CATALYST FORCOMMUNITYCHANGE2026CEOInstituteNewJersey YMCAStateAllianceMay 14-15,2026MollyPitcherInnRedBank,NJ
Sponsor Spotlight: Life Fitness, Justin Lippincott, Senior Territory Manager, Club, YMCA,JCC & Hospital Wellness NJ & NY; Shana Heise, Regional Segment Manager YMCA/JCCCCEEOO IINNSSTTIITTUUTTEECCOOMMMMIITTTTIINNGG TTOOCCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY CCHHAANNGGEENNEEWW JJEERRSSEEYY SSTTAATTEE AALLLLIIAANNCCEECEO INSTITUTECOMMITTING TOCOMMUNITY CHANGENEW JERSEY STATE ALLIANCETHURSDAY, MAY 14WEDNESDAY, MAY 13Registration | Golf OutingShackamaxon Country Club100 Tillinghast Turn, Scotch Plains12:30pm Lunch and Registration2:00pm Tee-Off10:00am Welcome and Opening Thoughts I Diana Zita, CEO, Hamilton Area YMCAJulie Gallanty, CEO, New Jersey YMCA State Alliance10:15am Public Policy Update I Beth Dohm, Executive Vice President, Karlito Almeda,Vice President | The Zita Group10:45am12:00pm Sponsor Spotlight: Vanguard Building Solutions I Steve Visnic, National Account Manager1:00pm Presentation: Artificial Intelligence | Sophia DeSalvo, Wellbeing + AI CollaborativeDirector at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, James McIntyre, Chief Information OfficerYMCA of Greater Cincinnati2:00pm Sponsor Spotlight: Brown & Brown I Mike O’Connor, Vice President3:15pm Sponsor Spotlight: Hughes Environmental Engineering I Don Long, Sales Manager;Tri-State Energy | Christopher Fornicola, Senior Sales ManagerNew Jersey State Alliance Year in Review I Julie Gallanty, CEO, NJ State Alliance IPaul Kieltyka, Vice President of Alliance Services, NJ YMCA State Alliance3:30pmAGENDA12:30pm11:00am Panel Discussion: Stronger Communities Together: How YMCAs and Municipal LeadersCan Partner to Meet Local Needs. Panelists: Steve Jobin, President & CEO, Raritan BayArea YMCA; Robert Conley, Mayor of Madison; Jonathan Busch, Mayor of Metuchen;Kate Triggiano, Deputy Mayor of Red Bank;Moderator; Ramon Hache, CEO, Ridgewood Family YMCA.12:15pm LUNCH2:15pm Presentation: AI Practicum
Annual Alliance Meeting I Diana Zita, CEO, Hamilton Area YMCA5:30pm Cocktail Reception | Oyster Point Inn9:00am Breakfast & Networking I Molly Pitcher6:00pm Reception/Dinner I Oyster Point InnIntroduction by Diana ZitaInvocation | Gerard Gilliam, CEO, YMCA of PatersonSpeaker/Dinner Sponsor: Redridge Construction I Pietro Barberi, President & CEORetirement RecognitionsFRIDAY, MAY 15Presentation: Board Governance I Paul Kieltyka, Vice President of AllianceServices, NJ YMCA State Alliance10:00am10:30am11:30am LUNCH & Closing Remarks I Diana Zita, CEO, Hamilton Area YMCA4:15pm Adjourn/Check-in HotelFinal Remarks I Tracy Crane I CEO, Fanwood- Scotch Plains YMCA4:00pm Sponsor: HQW Architects I Christopher Wolverton, AIA, LEED AP Principal
Steve Jobin brings over 31 years of dedicated service to the residents of Perth Amboy,currently leading the Raritan Bay Area YMCA as CEO and President since 2006. Under hisleadership, the YMCA has seen tremendous growth, expanding from an annual revenue of$485,000 to $8 million by 2025.Beyond his professional work, Steve has been deeply engaged in civic service. He servedthree terms on the Perth Amboy Board of Education, including as Vice President.He has held leadership roles in numerous organizations such as the PA Municipal Alliance,Kiwanis Club, and the Perth Amboy Chamber of Commerce. In 2026, Steve was namedWoodbridge Chamber Citizen of the Year. A former All-American goalkeeper atSpringfield College and professional soccer player, Steve later earned his bachelor’sdegree in human services from Thomas Edison State College. He currently lives in PerthAmboy with his wife Lori and their youngest son RJ, a Perth Amboy Firefighter, while hiseldest son Shawn resides in Florida and does lighting at “the Disney Castle”.Pietro BarberiCEO & PresidentRedridge ConstructionPresentersSophia DiSalvo serves as the Wellbeing + AI Collaborative Director at the YMCA ofGreater Cincinnatti, leading national efforts to help YMCA associations adopt artificialintelligence in ways that are human-centered, practical, and rooted in the Y's corevalues. With a background in strategy, innovation, and community impact, she designslearning experiences and builds tools that help leaders feel confident using AI tostrengthen, not replace, human connection. Sophia is known for making complex ideassimple and actionable, translating emerging technology into real-world value fororganizations that put people first. Her work bridges the gap between innovation andtrust, ensuring AI serves the mission and the communities the Y exists to strengthen.Sophia DiSalvoWellbeing + AI Collaborative DirectorYMCA of Greater CincinnattiPietro Barberi serves as CEO and President of Redridge Construction, leading the firmwith a strong focus on precision, accountability, and results. With expertise in finance,operations, planning, design coordination, and construction delivery, he guides projectsfrom concept through completion with clarity and control. Pietro works closely witharchitects, engineers, vendors, and stakeholders to align design vision withconstructability, manage costs, protect schedules, and deliver long-term value. Knownfor his decisive leadership and solutions-focused mindset, he has built a culture ofownership, responsiveness, and continuous improvement, positioning RedridgeConstruction as both a trusted builder and strategic partner.Stephen JobinCEO & PresidentRaritan Bay Area YMCA
