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Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress Names Alexandra Obremski as President and Chief Executive Officer
The board of directors at Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress has named Alexandra Obremski to be the organization’s next president and chief executive officer.
Obremski has been the director of the Rockland County Office of Community Development since 2022, where she oversaw the development and implementation of the county’s first comprehensive housing plan. She also led the effort to create and manage Rockland’s $13.5 million Housing Action Loan Opportunity (HALO) fund to develop and preserve affordable and workforce housing.
Obremski has worked in public service in the Hudson Valley for nearly two decades, including roles in community development and municipal law. She will become Pattern’s seventh president since the organization was founded in 1965.
“The opportunity to lead this renowned regional research and planning nonprofit is one I am grateful for and humble to take on,” Obremski said. “I am excited to expand Pattern’s longstanding commitment to regional planning and its passion for objective research on complex affordability and quality-of-life issues that are critical to the future of the Hudson Valley. I look forward to using my background in public service to continue Pattern’s impressive legacy and doing the work that has benefitted our communities, businesses, and municipalities for more than 60 years.”
She previously worked for a number of state and local government agencies, including the Rockland County Attorney’s Office, the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. In addition, Obremski currently serves in leadership positions for the New York Women’s Affordable Housing Network and the Rockland County Women’s Bar Association.
Obremski will join Pattern for Progress on May 18. She can be reached at aobremski@pfprogress.org.
“The Pattern for Progress Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Alexandra Obremski as our next President and CEO,” said Mary Beth Bianconi, chair of the Pattern Board. “Her background in community development, and as a public-sector attorney with diverse experience, makes her ideally suited for this role. Her lifelong dedication to public service positions her to lead Pattern’s next chapter as the Hudson Valley’s premier research, planning, and civic educational organization. She brings a clear passion for regional planning and evidence-based decision making that will support communities throughout the Hudson Valley as they consider the many challenges and opportunities that are shaping our region.”
Obremski will become the first graduate of the Pattern Fellows Program – a regional leadership and education program created in 2007 – to become the president of the organization.
She is a graduate of the University at Albany and St. John’s University School of Law. She lives in New City with her husband and four children.
RCC Names New Members To RCC Foundation Board of Directors
The Rockland Community College (RCC) Foundation has named three members to its Board of Directors who bring experience in education, business, philanthropy, and community engagement.
“Each of our new board members brings unique strengths, and together they represent an extraordinary depth of experience, innovation, and community connection. Their leadership will play a vital role in advancing the Foundation’s mission and supporting the continued success of Rockland Community College.”,” said Walter Goldman, Chair of the RCC Foundation.
Brian J. Bertaux is a seasoned financial executive with over 20 years of leadership in manufacturing, construction, and sustainable industries. He has served as CFO at Hudson Technologies, a national refrigerant reclaimer and HVAC/R solutions provider, since 2024.
Bertaux’s career includes nearly 20 years at Trex Company, where he advanced from Senior Director of Finance & Strategy to Interim President of Trex Commercial Products, helping grow revenue from $100 million to $900 million. He also served as Vice President of Finance at von Drehle Corporation during its 2022 acquisition by Marcal Paper and as CFO at Brown Haven Homes.
Bertaux holds a BS in Finance and Accounting from Frostburg State University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, and is a CPA and CTP. His financial management and strategic leadership benefit the Rockland Community College Foundation Board, supporting its mission to expand educational access. Bertaux is pleased “to help establish and achieve the RCC Foundation’s goals and to support its commitment to growing the College and its impact on the surrounding community.”
Crismelly Morales, Esq. is an immigration and family law attorney and founder of the Law Office of Crismelly Morales, Esq., P.C. in New City, NY. An alumna of RCC, she earned her A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies before completing her B.A. at SUNY Purchase and J.D. at New York Law School. Morales later returned to RCC as an adjunct professor and serves on the Legal Studies Program Advisory Committee, and was the Class of 2025 commencement speaker at RCC’s 65th Commencement Ceremony. She is active in the legal community and was admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, and before the Second and Third Circuit Courts of Appeals.
Gemini Watanabe is the owner of Summit Street Design, a kitchen and bath design firm based in Nyack, NY that she started 23 years ago. She earned degrees from Smith 
College and the Culinary Institute of America. A resident of Rockland County for 29 years, Gemini and her husband raised two sons in Nyack. She previously served on the Village of Nyack Architectural Review Board, and her recent empty-nester status has given her more time to volunteer with local organizations such as Angel Nyack, Meals on Wheels, and the Rockland County YMCA.
“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding leaders to the RCC Foundation Board,” said Karen Lewis, Executive Director of Development at Rockland Community College. “Their diverse perspectives, professional expertise, and passion for student success will help us strengthen our impact across the region.”
To learn more about the RCC Foundation, its mission, the Board of Directors, and ways to support students, please visit https://sunyrockland.edu/foundation/foundation-board/. To find out how you can get involved or invest in education, contact Karen Lewis, Executive Director of the RCC Foundation, at 845-574-4595 or karen.lewis@sunyrockland.edu.
Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland Hosts Hudson Valley Gives Training
The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland (CFOSR) is hosting in-person training events for area nonprofits interested in participating in Hudson Valley Gives.
The 11th Annual Hudson Valley Gives, scheduled for Wed. May 20, is a 24-hour online giving event that has become a key philanthropic initiative in the region, helping hundreds of local nonprofits raise crucial funds for their missions.
Since its inception, Hudson Valley Gives has raised over $5.5 million for charitable organizations across Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. Last year’s record-breaking event demonstrated the generosity of the Hudson Valley community, and this year promises to be even bigger and better.
“We are honored to bring this initiative to life for the 11th year in a row,” said Elizabeth Rowley, CFOSR President and CEO. “Hudson Valley Gives is for nonprofit organizations of all sizes to raise awareness and funds for their important causes. All charitable causes can be part of the fun – HV Gives has become a staple for Spring giving.”
Hudson Valley Gives provides an online platform allowing donors to support their favorite local causes with just a few clicks. From animal shelters and arts organizations to food pantries, historical societies, and health agencies, this one-day giving event empowers the community to Give Where You Live! Organizations are encouraged to register for a training event to learn strategies for success.
During the training event participating nonprofits receive HV Gives t-shirts, signs, and additional swag to help jump start their fundraising efforts. They also learned some fundraising fundamentals. Training is available in the weeks ahead, and nonprofit organizations can register at www.HVGives.org.
RCC Board of Trustees Confirms New Vice President of Academic Affairs
The Rockland Community College (RCC) Board of Trustees has named Dr. Melanie Tuthill Rie as Vice President of Academic Affairs during its meeting on March 30.
In her new role, Dr. Rie will oversee all academic areas, academic support services, and Online Education. She will also collaborate with the State University of New York (SUNY) on new academic initiatives and serve as a liaison to the Faculty Senate on matters related to academic policy, curriculum, reappointments, tenure, and promotion.
A member of the RCC community since 2022, Dr. Rie has served as Associate Provost of Academic Affairs since August 2025, where she led academic strategy and initiatives focused on improving student outcomes and strengthening RCC’s academic excellence. Prior to that role, she served as Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Faculty Senate Chair, and faculty member. She holds a Ph.D. and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston University.
“I look forward to continuing to serve RCC and supporting its goals of academic excellence and student success in my new role,” said Dr. Rie. “I am grateful for the continued opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff, and our SUNY partners to strengthen academic programs and support our students.”
“Dr. Rie has been a valued leader at RCC for more than two decades, demonstrating a strong commitment to student success and academic innovation,” said Dr. William P. Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College. “We are confident she will continue to advance the College’s academic mission in this new role.”
