Our Board of Directors
Virginia E. Maurer, MD
FOUNDER
Dr. Maurer is the former Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery and former Director of NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Breast Health Program. After 40 years of serving as a prominent breast surgeon and breast cancer specialist, Dr. Maurer retired from the active practice of surgery in 2022. Her many years of dedicated medical service has made an invaluable impact on the Long Island community and beyond. She continues to dedicate herself to the urgent work of breast cancer education and is integrally involved in the mission and promotion of the Foundation through the Medical Advisory Council and various event committees. Dr. Maurer has two daughters and four grandchildren.
Greg Schaefer
CHAIR
Greg Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer and owner of Better Home Health Care Agency, Inc., is a visionary leader whose commitment has positively impacted thousands of individuals receiving quality healthcare and supported over 600 employees at Better Home Health Care.
Greg’s influence goes far beyond his role at Better Home Health Care. He is deeply involved in his community and serves as a board member of the Rockville Centre Basketball League. His past leadership roles include serving as President of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce and involvement on the boards of the Rockville Centre Lions Club, South Nassau Communities Hospital, Molloy College, and the Limb Kind Foundation. Additionally, Greg had the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal of the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
A lifelong resident of Rockville Centre, Greg continues to live there with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Cain and Cameron. Greg’s interests include coaching and traveling with family.
Pamela Rousakis Praetorius
VICE CHAIR
Pam Rousakis Praetorius has founded and operated several successful pop music promotion, management and publishing companies. Over three decades Ms. Praetorius has presented sellout concerts in the region’s largest venues, guided the careers of platinum-selling artists and assembled a portfolio of Top 40 hits achieving gold and platinum sales, several winning Grammy Awards.
Today, as a Financial Advisor in Garden City, New York, Ms. Praetorius uses her firsthand knowledge of the issues facing private business owners to present insightful solutions to the challenges of maintaining wealth and maximizing its return.
A graduate of Hofstra University and an active member of Long Island’s Greek American community, Ms. Praetorius has founded The Good Neighbor Fund and The Holiday Spirit Program. These organizations have provided crucial financial support to individuals in need over the past decade.
Andrew F. Corrado
TREASURER
Andrew F. Corrado is the President of Peapack Private’s New York location, bringing over 35 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry. His distinguished career includes serving as Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial and Private Banking – Northeast, as well as Senior Vice President and Group Director at Flagstar Bank, formerly known as Signature Bank. Prior to that, Andrew was Senior Vice President and Head of Professional Services and Private Banking at Capital One Bank in New York.
Andrew’s expertise spans a broad range of financial services, including profit and loss management, strategic planning, business development, banking operations, market outreach, compliance, and customer experience.
He holds a B.S.B.A. in Marketing from Bryant University and an M.B.A. in Marketing Management from Hofstra University. Andrew is actively involved in his community as a Board and Finance Committee member of United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island, a past President of the Hofstra University Alumni Organization, and a current member of the Hofstra Zarb School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board.
Barry K. Douglas, MD, FACS
SECRETARY
Dr. Barry K. Douglas is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery and breast reconstructionThe creation of an artificial breast performed by a plastic surgeon.. In addition to being a partner at New York Plastic Surgical Group, he is also Facility Medical Director of all NYPS Group Operating Suites.
Prior to joining NYPS Group in 1991, Dr. Douglas was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Trinity College, where he majored in Studio Art and Physics. He earned his MD degree from Wake Forest University, completed his General & Plastic Surgical Residencies at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and fellowship in Pediatric Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery at Children’s Hospital of Akron with the Northeastern Ohio School of Medicine.
In 2023 & 2024, he was named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons for eyelid surgery, facelift, and rhinoplasty. In addition to his accolades in the field of medicine, Dr. Douglas is an accomplished artist, musician, and athlete.
Gary Barello
BOARD MEMBER
Gary Barello is a highly accomplished HR executive with over 30 years of experience across a range of sectors, including financial services, government, international manufacturing, and both not-for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Actively engaged in his community, Mr. Barello served as Board Chair of Sperry Federal Credit Union and is a former board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. He is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources.
Mr. Barello earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Spanish from Stony Brook University, an MBA in Management from Dowling College, and has also attended St. John’s School of Law.
John J. Barnosky, Esq.
BOARD MEMBER
Jack Barnosky is a partner at Farrell Fritz, P.C. specializing in trust and estate law. His practice focuses on estate planning, probate and administration of estates and trusts, and taxation. Jack also represents clients in complex trust and estate litigation, including will contests, challenges to the validity of trusts, contested accounting proceedings, and tax disputes in Surrogate’s Courts and other courts across New York.
In addition to his role at Farrell Fritz, Jack frequently lectures at New York State Bar Association seminars on trust and estate topics and has authored articles for the New York Law Journal, The Nassau Lawyer, and the Journal of the Suffolk Academy of Law. He is also a past chair of the Nassau County Bar Association.