Mike O’Connor is a Vice President at Brown & Brown, advising organizations on thedesign and execution of complex Property & Casualty insurance programs. Based inthe New York metro area, he specializes in working with non-profits, social serviceorganizations, government entities, municipalities, and construction firms acrossboth regional and national footprints.Mike works directly with executive leadership teams to navigate today’s challenginginsurance market—helping organizations manage rising costs, evolving exposures,and increased operational demands. His industry knowledge includes programstructuring, risk transfer, claims advocacy, and market strategy, with a focus onbuilding programs that are both financially efficient and operationally aligned.With a straightforward, advisory-led approach, Mike helps clients move beyondtransactional insurance purchasing toward more strategic, long-term riskmanagement. His focus is on delivering practical, results-driven solutions thatenhance program performance, strengthen organizational resilience, and supportsustainable growth.About Brown & BrownBrown & Brown, Inc. and our diverse team of companies provide innovative riskmanagement solutions to help protect and preserve what our customers valuemost. Our business segments—Retail and Specialty Distribution—offer a widerange of insurance solutions and services for businesses, government institutions,professional organizations, trade associations, families, and individuals. We have astrong, deeply rooted cultural foundation built on honesty, integrity, superiorcapabilities, grit and discipline.With a long-standing history of proven success, Brown & Brown is one of theinsurance industry’s most powerful and influential leaders.Mike O’ConnorVice PresidentBrown and BrownDon Long is an experienced sales and engineering professional with over threedecades in the HVAC and environmental engineering industry. He currently serves asSales Manager at Hughes Environmental Engineering, where he has led sales effortssince 2015. Prior to that, Don spent more than 20 years at Monsen EngineeringCompany, holding roles including Vice President, Sales Manager, and Sales Engineer,where he oversaw all sales activities and consistently drove revenue growth. Heholds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Rutgers University and is known forhis strong leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to client success.Don LongSales ManagerHughes Environmental Engineering
Christopher M. Wolverton is Principal Owner of HQW Architects, LLC, a Spartabased firm serving clients throughout the tri-state region. Since joining HQW in 2006,Chris has grown from intern to firm principal, bringing nearly two decades ofexperience in community, wellness, educational, civic, healthcare, and institutionaldesign.Chris is known for practical planning, strong project leadership, and a clearunderstanding of how facilities must support both day-to-day operations and longterm goals. His work includes projects for schools, municipalities, healthcareproviders, senior living communities, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations.He has developed a strong focus on YMCA facilities, including projects for SussexCounty YMCA, Fairview Lake YMCA, Montclair YMCA Camp at the Lake, and therecently completed Lakeland Hills YMCA Wellness Center renovation. His experiencegives him valuable insight into the planning, phasing, budgeting, and mission-drivendecisions needed to bring YMCA projects from vision to completion.Chris also serves as Board Chair of Sussex County YMCA and sits on the NewtonHospital Foundation Board. He lives in Sparta with his wife, Heather, and their children,Harvey and Cybil, both of whom have grown up as Y kids.Christopher M. WolvertonPrincipal OwnerHQW ArchitectsPaul brings over 30 years of committed service to the YMCA movement, having spenthis entire career in New Jersey Ys. He began in 1994 as Sports Director at SomersetHills YMCA, then held several leadership positions at the Metropolitan YMCA of theOranges, including Executive Director of the South Mountain YMCA.In 2009, Paul became CEO of the Somerset Valley YMCA, and in 2014, assumed thesame role at the Summit Area YMCA. There, he led the development of a new facility inBerkeley Heights, a major renovation of the Summit branch, and helped the Y achievenotable growth in membership, programs, and fundraising. Under his leadership, theSummit Area YMCA became an even more trusted and impactful community partner.Paul also serves as a dedicated volunteer with several organizations, including theCommunity Advisory Board of Overlook Hospital. He holds a Master of Science fromEast Stroudsburg University and a Bachelor of Science from Kean University, where hecontinues to coach men’s lacrosse.Paul and his wife, Maggie, have been married for over 31 years and are the proudparents of Megan and Lauren.Paul KieltykaVice President of Alliance ServicesNJ YMCA State Alliance
