Executive Board

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William Roege, President

Pure Waters Member since: 2017
Residence: Penn Yan

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Mark Petzold, Vice President

Pure Waters Member since: 2021
Residence: Geneva

Mark Gibson

Mark Gibson, Secretary

Pure Waters Member since: 2019
Residence: Himrod

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Charles Fausold, Treasurer

Pure Waters Member since: 2021
Residence: Valois

Board Members

Term Expires 2026

Charles Fausold (Valois)

Timothy Johnson (Corning)

Jim McGinnis (Watkins Glen)

Stuart Messur (Geneva)

Mark Swinnerton (Hector)

Term Expires 2027

Peter Budmen (Penn Yan)

Thomas Burrall (Geneva)

Lisa Greenwood (Romulus)

Kristin Gusack (Burdett)

Linda Sampson (Dundee)

Jody Tyler (Keuka Park)

Jacob Welch (Himrod)

Term Expires 2028

Kelly Coughlin (Geneva)

Peggy Focarino (Penn Yan)

Mark Gibson (Himrod)

John Kirk (Geneva)

Erik Olsen (Penn Yan)

Mark Petzold (Geneva)

Bill Roege (Penn Yan)

Our Team

Association Director – Benjamin Klein

Benjamin joins as Association Director after a long career working in the news media. Over the course of his career, Benjamin has worked in traditional print media, online media and television. He has covered everything from Easter Egg hunts to presidential elections. Benjamin comes with extensive experience covering environmental issues. He has also spent a great deal of time covering the communities surrounding Seneca Lake, as well as the lake itself.

Seneca Lake has long been a point of fascination of Benjamin, both professionally and personally. He feels Seneca Lake is the bedrock of the region, not only as a source of drinking water and natural beauty, but for its role in helping create one of the most vibrant wine regions in the world.  When he is not working, Benjamin can usually be found with his wife and two daughters.
Ben Klein

Community Engagement Coordinator – Kelly Blackhurst

Kelly joined Seneca Lake Pure Waters in July 2024. She studied management and business at Skidmore College and later earned her MBA with a concentration in sports management from Misericordia University. Kelly is no stranger to the outdoors; she grew up in the Adirondacks, with 13th Lake in North River, NY, as her playground.

In her spare time, Kelly can be found hiking mountains, training for triathlons, running races, chasing after her son, and coaching part-time with the William Smith College Field Hockey team. She previously served as the Awards & Digital Communications Manager for the National Field Hockey Coaches Association and has head coaching experience at the NCAA Division III level.