Officers

Chair, Vance Cannon: Vance is a Western CT State University alumnus with an MA in media studies from The New School. He has taught at Housatonic since 2003, in the English department and currently as library media specialist. He serves on the Falls Village AFS Chapter as secretary and is the facilitator for AFS at the High School. Vance also serves on the Falls Village Scholarship Association. (Term ends 2027)

Vice Chair, Mike DeMazza: Mike is an alumnus of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.  He graduated with a BA degree in History and, in 1985, started his teaching and coaching career at HVRHS.  After retiring from the classroom in 2016, Mike returned to Housatonic as an educational paraprofessional and the coordinator of standardized testing at the high school, including SATs, PSATs and Advanced Placement exams. In addition to the 21st Century Fund, he also serves on the Alumni Association Board. (Term ends 2027)

Secretary, Mary Wilbur: Mary graduated from HVRHS in 1989. She has a BS in Marketing from Johnson & Wales University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Marist College. After several years away, Mary returned home in 2008 to raise her child in the community she loves. Mary has worked as an Advertising Account Manager for The Lakeville Journal CO since 2012.  She previously served on the board of the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, and has a long history of volunteerism within the community. (Term ends 2029)

Treasurer, Scott Fellows: Dr. Fellows has taught at HVRHS since graduating from the University of Connecticut’s School of Education in 1989.  In 1995 he was appointed Chair of the Mathematics Department, having earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Mathematics from Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University.  In addition to his work in Region 1, Dr. Fellows currently sits on the Advisory Panel for the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Goodwin University. (Term ends 2025)

 Board Members

Jessie Bate: grew up in Cornwall and has attended Cornwall Consolidated and Housatonic. She has a BA in Health and Physical Education and an MS in Library and Information Science.  Jessie is the Library Media Specialist at HVRHS; she is excited to be a part of the 21st Century Fund because she sees it as an opportunity to encourage students to go beyond the borders of the Northwest Corner. (Term ends 2027)

John Hedbavny: John served as Associate Dean at Springfield College (MA), taught in the College’s Department of Recreation and directed the College’s day camp.  After serving as Executive Director of a YMCA camp in PA, and an interim position with the YMCA of USA, he became ED of Camp Sloane in Lakeville.  His local involvements include the Salisbury Rotary Club, singing with the HousaTonics (current President), and with Lakeville United Method Church (Trustee). (Term ends 2031)

Michael Mahoney:  The son of 21st Century Fund founder, Jack Mahoney, Michael is a graduate of HVRHS, NWCCC and Guilford College, with a degree in Sport Management.  Currently a Senior Sales Representative for Musco Sports Lighting, he also serves on the board of the Region One Athletic Fund. (Term ends 2027)

Kristen Neary:  is an alumna of both Salisbury Central School (SCS) and HVRHS; she has degrees in Early Childhood Education and Reading and has worked at SCS for 30 years. Kristen is married fellow Housatonic alumnus Keith Marks and their two daughters are HVRH grads. (Term ends 2031)

Carol D. Schulz, PhD: Carol has taught history, literature, writing, and human rights issues, in grades 7-12 and college, for 34 years (including HVRHS), and volunteered in Lee H. Kellogg ‘s K-1-2 class for 10 years. She has served on a CT Department of Education committee for designing new-English-teacher standards, and as a mentor and assessor.  She is also the author and editor of several history books on the Holocaust, and civil and human rights topics. (Term ends 2027)

Kevin Wolgemuth: Kevin has taught for 29 years at the high school, early college, and university levels.  He has a Masters in English, Sociology, and Public Administration from Syracuse University and previously served on the Salisbury Central Schools Board of Education. His daughter Ellie graduated from HVRHS in 2025; Ellie was the first student to hold a 21st Century Fund sponosred apprenticeship at Sharon Playhouse.  (Term of 2027)

Marlene Woodman: Marlene graduated from HVRHS in 1969. She then went to Southern Connecticut State University and graduated in ’73 with a BS in Education. Afterwards, she was a Legislative Lobbyist for New Haven Mayor Biago  DiLieto, District Director for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Executive Assistant and Legislative Liaison for Dr. Merle Harris, President, Charter Oak State College and is currently the Assistant Town Clerk for Sharon. (Term ends 2031)

Emeritus Members

John F. Perotti:  John graduated from HVRHS in 1964.  He was on the original board of the 21st Century Fund and served as its Chair for years.  He is the retired Chairman and CEO of the Salisbury Bank and Trust.

Lynn Nania: Lynn served on the 21st Century Fund Board for almost twenty years and for most of the time she served as the Fund’s treasurer.  She remains an invaluable resource and active supporter of the Fund.

Thomas Schindler:  Tom is a microbiologist who changed careers to become a high school science teacher.  After retiring from HVRHS, he went on to develop his voice and writing skills.  He also serves on the Crescendo Board. Tom served on the Board from 2010-2024.

Roberta Willis:  Roberta served eighth terms as State Representative in the CT General Assembly.  She sat on the Appropriations and Environment Committees; was chair of Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee.