Our Team

The mission of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering in New York State.

The Commission was established in 1994 by an Executive Order of the Governor. Commission members are appointed by the governor. They represent a diverse, bipartisan, and statewide network of interested citizens and supporters of service. Commission members each have a strong background in community service and leadership and provide a tremendous resource to the state service and volunteer communities.

The Commission administers programs funded by the National Community Service Trust Act of 1993, as amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009. The Commission receives annual federal funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service and makes grants to nonprofits, faith-based organizations, local governments, and educational institutions providing outcome-based services to address community-identified needs.

The Commission serves as the lead state entity responsible for networking volunteer resources and carrying out civic engagement initiatives as identified by the governor. The Commission collaborates with local, state and national volunteer agencies, government, and other public and private entities to achieve its mission.

Membership on and composition of the Commission is governed by, a federal statute,  the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (42 USC § 178 et seq.) and by an Executive Order of Governor Mario M. Cuomo (9 CRR-NY 4.179NY-CRR) establishing the Commission in December 1993. All membership criteria are set by the federal statute and referenced in the Executive Order. Membership should consist of 15-25 voting members, appointed by the Governor without additional approval. The Serve America Act lays out a number of statutory membership requirements, including members with expertise in specified subject matter; non-voting representation from the federal government, the Commissioner of the state education department or designee; and political balance requiring that no more than 50% plus one member be from one political party. Terms are for three years, with no limit to the number of terms. Members whose terms are expired are “held over” by virtue of NYS Public Officer Law §5, which states that terms may be held over until a successor is appointed, absent a resignation or other specified events (NYS Public Officers Law §30).

At any given time, there may be vacancies as defined in the Public Officers Law. As of November 2023, the Commission has three statutory vacancies: 1) an individual with experience in promoting the involvement of older adults in service and voluntarism; 2) a representative of local labor organizations in the State; and 3) a representative of business.

This information will be updated as necessary at the time of new appointments, resignations, or other relevant events.

Per the federal statute, Commission members may not receive compensation for their service, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and other expenses incurred to fulfill their duties

Andrea Louie, Chair

Andrea Louie is Executive Director of the Serica Initiative, which amplifies the impact of AAPIs through storytelling, empowering, and convening. Most recently, Andrea was in public service, as Assistant Commissioner, Program Services, at the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and as Secretary in the Commissioner’s office at the Nassau County Department of Health. Prior to her work in government, she served as Executive Director of the Asian American Arts Alliance, leading arts advocacy and cultural equity for New York City’s diverse, pan-Asian, multidisciplinary cultural community. She is the author of a novel, Moon Cakes (Ballantine Books) and coeditor of an anthology, Topography of War: Asian American Essays (The Asian American Writers’ Workshop). She was appointed by the governor to serve on the New York State Council on the Arts and the NYS Commission on National and Community Service. Andrea serves on the board of Bellevue Literary Press, and previously a board member for SMU DataArts, Poets & Writers, and New Yorkers for Culture & Arts. She has served as a review panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Joyce Foundation, the Wallace Foundation, EmcArts, and the Brooklyn Arts Council. She was a writer-in-residence for the National Book Foundation and has been awarded artist residencies at Yaddo, MacDowell Colony, Djerassi, Hedgebrook, and the Fundacíon Valparáiso in Spain. She is a member of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop as well as the Asian American Journalists Association. She was an honoree of Leadership for Asian Pacifics (LEAP) in Los Angeles, and was an arts and community advocate honoree of the Pan Asian Repertory Theatre.

Suzanne Gaba Aisenberg

Suzanne Aisenberg is a consultant to nonprofit organizations and provides guidance to her clients on a range of organizational issues. Prior to launching her independent practice in 2003, Ms. Aisenberg was a program officer with The Atlantic Philanthropies where she was responsible for grants primarily in the areas of philanthropy, volunteering, civic engagement and nonprofit sector infrastructure. She was a founding board member of the Grantmaker Forum for National and Community Service, now called PACE, and was a national board member of the Hands on Network. Ms. Aisenberg resides in New York County.

Melvin Campos

Mel Campos serves as Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon. He took over the task of running the Club in February of 2013. He is a lifetime Boys & Girls Club Advocate. Under his leadership, average daily attendance has increased from 80 to 105, the budget has increased from $550,000 to more than $700,000, and the board has added nine new members. Mel has also developed new partnerships and collaborations with community stakeholders, and brought in several new programs including the nationally recognized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Program.

Mel first attended the Pathways for Youth Boys Club in the Bronx in 1968. In 1974, he attended the Kips Bay Boys Club also in the Bronx. He credits his Club experience with teaching him about responsibility, respect, winning, and most importantly, losing.