Tammy Fortune
BOARD MEMBER
Tammy Fortune is the Owner and Director of Camp Wa-Klo for Girls, a residential summer camp where girls are inspired to grow in confidence, character and gain courage from exceptional female role models. Tammy holds a Master’s degree in Education with a focus in Elementary Education from Boston College, as well as a BA in Sociology from the University of Denver. She has served as a middle school math teacher and math specialist and spent her summers progressing through leadership roles at Camp Wa-Klo.
As the daughter of renowned breast surgeon and The Maurer Foundation founder, Dr. Virginia Maurer, Tammy has been a staunch, lifelong supporter of breast health and has been taught from an early age the value of female leadership. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog.
Donald Gelestino
BOARD MEMBER
Donald Gelestino is the President, CEO, and Founder of Champion Elevator, one of the fastest-growing elevator companies in the United States. With over 30 years of experience in the elevator industry, Donald combines unparalleled business acumen with visionary leadership and exceptional professionalism.
Donald launched his career in 1986 with DECO Elevator, where he excelled in all aspects of the trade. His extensive expertise led him to establish his first company, Ver-Tech Elevator Co., Inc. Under his strategic direction, Ver-Tech became a multi-million-dollar leader in the industry, and Donald successfully negotiated its lucrative sale. This achievement set the stage for his latest venture—Champion Elevator, founded in 2015.
At Champion Elevator, Donald continues to exemplify the exceptional leadership and professionalism that have defined his distinguished career.
Anne Marie Immerso
BOARD MEMBER
Anne Marie Immerso is the Group Director and Senior Vice President at Flagstar Bank, bringing over 35 years of distinguished experience in the financial services industry.
Beginning her career in the 1980s with European American Bank, Anne Marie has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance and deep expertise, advancing to progressively more responsible roles across all facets of finance. Her impressive portfolio of long-term clients recognizes her as a trusted advisor and unwavering advocate for their financial success.
Anne Marie’s extensive expertise in banking and business, combined with her commitment to client-centered service, makes her an invaluable asset to the Board of Directors. Her leadership and strategic vision continue to drive innovation and growth within the industry, reinforcing her reputation as a highly regarded and influential banking professional.
Joan Leondis
BOARD MEMBER
Joan Leondis, a two-time breast cancer survivor, is a dedicated and passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness and support. Her personal journey with cancer has fueled her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others affected by the disease.
For many years, Joan, alongside her family, has been a steadfast supporter of The Maurer Foundation. She actively participates in the Pink Diamond Gala Committee and contributes her insights as a member of the Educational Advisory Council. Joan’s deep commitment to philanthropy is evident in her extensive volunteer work. She has been a devoted volunteer with the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program for over 15 years, where she engages in outreach, answers calls, and supports fundraising efforts, including the Creative Cups project.
Joan and her husband, John, are proud parents of three daughters and doting grandparents to five grandchildren. The couple resides in Garden City.
David Marino
BOARD MEMBER
Board Member
David Marino is the Group President & COO of American Global, responsible for driving strategic growth and financial performance of its domestic and international insurance brokerage operations. With over 30 years of risk management experience, David has designed programs for complex infrastructure, including alternative delivery projects and public-private partnerships, advised clients during merger and acquisition transactions, developed solutions for controlled insurance programs, and managed highly complex multi-line insurance claims to satisfactory outcomes.
David has held numerous regional and national leadership roles and has been the senior leader for many top contractors. He is a member of the board of Governors of the New York Building Foundation/New York Building Congress. David enjoys traveling with his wife and 3 children.
Paul Pomponio
BOARD MEMBER
Paul Pomponio serves as the Vice President of Operations at El Sol Contracting & Construction Inc., a distinguished family-owned and operated general contractor with a 40-year legacy in highway and heavy construction. El Sol Contracting & Construction is known for its extensive work across the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and New Jersey.
With a robust background in heavy and highway construction management, insurance, surety, and safety, Paul brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. His leadership and deep understanding of the industry contribute significantly to the success and reputation of El Sol Contracting & Construction.
He is a member of several influential organizations, including the Executive Committee of the General Contractors Association, the Columbus Citizens Foundation, the Moles, and the Sands Point GC Scholarship Committee.
Kathy Weiss, PhD
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Kathy Weiss received her BA in Mathematics from Syracuse University, her MA in Mathematics from the Courant Institute of New York University and her Ph.D. from New York University. Her career has largely focused on the administrative side of education, where she has held significant leadership roles.
Dr. Weiss previously served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Baldwin Union Free School District, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Rockville Centre Public Schools, and Principal of Malverne High School. Throughout her career, she has delivered numerous presentations at local, regional, and national levels on a variety of topics including cooperative learning, shared decision-making, peer coaching, whole language assessment, testing, child abuse, and principal evaluation.
Currently, Dr. Weiss is an adjunct professor at LIU Post in the Department of Educational Leadership & Administration and serves as a trustee on the Nassau Community College Board. Additionally, she is an associate with School Leadership LLC, where she helps school boards in the search for superintendents.