LIFEPATH'S THIRD AGE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
2024 HONOREES
Monika
Boeckmann
Consultant
LifePath
With over 25 years of experience in not-for-profit management, corporate training, health and elder care, customer service, and community outreach, Monika Boeckmann has been a dedicated force in her field. Armed with four Master’s degrees – in education, psychology, and business – she has devoted her career to guiding mid-sized not-for-profits toward effective and efficient operations, ensuring their long-term stability and successful mission fulfillment.
Monika’s impactful career includes significant roles such as the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY, Chief Administrative Officer of the United Way of Dutchess County, and, until her retirement in 2020, Executive Director of LifePath. Her contributions also extend to Veterans Affairs at Castle Point and Montrose, where she served as Chief of Education. Monika successfully managed a consulting company, providing her expertise, and imparted knowledge as a faculty member at Marist College for over a decade. In her most recent endeavors, she has been working as a Consultant, assisting non-profit leadership in the Capital Region during times of transition.
Monika’s leadership is evident through her involvement on five boards and active participation in over 25 community-based committees. Her journey began at the age of 12, working in her parents’ ice cream store, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service and support.
A proud mother of two successful men, Monika revels in her role as a grandmother to five grandchildren. Her unique lifestyle includes traveling 15-20 weeks annually in a small motor home with her 92-year-old father, 85-year-old mother, two dogs, and a cat. Even off the road, Monika ensures the well-being of her older parents and engages actively as a member of a local community playhouse. Her dedication to professional excellence and personal fulfillment is a testament to a lifetime dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.
Joe
Culver
Executive Director
NY Mortgage Bankers Association
Joe Culver, a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning over four decades, currently serves as the Executive Director of the New York Mortgage Bankers Association since January 2024. In his recent role, Joe brings a wealth of experience and expertise.
In his second career phase, Joe excelled as the Senior Vice President and Co-Director of Home Lending at NBT Bank, N.A. from January 2006 to December 2023. His journey began with impactful leadership roles, including Vice President and Mortgage Banking Sales Manager at Dime Savings, Chase, Fleet, and TD Bank from October 1983 to December 2006. Joe’s prowess and extensive background in the banking and mortgage industry have been instrumental in shaping his success and adept navigation through the intricate landscape of the financial sector.
Before entering the finance realm, Joe had a dynamic career as a Disc Jockey and Music Director at WWOM in Albany, NY, from September 1973 to August 1983. During this time, he achieved notable recognition, including a Billboard Music Award for #1 Small Market Disco Station in the U.S. in August 1979. Additionally, Joe made a mark as a Concert Promoter through JC Productions from June 1975 to December 1983.
Beyond professional achievements, Joe is a dedicated community advocate. Throughout his career, he actively participated in various organizations, serving as a Founding Member and Board Director for initiatives such as Larkfest in Albany, NFL Alumni Upstate New York Chapter, and the Albany Food & Wine Festival. His commitment to community impact is evident in the substantial funds he raised and donated to local non-profit organizations over the years.
As a Founding Member and Board Director of the New York Mortgage Bankers Association since October 2013, Joe continues to contribute his leadership and strategic insights to the mortgage industry. His multifaceted career and commitment to community engagement showcase Joe Culver as a professional with a passion for excellence and a heart for making a positive impact.
Kathy
Kavanaugh
Ladies of Charity
Cohoes Bridges
Mary's Corner
With a career spanning diverse fields, Kathy Kavanaugh emerges as a seasoned professional with an extensive track record of accomplishments. During her tenure at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, Kathy served as the Project Director for the Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) for six years until her retirement in 2008. In this pivotal role, she led the implementation of the “Help for Caretaker Relatives” grant, overseeing recruitment, staff supervision, volunteer management, and the coordination of various programs.
Kathy’s commitment to community development extends beyond her tenure at Catholic Charities. In a prior position, she contributed as an Administrative Assistant at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, showcasing proficiency in program administration, database management, and public relations.
Her professional journey includes roles at the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, where she served as the Assistant Director of Information Resource Management, focusing on database development and student evaluation processes. Earlier in her career, Kathy served as the Promotion Director for Stuyvesant Plaza Merchants Association, earning national recognition for her role in initiating and coordinating public relations activities.
Kathy’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Creighton University and graduate courses in Theology and Ministry from St. Bernard’s Institute. Her commitment to excellence and service has earned her numerous awards over the years.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kathy actively engages in various community initiatives. She serves on boards, co-founded and facilitates adult classes in Cohoes and Watervliet, and contributes to organizations such as Bridges out of Poverty, Albany Ladies of Charity, and Braver Angels. Kathy is also a Charter Member of the Catholic Diocesan Pastoral Care Commission in Albany, NY.
Married to Jack Kavanaugh, Kathy finds joy in family life with four children and seven grandchildren. Outside her professional and community engagements, she enjoys activities such as tennis, pickleball, kayaking, hiking, and participating in a book club. Kathy Kavanaugh’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to her dedication to professional excellence and making a positive impact in the community.
Dr. Carolyn
McLaughlin
Albany County Legislature
Honorable Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin boasts over 30 years of
public service, preceded by a decade as a research chemist in cosmetics
development and nuclear weapons research. Serving three terms as Second Ward
Council Member, she was elected President of the Common Council in 2009. Dr.
McLaughlin embarked on her first term as the inaugural African American
President of the Albany Common Council in January 2010, followed by re-election
in 2014. During her tenure as Chairwoman of the Albany County Democratic
Committee from September 2014 to September 2016, historic milestones were
achieved, including the election of the first African American Judge to the New
York State Supreme Court and the Albany County Court.
After a mayoral run in 2017, Carolyn resumed public
service, securing positions in the Albany County Legislature in 2019 and 2023.
