Board of Directors/Annual Report

Becky joined The Smith’s Board in 2018 after serving on its Film Committee since 2016. She programmed the Voting Rights Film Series and has collaborated with Hobart and William Smith Colleges faculty to bring course-related films to The Smith. Becky teaches advertising history, global musicals, and media theory at HWS.

Martha and her husband Jerry have lived in Geneva for 20 years, with deep Finger Lakes roots. A Mt. Holyoke graduate, she worked in healthcare administration before joining Hobart and William Smith Colleges as Director of Grants, retiring in 2016. Martha joined The Smith’s Board in 2014 and chairs the Grants Committee.

Dr. Covington, Jr., a six-time SUNY graduate, made history as the first Chief Diversity Officer at Finger Lakes Community College, appointed in 2018. He’s also the first African-American Implicit Bias Trainer for the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy and the first African-American elected as a Council Member-At-Large in Canandaigua.

Shanelle is the Associate Director of Disability Services at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. A 2011 graduate of William Smith College, she studied African Studies, Education, and Women’s Studies. After teaching Special Education at Geneva Middle School, she moved to Colorado in 2021 but returned to Geneva, where she truly feels at home.

Joan has served on the Smith Board of Directors for nearly ten years. Previously, she was Chief of Staff for State Senator Michael Nozzolio, retiring in 2016. Joan also serves on the Ability Partners Board, the Finger Lakes Health Foundation Board, and the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester Community Action Committee.

Stephanie is a Development Assistant at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She previously served as the Performing Arts Coordinator at the Gearan Center and worked as a Development Officer for Finger Lakes Visiting Nurse Service and Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways. Currently, she is Vice President of the Geneva Rotary Board.

In 2016, Jen pursued her passion for wine and joined Hermann J. Wiemer, where she is now the Director of Strategic Development. Pursuing education in her field, she has attained her WSET Level 3. Jen lives in Penn Yan with her husband, two rescue dogs, and two cats, enjoying hiking, gardening, and baking.

Mara joined the Smith Board after retiring in 2013. She previously served as a Social Studies teacher and was Director of Admissions and Assistant VP for Advancement at Hobart and William Smith. The Colleges recognized her service with its highest honor: Doctor of Humane Letters in 2013.

Tony joined the board in 2016 and serves on the Grants Committee. A long-time supporter of The Smith, he previously served on the Geneva Concerts Board and the Geneva School Board. An Emeritus International Professor at Cornell, Tony directed a USAID-funded project in Bangladesh. He enjoys sailing, fishing, and biking in the Finger Lakes.

Paul is a member of Mr. Twistee’s LLC, a local ice cream business. He retired after 40+ years as CFO and senior management for Rochester/Finger Lakes nonprofits, including Hillside Family of Agencies and Newark Wayne Community Hospital. Paul holds a BS and MBA from Syracuse University and is a retired CPA.