Mark Walter, Executive Director

As Executive Director of the New York State Office of National and Community Service, Mark works closely with the State Commission on National and Community Service to provide strategic vision and leadership. The State Office of National and Community Service is the lead state entity responsible for elevating the profile of service and civic engagement while providing resources to community-based organizations that engage volunteers to meet critical needs. Mark also engages federal, state and local government agencies to maximize the effective utilization of volunteers, and supports legislative and policy initiatives that promote national service programming.

In September, 2008 New York became only the second state to establish a Cabinet level position to focus on volunteering and public service. Mark works closely with the Executive Chamber to meet this charge and develop the State’s New Yorkers Volunteer service initiative.

Prior to joining State government, Mark spent twelve years working in the non-profit sector with a focus on volunteer program management strategic planning and development. Mark served as the State Business Development Director with the American Red Cross since 2001, working closely with federal and state offices to secure funding and provide strategic, programmatic and fiscal oversight for a portfolio of volunteer programs. Mark has been instrumental in bridging public, private and government entities to build local capacity to maximize federal and state resources. Mark has managed AmeriCorps, VISTA, Learn & Serve America, and Homeland Security national service programs on behalf of the State of New York. Mark also served as the Director of Public Affairs, Media Relations and Development for six years at The Salvation Army in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Mark received his undergraduate degrees in Business Management and Public Affairs from the State University of New York at Oswego and earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie. Mark is originally from Syracuse and currently resides in Albany, New York.

Contact Mark at Mark.Walter@newyorkersvolunteer.ny.gov

Beth Tailleur

Beth Tailleur has been part of the New York Office of National and Community Service staff since the agency's formation in 1994. Beth helped to develop the Office’s policies and procedures and was instrumental in structuring the AmeriCorps contracts, and the grantmaking process during the early years of the Commission. Currently Beth administers the marketing and training plan for the Commission, along with Eric Czupil. Eric and Beth also are responsible for the newly funded Volunteer Generation Grant, which will be publishing an RFP in the Spring of 2011. Prior to working with the Office, Beth worked with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities as a legislative staff member. Beth is very active in her community, serving as a volunteer with her family’s schools, sports programs, church and a local YMCA.

Contact Beth at: Beth.Tailleur@newyorkersvolunteer.ny.gov

Eric Czupil

Eric Czupil has eight years experience at the New York State Office of National and Community Service. Eric oversees a portfolio of AmeriCorps programs, serves as the Training Coordinator on all training events conducted by the Office of National and Community Service, and has been instrumental in a variety of other special projects conducted by the Office. Prior to joining the Office, Eric worked for the NYS Division of Parole for 13 years as a Policy Analyst, and at the Saratoga County Youth Bureau for 2 years as a Youth Services Specialist.

Contact Eric at: Eric.Czupil@newyorkersvolunteer.ny.gov

Stefanie Perez

Stefanie Perez joined the New York State Office of National and Community Service in 1995. She initially helped craft processes for monitoring AmeriCorps grantees for compliance and evaluating program performance. She oversees a portfolio of AmeriCorps programs, serves as the Disabilities Inclusion Coordinator for New York State AmeriCorps programs, and is responsible for developing the NYS AmeriCorps Request for Proposal. Stefanie previously worked for the New York State Division of the Budget (DOB) as a Senior Budget Examiner with responsibilities for the central oversight and control of the fiscal operations of state departments, and public authorities. A former teacher, she has worked as the Director of both a NYS Department of Labor funded mentoring program, and a YW-YMCA Day Care, Inc. bilingual day care center and has a long history of volunteering and board membership with youth focus community and faith based groups.

Contact Stefanie at: Stefanie.Perez@newyorkersvolunteer.ny.gov

David Garcia

David has 3 years of experience at the New York State Office of National and Community Service as a Senior Accountant. David is responsible for the completion of financial reports. Other tasks include daily monitoring of expenditures, reconciliations, and budget examining. Prior to joining the Office, David worked as an Auditor for the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

Contact David at: David.Garcia@newyorkersvolunteer.ny.gov

Carolyn Cazer

Carolyn Cazer joined the New York State Office of National and Community Service – New Yorkers Volunteer in April, 2010 as an AmeriCorps Program Administrator. Carolyn will work with a portfolio of AmeriCorps programs to provide guidance and support to the successful implementation of their national service grant. Prior to joining the State Commission Office, Carolyn worked for the private sector as an Auditor for KPMG. Carolyn started her public sector work with the New York State Division of Budget as a Budget Examiner and most recently she worked as a Contract Manager for seven years for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the New York State Department of Health.

Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn.Cazer@NewYorkersVolunteer.ny.gov

Dorothy Sherman

Dorothy “Dodie” Sherman joined the State Office of National and Community Service in April 2010. In her position, Dodie provides administrative support to the State Commission on National & Community Service including the AmeriCorps Program and all statewide volunteer initiatives. Prior to joining the State Commission Office, Dodie worked with SUNY New Paltz College, State Office of Mental Health, and State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Dodie is an active volunteer in her community and supports organizations including the Dutchess County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, Columbia-Greene Domestic Violence Program, and is also a member of the Columbia County Community Choir.

Contact Dodie at: Dorothy.Sherman@NewYorkersVolunteer.ny.gov

Veronica Webster

Veronica Webster joined the New York State Office of National and Community Service – New Yorkers Volunteer in March 2013. Veronica will manage a variety of AmeriCorps programs throughout the State. As a trained school psychologist, she began her State service at the New York State Division of Budget. Prior to joining the New Yorkers Volunteer, Veronica was a Senior Budget Examiner responsible for budgeting Federal Grants and overseeing approximately 500 for-profit and non-for-profit preschool special education providers. Veronica will use her diverse background to promote effective and efficient use of national service grants while providing support to grant recipients.

Contact Veronica at: Veronica.Webster@NewYorkersVolunteer.ny.gov