Mel began his professional career with the Boys & Girls Club Movement as Associate Executive Director of the Crime Prevention Association Boys & Girls Club in Philadelphia. He then became Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Albany where he helped increase the budget from $462,000 to $1.2 million. After five years, Mel was asked to lead the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens - one of the most diverse Clubs in the country. Under his leadership, membership increased by 30%. In 2004, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America asked Mel to join the National Staff as a Regional Service Director serving more than 30 Clubs in New York and New Jersey.

Prior to his work with Boys & Girls Clubs, Mel held leadership positions with the Bank of New York, the City Volunteer Corps, the Albany Service Corps, the New York National Guard Challenge Program, Public Private Ventures, and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

A graduate of Manhattanville College, Mel is married to Barbara Allen Campos and has three children, Adam, Lorin, and Brian. Mel resides in Westchester County.

Dr. Elizabeth Cappella

Dr. Cappella is a Distinguished Service Professor of the Department of Educational Foundations at Buffalo State College as well as Co-Director of Project FLIGHT a family Literacy Program. She has pioneered literacy programs and research in this area through Project FLIGHT locally, statewide and nationally. Former President Clinton, Governor Pataki and former Governor Cuomo have honored her for her work on the behalf of children and their families, Project FLIGHT has generated over $35,000,000 in money and in-kind donations. Dr. Cappella teaches courses in Research, Statistics, Family Literacy, Parenting, Family Violence, and counseling. Dr. Cappella resides in Erie County.

Gay B. Molnar

Gay, along with fellow Commission member, Dr. William Murabito, has served as a member of the Commission on National & Community Service since its inception in 1994. During these years she has served as the Vice Chair and Secretary. Gay sits on several regional boards, where she brings expertise about not-for-profits and development. Gay is a former President of the National Rural Education Association, which is the leading national organization that maintains the vitality of rural schools across the country. She remains active with the NREA. In 1991, Gay was selected by then First Lady Matilda Cuomo to be the first Western Region Coordinator for the New York State Mentoring Program. Gay takes great pride in knowing that she made a difference with at-risk children during this time with the mentoring program. Gay is also a former Executive Director of the Aquarium of Niagara in Niagara Falls, New York, and she is currently President of the Calamar Foundation. Gay resides in Niagara County.

Dr. William Murabito

Dr. William Murabito has served as a member of the New York State Commission on National Community Service since its establishment in 1994. His volunteer service has spanned over forty years with membership on numerous agencies, including the chair of Albany’s Promise, for which he received the Albany Volunteer of the Year Award. He has long been involved in the field of higher education, in which he has held positions at several SUNY schools. He resides in Niagara County.

Ceylane Meyers-Ruff 

Ceylane Meyers-Ruff has over 30 years of management, leadership development, advocacy and legislative experience.  She is currently Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Education Department- Office of Special Education and Adult Career and Continuing Educational Services.  Ceylane oversees four program areas: Special Education, Adult Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, High School Equivalency, and the Bureau of Proprietary Schools.

Prior to working for the State Education Department, Ceylane worked at the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) where she worked in numerous legislative and programmatic capacities to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Ceylane worked at the New York State Assembly as a legislative analyst for the Ways and Means Committee and Program & Counsel. Ceylane’s legislative experiences led to her community organizing, leadership development and advocacy work for Citizen Action of New York.

Ceylane received her Master of Arts Degree from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Utica College of Syracuse University.Ceylane is currently using her experiences and passion to improve the lives of others as Chair of the Board of Special Olympics of New York.

AmeriCorps Representative (ex officio): Riana Segerson

Commission staff are supported by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Beth Tailleur, Executive Director

Beth Tailleur has proudly been a part of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service staff since its formation in 1994. Beth was named Executive Director of the Commission in October 2025. In this position she leads the office, coordinates with members of the Commission, and serves as the main liaison with the Commission’s host agency, the New York State Office of Children and Family Service, as well as with other state agency partners. Prior to being named Executive Director, she served as Director of Programs, where she helped organizations in New York develop and operate quality AmeriCorps programs that serve community and statewide needs while meeting federal requirements. Beth also served as program administrator and training coordinator during her long tenure with the Commission. Prior to joining the Commission staff, Beth worked in the New York State Legislature and 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 the Greene County Branch of the Capital District YMCA (CDYMCA). She spends as much time as possible enjoying her family, her gardens, and the beautiful Hudson Valley.

