The Wilmot Cancer Center Board
The Wilmot Cancer Center Board was established under the guidelines of the founding chair, Linda Davey, in 1997 as an advisory group to assist the Cancer Center in community awareness, cancer education, patient relations and fundraising. Active committees include Nominating, Patient and Family Advisory Council, and Special Events and Community Outreach.
Current Chair, Bruce Zicari II, has served on the Board since 2004. He is a member of the Campaign Steering Committee and Nominating Committee.
If you would like more information about becoming a board member or about serving on one of our committees, please contact Marianne Leahy, director of development at (585) 276-4717.
ABRAHAM, George, M.D.
George Abraham, M.D. is no stranger to the Wilmot Cancer Center, where he previously served as Director. A Rochester resident, he continues to stay actively involved with the Cancer Center joining the Board in 2004 and serves on the Campaign Steering Committee. Dr. Abraham just retired as Director of the Wilmot Cancer Research Fellowship Program and is a University of Rochester Medical Center Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Microbiology/Immunology and Oncology. He is also a dedicated volunteer for Garth Fagan Dance, Geneva Arts Development Council and St. Michael’s Church. Board term expires June 2010.
BILLITIER, Ron
Ron Billitier owns Billitier Electric Inc., and joined the board after he lost a friend who had a brain tumor. He was appointed to the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2006. He is a member of the St. John Fisher College Board of Trustees, Genesee Regional Bank and Flaum Eye Institute Board. He also supports the Special Olympics, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and ALS Foundation. He resides in Penfield. Board term expires June 2009.
BRAULT, Phyllis
Phyllis Brault was appointed to the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2003. She has served as Chair of the Cancer Center’s Patient Relations Committee since 2003. Phyllis is worked hard to expand the Cancer Center’s Speakers’ Series and Survivors’ Day events. Phyllis and her husband, Albert, reside in Fairport. She is also actively involved with the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley. Board term expires June 2009.
BUCKLEY, Michael
Michaeld Buckley certainly is familiar with board work. Michael holds a variety of titles including former Chairman of Highland Hospital Board of Directors and of the Highland Hospital Foundation, former board member and officer of the YWCA, and current board member and officer of Strong Partners Health system. Michael also is an office and legal counsel of the Rochester Area Community Foundation and a board member of the University of Rochester Medical Center and Highland Hospital, as well as on the legal counsel for the Wilmot Cancer Center.
Michael is a partner at Harter, Secrest & Emery and resides with his wife, Mary, in Rochester. Board term expires June 2008.
CHESSIN, Rina
Rina Chessin of Brighton joined the board after seeing the dedication and compassion of Wilmot doctors, nurses and support staff when they cared for her father, Michael Futerman, founder of Hahn Automotive. Chessin’s family recently donated $250,000 to the Wilmot Cancer Center’s Comprehensive Campaign and by joining the board she further demonstrates her support for the organization. She is active in the Jewish Community Federation, Center for Holocaust Awareness, Jewish Education Committee and the American Red Cross. Board term expires 2010.
DEL MONTE, Elaine
Elaine Del Monte was inspired by news of the local advances in cancer care and research when she learned the background of the new cervical cancer vaccine. Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center developed the key component of the new Gardasil vaccine to prevent infection with the human papilloma virus. Del Monte, who lives in Brighton, is also active with the Rochester City Ballet. Board term expires June 2010.
DE WIND, Robin
Robin De Wind is a News Anchor and Medical Reporter for WHEC TV-10, a part of Hubbard Broadcasting. Robin was appointed to the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2005. Along with fundraising for the Wilmot Cancer Center and working on its infamous Discovery Ball, Robin is also involved with the Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. Robin resides in Fairport with her husband Gino. Board term expires June 2008.
DEVER, Mary Ann
Mary Ann Dever is an ex-officio member of the Wilmot Cancer Center Board. She has been the Director of Development for the Wilmot Cancer Center since 1999. She resides in Honeoye Falls with her two sons.
FEINBLOOM, Harold S.
Harold Feinbloom was appointed to the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2004. He is President of Durwood Management, Inc. He was also the founder of Genesee Valley Trust Company. Harold and his wife, Joan, are active volunteers and philanthropists to many organizations in the Rochester community. They reside in Rochester. Board term expires June 2010.
FISCHER, Marc
Marc Fischer, senior member of The Fischer Group, is an institutional consulting director and Citi Family Office senior advisor. He is a member of numerous boards including local schools, churches, hospitals and non-profit organizations. Fischer has been active within the Medical Center and received the Miracle Maker Award from the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong in 1995. He is an avid competitive sailor and with his wife, Laura, have three children.
FISHER, Richard I. M.D., (Rich)
Richard I. Fisher, M.D. is an ex-officio member of the Wilmot Cancer Center Board and serves on the Campaign Steering Committee. Dr. Fisher is the current Director of the Wilmot Cancer Center and Director of Cancer Services for Strong Health. Dr. Fisher and his wife, Susan Fisher, Ph.D., were actively recruited to the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2001. Formerly Dr Fisher was the Director of the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University in Chicago. He attended Harvard University and received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1970.
HAMMER, James E.
James E. Hammer joined the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2004. Jim is the President and CEO of Hammer Lithograph Corporation. Having had cancer touch his family, Jim is committed to doing all he can to fight the disease. He and his wife, Donna, reside in Mendon. Board term expires June 2010.
HOLTZ, John
John Holtz is the owner of Holtz House of Vehicles, and has been an active sponsor of many organizations that support people with cancer. He was appointed to Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2006. He also supports Daystar, Garth Fagan Dance Company, Greater Rochester Enterprise, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Golisano's Children's Hospital. He resides in Pittsford with his wife Seana. Board term expires June 2009.
