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.
Mark Gibson, Secretary
Pure Waters Member Since: 2019
Residence: Himrod
Mark Gibson is a retired small business owner who has lived in Western New York his whole life. He is a graduate of RIT and co-founder/president of Xelic Inc. a designer of custom integrated circuits focused on the high-speed fiber optic communications. Mark and his wife started vacationing on Seneca Lake in 1998 and purchased property on the lake in 2012. Mark and his wife Marie have been living nearly full time on the lake since 2023.
Mark joined Pure Waters in 2019 and became a board member in 2023. Mark is the chair of the membership and fundraising committee as well as the HABs volunteer coordinator. Mark’s experience running a successful small business and engineering background provides the Association with a wide range of skills to address the challenges we are facing.
Charles Fausold, Treasurer
Pure Waters Member Since: Rejoined in 2021
Residence: Valois
Charlie grew up in Seneca Falls and earned a BA from Gettysburg College and a Masters degree in Environmental Management from the Duke University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He spent the first half of his career in New England with several state and regional environmental agencies, and served as Director of Water Resources and Environmental Programs at the New England Governors’ Conference, Inc. and as a Fellow at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Cambridge, MA.
In 1997 Charlie accepted a position as Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County and moved to Watkins Glen with his family. He retired from Cornell University as a State Extension Specialist. Charlie and his wife Helene currently live on the lake in Valois on property his parents bought in 1966. He enjoys spending time on the lake, especially in boats he has built.
Prior to becoming the Pure Waters Treasurer Charlie was Chair of the Pure Waters Organization Development Committee, and he also serves on the Invasive Species and Lake Friendly Living Committees.