Steve has over 11 years’ experience in the energy, performance contracting, projectdevelopment and asset management industries, developing energy retrofit andinfrastructure solutions. During Mr. Visnic’s career, he has been the lead for executedprojects in healthcare, education, and other commercial projects totaling more than$50 Million. Steve Visnic was the lead in many projects including but not limited toChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Equinox Gyms and Carlisle Construction Materials.Vanguard Building Solutions designed and acted as general contractor, facilitating subcontractor relationships. Steve has also cultivated relationships positioning VBS as thepreferred lighting designer and contractor for many other national clients. He also isresponsible for maintaining and supporting Grainger’s national network of clients withturn-key energy efficiency solutions. Steve has worked with large ESCO’s includingJohnson Controls, Honeywell, Energy Systems Group and Siemens. Mr. Visnic maintainsactive involvement in several community service organizations. He coaches girls’ softballand soccer teams. Mr. Visnic earned his bachelor’s degree in Sales and MarketingManagement from the Pennsylvania State University.Steve VisnicNational Accounts ManagerVanguard Building SolutionsJames McIntyre is the Chief Information Officer at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati,where he leads technology strategy in service of the Y's mission. He partners across theorganization to modernize systems, strengthen data and security, and put practicaltools in the hands of staff and members. His work keeps people, not platforms, at thecenter, advancing Achievement, Relationships, and Belonging across the community theY serves.James McIntyre is a relentless innovator who - as a teenager - wrote educationalsoftware for the Australian government and earned his first IT job after ‘ethically”hacking a university system. With 17 years at PricewaterhousewCoopers in WashingtonD.C. and almost two decades leading nonprofit tech, James now spearheads cuttingedge AI initiatives at the YMCA across North America. He fuses strategy, innovation,and ethics to drive responsible AI adoption across the sector. Also a global foodie andsommelier, James brings the same curiosity and refinement to technology as he does towine—crafting bold solutions that leave a lasting impact.James McIntyreChief Information OfficerYMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Ramon M. Hache Sr. is a respected leader with experience driving change across theprivate, public, and nonprofit sectors. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Ramonimmigrated to the United States in 1983 and later graduated from Ridgewood HighSchool. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Marist College,where he played football and rugby.Ramon spent more than 20 years in financial services, holding senior leadership roleswith global firms including JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC. He was elected to theRidgewood Village Council in 2016, served as Mayor beginning in 2018, and later servedon the Bergen County Board of Commissioners. In 2023, he became CEO of theRidgewood YMCA. In 2025, Ramon was appointed to Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill’stransition team, serving on policy action teams focused on children’s mental health andonline safety.Deeply involved in his community, Ramon volunteers through Our Lady of Mount CarmelChurch and supports youth athletics, local scholarship efforts, hunger relief, andprograms serving individuals facing homelessness and addiction. He is fluent in Spanishand Portuguese and enjoys weightlifting, woodworking, and beekeeping.Ramon and his wife, Tina, have six children.Ramon M. Hache, Sr.President and CEORidgewood YMCARobert H. Conley became Madison’s 32nd Mayor in 2012 after serving seven years as aCouncil Member. Now in his fourth term, he is the longest-serving mayor in Madisonsince the borough’s first mayor in 1906.During his tenure, Mayor Conley has helped Madison earn recognition as New JerseyMonthly’s #1 Town to Live in, maintained the borough’s AAA bond rating, limitedmunicipal tax increases, invested $40 million in capital improvements, and supportedlocal business growth.A lifelong Madison resident, Conley began his career with the Madison Area YMCA,retiring in 2019 after 48 years of service as Vice President and Capital ProjectsDirector. He remains active in many community organizations, including the Rotary Clubof Madison, where he has served as President.Mayor Conley has received numerous honors, including awards from the Morris CountyChamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Municipal Management Association. He wasinducted into the New Jersey League of Municipalities Mayors’ Hall of Fame in 2022,served as President of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors from 2024 to 2025, andwas named NJCM Mayor of the Year in 2025.He and his wife, Marjorie “Titi,” are proud parents of two sons, Chris and Jack.Robert H. Conley32nd Mayor of Borough of MadisonOffice of the Mayor