JUSKIW, Barbara
Barbara Juskiw joined the board after supporting a friend and her family through liver cancer treatment. She and her husband, Nick, also support Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. They currently reside in Webster.
KESSLER, Mr. Robert W.
Robert W. Kessler is an attorney and partner at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP. He was appointed to the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2004. Bob serves as a member of the Board’s Nominating and Campaign Steering Committees. He is also actively involved at the Rochester Area Community Foundation and the Otetiana Council of Boy Scouts of America. He and his wife, Susan, reside in Pittsford. Board term expires June 2010.
LANDERS, Kathy
Kathy Landers is a proud cancer survivor committed to supporting Wilmot’s scientific research for cures. Co-owner of Landers Management, a real estate development and management firm, Landers has supported the organization of the Wilmot Cancer Center Discovery Ball, serving on the corporate underwriting and culinary and decorating committees. The Pittsford resident is a supporter of the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Athletic Department, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
LANGSTON, Andre
Andre Langston, appointed to the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2005, is one of the newest Board Members. He heads WDKX-FM, also known as Monroe County Broadcasting Co., Ltd. Andre is also inolved with the 2006 NYS Sports & Celebrity Gala, Green Acres Community Center, Rochester Razor Sharks, and Stop the Violence Basketball Tournament. He resides in Rochester with his wife Wendy. Board term expires June 2008
LINEHAN, Michael
Michael Linehan, president and owner of Camille’s Sidewalk Cafés, has been involved with the Wilmot Cancer Center for many years, because of the family connection – the facility is named after his grandfather. Linehan has been actively involved with planning the Discovery Ball and is committed to seeing the Cancer Center continue to grow. Board term expires 2010.
MAGGIO, Ron
Ron Maggio, owner of Ron Maggio Associates insurance sales, has been volunteering to support fundraising activities, such as Scooper Bowl, Cenzi motorcycle raffle and Discovery Ball, and was willing to step up his efforts in support of Wilmot by joining the Board. He is also active with the Upstate New York Bonsai Society and the CASA Golf Charity Auction. He has supported the Golisano Children’s Hospital, McQuaid Jesuit High School, St. Salome’s Church, and Irondequoit Pop Warner. He resides in Webster with his wife Joann. Board term expires June 2010.
MCCLUSKI, Stephen C.
Stephen C. McCluski is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Bausch & Lomb. Steve was appointed to the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2004. He is a cancer survivor who was treated at the Wilmot Cancer Center. Steve and his wife, Kim, reside in Pittsford. Board term expires June 2010.
MULLIN, Carol
Carol Mullin a breast cancer survivor, was appointed to the board to advance her commitment to breast cancer research. As an active member of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, she’s supported local research into the disease. A retired lawyer, Mullin is also active with the Landmark Society of Western New York and lives in Brighton. Board term expires June 2010.
OKUNIEFF, Paul, M.D.
Paul Okunieff, M.D. is an ex-officio member of the Wilmot Cancer Center Board. He is a professor and Chair of the University of Rochester Medical Center Department of Radiation Oncology. He and his wife, Debra, reside in Rochester with their daughter.
RHODA, Don
Donald Rhoda, owner of The Red Barn Gentlemen’s Apparel in Pittsford Plaza, is a member of the Wilmot Campaign Steering Committee. He and his wife, Pamela, were co-chairs of the 2006 Discovery Ball and he is also a supporter of the Epilepsy Foundation and George Eastman House. Board term expires June 2010.
RUDGERS, Jim
James T. Rudgers, executive vice president and chief of community banking for Five Star Bank, joined to honor relatives and friends who have endured cancer diagnoses and care. The Geneseo resident also serves on the Genesee Community College Foundation. Board term expires June 2010.
RYAN, James D. Jr.
James D. Ryan, Jr. is President of RYCO Management, LLC. Jim was appointed to the Cancer Center Board in 1999. He previously served as Chair of the Board from 2005-2007. Jim is Co-chairing the Wilmot Cancer Center Comprehensive Campaign with Judy Wilmot Linehan. He has also served as Chair of the Development Committee. Jim and his wife, Caroline, were Chairs of the 2003 Discovery Ball. They reside in Brighton with their three children. Board term expires June 2009.
RYAN, Stephen D.
Stephen D. Ryan is a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch. He joined the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2004. Steve is a member of the Campaign Steering Committee and has also served on several Discovery Ball committees. He and his wife, Lisa, reside in Rochester with their children. Board term expires June 2010.
VIGREN, David L.
David Vigren is the retired CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union and was appointed to the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2005. David also is actively involved with other boards, including the Memorial Art Gallery Board, Bishop Kearny High School Board, and Nazareth College of Rochester Board. David lives with his wife Carol in Middlesex, NY
Board term expires June 2008.
WILMOT, Paul J.
Paul J. “PJ” Wilmot is president of Wilmorite Inc., and is also involved with the cancer center because of the family connection. He is a member of the Wilmot Comprehensive Campaign Steering Committee and been a strong supporter of the Discovery Ball and other major fund-raisers for the Wilmot Cancer Center. Board term expires June 2010.
ZICARI, Bruce B. II
Bruce B. Zicari II is a CPA and partner at The Bonadio Group. Bruce joined the Wilmot Cancer Center Board in 2004. He will serve as Chair of the Board from 2007-2010. He and his family founded Nancy & Friends Fighting Cancer, Inc., and they contribute research funds to the Wilmot Cancer Center. Bruce serves on the Campaign Steering Committee and the Discovery Ball Corporate Underwriting Committee. He is actively involved in the community with many charitable organizations including Rochester Italian Charities and the Breast Cancer Coalition. Bruce and his wife, Hope, reside in Rochester with their daughter. Board term expires June 2010.