Currently, she chairs the Elder Care Committee, Legislative Black Caucus, and
serves on the Law Committee and Albany County Health Board. Dr. McLaughlin’s
legacy on the Albany Common Council, representing the Second Ward for 12 years,
includes leadership roles such as Majority Leader and membership on key committees.
As a fierce advocate for housing affordability, Dr.
McLaughlin sponsored legislation establishing a vacant building registry and
the Citizens Police Review Board in Albany. Her commitment extends to diverse
community challenges, from childcare to healthcare, education reform to social
justice. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Capital
South Campus Center, fostering community and educational development.
Outside of her political career, Carolyn has been actively
involved in organizations supporting women and girls, including the Woman’s
Club of Albany, Zonta International, and Girls Incorporated of the Capital
Region. She established scholarships through the Black Women’s Association of
Albany, demonstrating her dedication to educational advancement.
Dr. McLaughlin’s illustrious career spans executive roles
in the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, where she coordinated the
first MWBE Investments conference, and in state government agencies like the
New York State Division of Budget and Department of Civil Service. A native of
Albany, she holds degrees in chemistry from Keuka College and a Master’s in
Public Administration from Baruch College. In 2023, she earned her Doctor of
Education from St. John Fisher University.
Driven by her personal mission statement, Carolyn
McLaughlin remains committed to serving others and enhancing the quality of
life for individuals, children, and families every day.
Louis W.
Pierro, Esq.
Founder & Principal
Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC
Louis W. Pierro is the esteemed Founder and Principal of Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC, a distinguished law firm catering to clients across New York, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Specializing in Estate and Trust Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Estate and Trust Litigation, Business and Tax Planning, Elder Law, and Special Needs Planning, Mr. Pierro has established himself as a prominent figure in the legal realm.
A distinguished member of various professional organizations, Mr. Pierro holds memberships in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Bar Association’s Probate and Trust Section, the NYS Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Sections, and the Albany County Bar Association. His commitment to legal excellence has earned him recognition from prestigious entities, including Best Lawyers® for Elder Law and Trusts and Estates, Super Lawyers for 15 consecutive years, and inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in New York, Super Lawyers of the Hudson Valley, and New York Times Top Attorneys in New York.
Maintaining an AV preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 2001, Mr. Pierro’s legal prowess has been acknowledged by his peers, who selected him as Best Lawyers “2022 Lawyer of the Year” for Elder Law in New York’s Capital Region, a distinction he also achieved in 2018 and 2014. A graduate of Lehigh University and Albany Law School, he was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1984, holding licenses to practice in all New York State Courts, the US Supreme Court, and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Mr. Pierro continues to shape the landscape of estate planning and elder law with his exceptional knowledge and dedication to his clients’ welfare.
SGT. LEONARD
RICCHIUTI, JR.
Executive Director
Albany Police Athletic League, Inc.
Leonard R. Ricchiuti, Jr., affectionately known as Sgt. Lenny, stands as an exemplary leader in the Albany community. Having retired after 27 years of dedicated service with the Albany Police Department, Lenny currently serves as the Executive Director of the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL).
Lenny’s impact transcends professional boundaries; he is not just a director but also a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor, and mentor. With a career spanning over three decades, Lenny’s involvement with PAL began as a volunteer, and for the past two decades, he has steered its growth as the Executive Director.
Lenny’s influence is not confined to national borders; he has been an invited speaker at various US Department of Justice-sponsored seminars and events, addressing critical issues such as Community Policing and Youth Crime Prevention Programming in sports, emphasizing the role of “Cops as Coaches.” In 2015, he led a State Department-sponsored delegation to the Republic of Georgia, advocating for implementing similar programs in emerging democracies.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lenny has received numerous awards. His accolades, from the Life-Saving Medal of Honor to the Jefferson Award for Public Service, underscore his unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and positive reinforcement, especially for the youth.
Lenny’s legacy is immeasurable, woven into the fabric of Albany’s neighborhoods and the lives of countless youth and families. His impact, though intangible, is felt through the transformed individuals who have passed through the programs he mentors. Every child that crosses his path emerges with the invaluable gift of being valued as an individual, better equipped to navigate life’s complexities. In essence, every kid needs a PAL like Lenny.
Jack
Roddy
Director of Sales & Marketing
Crowne Plaza Albany —
The Desmond Hotel
Jack Roddy, a native of Cohoes, NY, brings decades of hospitality expertise as the Director of Sales at Crowne Plaza Albany The Desmond Hotel. His professional journey commenced at Hometown Bakery in Cohoes before ascending through various management roles at esteemed establishments such as The Omni Hotel and Holiday Inn on Wolf Road. With an impressive tenure of nearly 20 years at The Desmond, Jack has become a stalwart in the hotel’s success.
Beyond his accomplishments in the hospitality sector, Jack is deeply engaged in community leadership. Currently serving as the President of the Brunswick, NY school board, Jack plays a pivotal role in shaping educational initiatives for the local community. His dedication extends to professional associations, where he served as the past President of MPI (Meeting Professionals International) of Northeastern NY. Jack’s commitment to excellence in the industry was recognized with the prestigious ESSAE (Empire State Society of Association Executives) Associate Member of the Year award.
Family holds a special place in Jack’s life. Alongside his wife, Pam, Jack is the proud parent of three children and a grandparent to four grandchildren. A cat completes their lively household. Jack’s multifaceted roles, professionally and within the community, showcase his unwavering commitment to excellence and community betterment.
This award was declared before any candidate entered a political race and is meant to recognize the individuals’ achievements to date. LifePath is an impartial organization and refrains from making any political endorsements. This recognition is not meant as an endorsement in favor or disfavor of any candidate.