Meet the Board

With 37 years in public education, I bring experience from roles including School Counselor, Dean, Building and Special Education Administrator. I’ve worked across all educational levels, gaining expertise in instruction, budgeting, policy, and school law. As I retire this June, I’m ready to fully commit to this role. A resident since 2002, I’ve supported school programs and served on several committees, including the District Curriculum Committee. I’m passionate about collaboration, equity, and student success, and I’m eager to give back to the community that has supported my family.

Cyndi Herron

Rob Marchiony
Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

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Rob Panasci
Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028

I would like to give back to the community that has given so much to my family. I believe in transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in a safe and supportive learning environment. My legal experience has given me a strong understanding of municipal operations, regulatory frameworks, and the importance of collaboration in public decision-making.

I look forward to bringing a balanced, thoughtful perspective to the board—rooted in both my professional experience and my long-standing commitment to this delightful community.

Rob Panasci

Samantha Phillips, Deputy Treasurer
Term: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027

I have 20 years of experience including roles in the public and private sectors and academia. I am adept at collaborating, building partnerships, and have a keen understanding of what makes organizations thrive. I have extensive leadership experience and have served on various forums and in advisory positions.

My experiences include an appointment by Governor Charlie Baker to serve as the Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and serving under two mayors as the Director of Emergency Management for the City of Philadelphia. I also led a research and training center at SUNY Albany and served as a Professor in Practice/adjunct lecturer at SUNY Albany and Temple University. I have a B.S. from American University and an M.P.H. and M.A. from the George Washington University and the Naval Postgraduate School, respectively.

I moved to Schodack with my family in 2017 and I am an active community member. I am excited by the opportunity to serve as a member of the East Greenbush Board of Education. I believe strongly in supporting our communities through investments in public education.

Samantha Phillips

Jesse Temple
Term: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026

I am serving my first term on the Board of Education. As a parent of three children attending Red Mill Elementary School, I am deeply invested in the quality of education and the well-being of students in the East Greenbush Central School District.

My commitment to the community is demonstrated through my active involvement in local organizations. As a volunteer with Sponsor-A-Scholar, I work to provide specialized programs, mentoring, and academic and financial support to qualifying high school students in the Capital Region, promoting community, opportunity, responsibility, and education. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by students and the importance of creating access to higher education.

I am a proud native of the Capital Region and have dedicated over 12 years to public service in New York State. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Management, and Economics from SUNY Empire State College and am currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at SUNY Albany’s Rockefeller College.

Jesse Temple

Kimberly Turner, President
Term: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027

I have been a resident of East Greenbush for 23 years. I am a proud parent of Alexandra (9th grade) and Nicholas (12th grade). I have a master’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Albany and worked for the Division of Parole until I resigned to stay home with my son (and later, my daughter).

I have been actively involved as Treasurer for both Genet and Goff PTOs as well as one of the primary PTO contacts for all events and activities at Goff. Since 2019, I have served as the parent representative on the district’s Advocacy Committee. I am also highly involved in Girl Scouts as both a troop leader and as a service unit Cookie Manager.

I’m extremely grateful for the quality education that my children are receiving in the EGCSD and I want to be a part of ensuring that our district continues to excel. In support of that goal, it is important to make sure that students, teachers, and staff are provided the opportunity and support they need to be successful within a safe and inclusive environment.

Kimberly Turner

Catherine Van Orden, Vice President
Term: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027

I have lived in East Greenbush with my husband for the past 17 years, and we have two children at Goff Middle School. I graduated from Williams College with a degree in English, and I went on to receive my teaching certification from MCLA and my Masters of Arts in English from Westfield State University.

I am currently the Tutor Coordinator for the Siena College Higher Education Opportunity Program. Prior to this position, I was the Wellness Director at the Greenbush Area YMCA where I led youth and preschool programs at the YMCA, and I taught high school English in Massachusetts.

I currently serve on the Advisory Council of the Greenbush Area YMCA and on the Parish Council for the Church of St. Mary’s in Clinton Heights. I also volunteer to support the Goff Middle School book fair, and while my children were at Genet Elementary School, I was the parent library volunteer for their classes and I taught an after school Explore and Grow class. I feel extremely blessed that my children are enrolled in the EGCSD. The quality of the teachers in the district, the variety of sports and activities that are offered, and the attention to the facilities make this one of the best school districts in the Capital Region.

Catherine Van Orden

Holly Thorpe, Ex-Officio Member (non-voting)
Term: July 9, 2025- June 30, 2026

Holly Thorpe ’26 was unanimously elected as an ex officio member of the East Greenbush Central School District Board of Education . Ms. Thorpe, who is a senior at Columbia High School, is the first student to ever serve on the district’s school board.

As an ex-officio member of the board for this coming school year, Ms. Thorpe will attend regular board meetings and serve as a student representative on important school matters. While she is a non-voting member of the board, she will participate in discussions, contribute to development of policies, and learn about local- and state-level governance.

Ms. Thorpe is a standout student who is involved in a number of extracurricular activities including Columbia Players Theater, Model Congress, Chamber Singers, Peer Leadership, Amnesty International, basketball, tennis, and the student advocacy group Empowering Student Voices.

Holly Thorpe

William Bollam, Alternate Ex-Officio Member  (non-voting)
Term: July 9, 2025- June 30, 2026

William Bollam ’27 was elected as an alternate ex-officio member of the East Greenbush Central School District Board of Education. Mr. Bollam, a junior at Columbia High School, will attend regular board meetings when his schedule allows and serve as a student representative on important school matters. While he is a non-voting member of the board, he will participate in discussions, contribute to the development of policies, and learn about local and state-level governance.

Mr. Bollam is a standout student who is involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including Varsity Tennis, Key Club, Peer Leadership, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Students for Environmental Action, Varsity Golf, Jazz Band, and Symphonic Band.

William Bollam