Megan Russell, Director of Grants and Procurement

Before joining the Commission staff in 2021, Megan worked in a multitude of settings to support the overall mission of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), most recently with the Bureau of Contract Management. After graduating from SUNY Albany with a BA in English, Megan began her career at Saint Coleman’s Home for children with special needs, teaching academics, life skills, and communication skills. Megan went on to become a child protective case worker for Montgomery County, leaving in 2011 to serve as a Child Protective Specialist for the State Central Register at OCFS’ home office in Rensselaer. In 2016, she accepted a traineeship with OCFS’s Bureau of Contract Management, where she had her first experiences working directly with Commission staff on AmeriCorps procurements, as well as Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Volunteer Generation Fund, and ultimately serving as a contract manager for awarded sub-grantees. When not working, Megan enjoys being outdoors on the farm and gardening with her daughter, while taking a moment to breathe in the mountain air and appreciate the beauty of New York State. Megan is excited to continue her journey and to use her experience to assist the Commission with its mission to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering in the state of New York.

James Pratt, Director of Finance and Administration

James joined the Commission staff in 2023. He has worked in New York State government since 2007, starting his career with the New York State Office of the State Comptroller working in investment accounting. James then joined the New York State Department of Health working in billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and insurance accounting. James also has over 20 years of customer service experience. When not working, James enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and working out. James is excited to join the Commission staff and he looks forward to assisting its mission.

Michael O. Stevens, Director of Communications/Senior Program Administrator

Michael joined the Commission staff in 2016. Michael was born and raised in the Capital Region of New York. He earned a Master of Education in 2005 and worked as a K-12 substitute teacher in Troy, New York. Prior to joining the Commission staff, he worked at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Michael has earned certifications in copy editing, basic reporting, writing, and news literacy, and he has published writings in the (Albany) Times Union, and Trolley, the New York State Writers Institute's online literary journal. Michael admires people who give back and serve others, and he is committed to helping AmeriCorps programs in New York achieve their respective missions.

Anthony Swingruber, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation/Senior Program Administrator

Anthony Swingruber joined the Commission staff in 2019 as a program administrator. Before joining the Commission, he served in the Peace Corps as a Community Economic Development Specialist in Paraguay, while completing his Master of Public Administration at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. During his Peace Corps service, Anthony developed a capstone for his MPA coursework that promoted the sustainability of a youth entrepreneurship program through improved performance measurement. Through his studies and service, Anthony developed a deep appreciation for how civic engagement contributes to healthier communities. He lives this value by volunteering and leading the local civic group, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Northeastern New York. Anthony is delighted for the opportunity to support organizations promoting civic engagement and volunteerism in communities across New York State.

Eric Skiff, Training Specialist

Eric Skiff joined the Commission staff as a training specialist in 2022. He earned a Master of Education from the State University of New York at Albany. He has served as a substitute teacher with various school districts throughout the Capital Region. He has also worked with many New York State agencies, in various roles, ranging from administration to training. Eric enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, reading and traveling. He is thrilled to combine his background and experience to support AmeriCorps programs that foster service and volunteerism across New York State.

Yenutien Kombian-Konney, Program Administrator

Yenutien joined the Commission staff in 2023. She has over 12 years of experience in community mobilization, research, and volunteer management in the nonprofit sector. Yenutien has a bachelor's in Theatre Arts and English from the University of Ghana, and a master's in Development Studies with a specialization in Social Policy and an interest in Children and Youth Policy from the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), The Hague of Erasmus University, Rotterdam. She began her career with New York State in 2021 at the New York State Department of Labor. Yenutien believes in giving back to society, and she is excited about what AmeriCorps does for communities. 

Casey Vincelette, Program Administrator

Casey joined the Commission staff in 2023. She hails from Bethlehem and Troy, New York, and she earned a bachelor’s from SUNY Geneseo in 2018. She joined AmeriCorps through Teach for America, moving to Chicago to teach middle school while earning her master’s in teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. Casey has worked with young people in various educative and volunteer capacities. She is a frequent O- universal blood donor, and she is proud of the contributions she’s made to hunger relief efforts in Livingston County. Casey is very pleased to be back in New York serving AmeriCorps programs and members to the best of her ability.

Melissa Gangemi, Program Administrator

Melissa joined the Commission staff in 2026, bringing a background in social services, education, and public service with her. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. She began her career as an intern with the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, then spent 10 years in early childhood education, working directly with young children and their families. Melissa transitioned to asset management, supporting school districts across New York State. When she’s not working, Melissa enjoys working on creative projects, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends. Melissa values the opportunity to support AmeriCorps programs that serve communities across New York State.

Brittany Birnbach, Assistant Director of Administration

Brittany joined the Commission staff in 2026, bringing a background in customer service, administration, and finance. Brittany began her career as a master barber and cosmetologist before starting State service in 2018 with the New York State Office of General Services. Brittany is enrolled at SUNY Broome, furthering her education and knowledge. When she’s not working, Brittany enjoys reading all types of books, spending time with family and friends, and taking her two dogs on adventures. Brittany is excited to be able to be part of the Commission and looks to use her experience to help AmeriCorps programs throughout New York State.