Bank

• Saudy Familia, Foster Supply Hospitality

• Lourdesa Hunt, Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association

• Issac Indig, RSBM Management

• Alexandra Julson, Sullivan County, NY Government

• Nicole Morris, The Arc Greater Hudson Valley

• Julian Motola, Sullivan County Government

• Patricia Mulvihill, Foster Supply Hospitality

• Róisín Ní Mhórdha, Foster Supply Hospitality

• Clarisse Owens, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County

• Lale Perez, Jeff Bank

• Marsha Place, Foster Supply Hospitality

• Joel Rosenberg, Yoely’s Cooling and Heating

• Stephanie Smith, Sullivan County Government

• Danielle Stefanuk, Foster Supply Hospitality

• Lauren Warren, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.

Shirley Felder of Ordinary Greatness led the class in leadership conversations which cumulated in the class members creating their Passion/Purpose statements that will act as guiding reminders of “who they are, why it matters, and what people will learn from them.” Her vibrant energy and familiarity with the County motivated the class to engage in meaningful discussions, ask insightful questions, and learn about themselves.

Meaghan Mullally-Gorr of Sullivan180 sent the class on an interactive scavenger hunt. The class broke into four teams. To complete the challenges and build a cohesive team spirit, the four teams raced against the clock to complete missions, answer questions, and document their progress with photos and videos. Everyone had a great time working together, resulting in a coherence of respect, teamwork, and support. 

Jacquie Leventoff, Co-Founder of Leadership Sullivan, challenged the class to research the County, ask questions, and strive to become informed leaders. As the class discovers the different regions of Sullivan County through visits to local businesses and conversations with local government and community leaders, the class members will glean knowledge that will help them excel in their careers and expand their network.

Adam Jacobson of the Villa Roma Resort Hotel was not only the retreat’s board liaison but also the tour guide of the long-standing iconic Catskill venue. Adam, who has been employed by the Villa for 19 years and has experience in all aspects of the business, took the class around the facilities and provided an in-depth perspective on what it is like to operate a resort, both past, and present. 

The Facilitator of this year’s class is Susan Bunce of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development. Sue is a former member of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board, Leadership Sullivan Alumni, and advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association. She will accompany the class on their guided tours around the county.