Jonathan BuschMayor of MetuchenBorough of MetuchenKate TriggianoRed Bank Deputy MayorBorough of Red BankKate Triggiano is a Red Bank resident, public servant, volunteer firefighter, andcommunity advocate. Originally from Middletown, New Jersey, she graduated fromMiddletown North High School and earned her BFA from The School of Visual Arts.A Red Bank resident for more than 10 years, Kate has built strong ties throughout thecommunity through her work, volunteer service, and local leadership. She has served onthe Red Bank Borough Council and has focused on quality-of-life issues, residentsupport, public safety, community partnerships, and responsive local government.Kate is an active volunteer firefighter with the Red Bank Fire Department and serves asfundraising committee chair for her firehouse. She has also served on the Red BankCode Blue Committee, the Health and Safety Advisory Council of the New Jersey StateFire Commission, and the Advisory Board of the Indie Street Film Festival.In addition to her public service, Kate is deeply involved in community organizing andresident advocacy. She is known for being accessible, hands-on, and committed tohelping neighbors navigate local concerns and connect with needed resources.Kate lives in Red Bank with her husband and their son, Otto.Jonathan M. Busch is a nationally recognized education law attorney, founder of TheBusch Law Group LLC, and Mayor of the Borough of Metuchen. He works with publicand independent schools on matters involving governance, student and staff issues,compliance, policy, and crisis response. He has served as general counsel to schooldistricts throughout New Jersey for more than a decade and is frequently invited tospeak on education law and school leadership.A Metuchen community leader, Busch has served as Mayor since 2017 and has focusedon maintaining the borough’s character, livability, and strong downtown. During histenure, Metuchen’s downtown earned national recognition through the 2023 GreatAmerican Main Street Award.Busch earned his J.D. from Rutgers Law School, a master’s degree from ColumbiaUniversity, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. He has beenrecognized by New Jersey Super Lawyers and previously named a New Leader of theBar by the New Jersey Law Journal.
Christopher Fornicola is the Senior Director of Sales with more than 10 years ofexperience in energy efficiency and utility-driven programs. He specializes in complexsales, incentive strategy, and large-scale program execution across the public andprivate sectors.Christopher has built and led high-performing sales and outreach teams, generatingmore than $130 million in program sales over three years. His work focuses on helpingcustomers navigate utility requirements, tariffs, and incentive structures with clear,practical strategies that reduce risk, preserve capital, and support long-term goals.Known for building strong partnerships and aligning technical, financial, and operationalstakeholders, Christopher brings a results-driven approach to market growth, energyefficiency solutions, and customer success.Christopher FornicolaSenior Director of SalesTri-State EnergyShana Heise is a seasoned fitness industry leader with extensive experience partneringwith YMCAs, JCCs, and KROC Centers across the Northeast and Midwest. In her rolewith Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, she focuses on building strong client partnerships,supporting impactful wellness initiatives, and helping organizations create engagingfitness environments that strengthen their communities.Prior to joining the commercial fitness industry, Shana began her career within theYMCA movement, serving as a Health and Wellness Director at two YMCA associationsin New England over a 7 year span. This firsthand operational experience provides herwith a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities nonprofitcommunity-based organizations face today.Shana HeiseRegional Segment Manager - YMCA/JCCLife FitnessJustin LippincottSenior Territory ManagerClub, YMCA, JCC & Hospital Wellness NJ & NYJustin Lippincott is an accomplished fitness industry executive with 25+ years ofexperience in strategic sales, client development, and wellness solutions. Currentlyserving as a Senior Account Executive with Life Fitness, he specializes in helpingorganizations design and implement innovative fitness environments that driveengagement and long-term growth. Recognized for exceptional relationshipmanagement and industry expertise, Justin has consistently been a top performer.
THANK YOUTO OUR SPONSORS
THANK YOUTO OUR SPONSORS