Executive Board
William Roege, President Pure Waters Member since: 2017 Residence: Seneca Lake Northwest Quadrant Bill Roege retired to Seneca Lake in 2017 after a career as an Air Force officer and then as a federal government civilian in the Departments of Defense and Energy. He and his spouse, Peggy Focarino, came from the Washington, DC area and were immediately drawn to Pure Waters because of its citizen science programs—both becoming HABs volunteers, and Bill also a Stream Monitoring volunteer. By 2018, Bill was leading the HABs program. In 2019, Bill and Peggy joined the Pure Waters board. Bill volunteered to co-chair the Finance Committee and has been a strong advocate for disciplined budgeting and performance assessment, helping the organization manage its growth. He also spearheaded efforts to publish a comprehensive Annual Report that highlights Pure Waters’ many accomplishments each year. Before joining the board, Bill helped facilitate a strategic planning project, which has produced 3 iterations over the last 5 years and continues to evolve. Bill and Peggy believe the lake, and the surrounding area, is a jewel that they appreciate every single day. They both want to do whatever they can to make it even better for future generations and believe Seneca Lake Pure Waters is the best way to make an impact. |
Mark Petzold, Vice President Pure Waters Member since: 2021 Residence: Geneva Mark Petzold is a retired professional with a strong background in engineering and extensive experience in the aerospace industry. Having served as the Chief Engineer for VH-92 at Lockheed Martin Owego, he brings valuable technical expertise to his role as a board member. Mark's commitment to environmental conservation led him to actively participate in the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, contributing his time and effort to protect the watershed. His involvement in various community activities reflects his dedication to youth development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Mark actively contributes to the protection and preservation of the Seneca Lake watershed through his involvement with the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. As of 2021, he has been volunteering for the Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) program, helping to monitor and address the issue of harmful algae in the lake. In 2022, Mark participated in the Fishery Initiative, further showcasing his dedication to preserving the lake's ecosystem. Mark's extensive engineering background, coupled with his commitment to environmental conservation and community involvement, make him a valuable board member. His experience as a Chief Engineer in the aerospace industry, as well as his active participation in the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association and community activities, reflect his proactive approach to making a positive impact. Mark's dedication to youth development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement will contribute to the success of the organization. |
Ron Klinczar, Secretary Pure Waters Member Since: 2021 Residence: Hector
Ronald Klinczar is a retired civil engineer with extensive experience in project management. With a background in engineering and a strong commitment to community involvement, Ronald brings valuable knowledge and leadership skills to his role as a board member. His passion for environmental preservation led him to join the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, where he seeks to contribute his expertise to the Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program. Outside of his professional career, Ronald actively engages in various community activities. He is a member and leader in the Association of Bridge Construction and Design, where he shares his expertise and contributes to the advancement of the field. Ronald also participates in the St. Bernadettes Church Activity Committee and serves as a Religious Education Teacher. Additionally, he is involved in the Orchard Park Recycling Committee and the Washington Rail Professionals (DC). Ronald's extensive experience in civil engineering and project management, combined with his dedication to environmental preservation and community involvement, make him a valuable asset as a board member. His commitment to the goals of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, along with his active participation in various community organizations, reflects his proactive approach to making a positive impact. Ronald's expertise and passion for engineering and environmental sustainability will contribute to the success of the Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program. |
Jill Ritter, Treasurer Pure Waters Member Since: 2014 Residence: Northwest quadrant Jill grew up on a small dairy farm in western New York, attended Corning Community College and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Corporate Communications from Ithaca College. She worked for over 18 years as a Trainer/Technical Writer for companies catering to the College/University market. After leaving the corporate world, Jill was a board member and bookkeeper for St. Peter's Community Arts Academy and served as the NYS Director of the Parkinson’s Action Network. Jill and her husband Jeff have lived in the Seneca Lake watershed for over 30 years. In 2012, they purchased a small parcel of land on the western shore of Seneca Lake for their family to enjoy. After experiencing high water levels during in the spring of 2014, Jill wanted to learn more about how the lake level is managed and started attending Pure Waters Lake Level committee meetings. By the fall of 2015, she joined the Pure Waters Board of Directors and has served on various committees including the Communications, Events, Marketing, Finance and Membership. |
Term Expires 2024: Steve Bromka (Romulus) Thomas Burrall (Geneva) Dan Corbett (Himrod) Frank DiOrio (Himrod) Ron Klinczar (Hector) William McAdoo (Geneva) Jody Tyler (Keuka Park) Jacob Welch (Himrod) | Term Expires 2025: Kelly Coughlin (Geneva) Peggy Focarino (Penn Yan) Mark Gibson (Himrod) Larry Martin (Penn Yan) Mark Petzold (Geneva) Jill Ritter (Geneva) Bill Roege (Penn Yan) | Term Expires 2026: Stuart Messur (Geneva) Mark Swinnerton (Hector) |
Our Team
Association Director - Emily DeBolt Emily joined Seneca Pure Waters in December of 2023. Emily has her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Ithaca and master’s degree from SUNY-ESF in Syracuse. She is the past Director of Education at the Lake George Association, the nation’s oldest lake conservation organization, where she oversaw the association’s flagship Floating Classroom educational program as well as their trailblazing Lake Steward Boat Launch aquatic invasive species prevention program. Emily serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Flora Association and is a self proclaimed 'Plant Nerd'. She can be found out enjoying local flora on area trails when not out on the water. |