2017-18 Class of Pattern Fellows Graduates from Regional Leadership Program

Newburgh – A non-profit housing advocate from Poughkeepsie. An economic development specialist from Kingston. A land use attorney from Westchester. These were just three of the diverse backgrounds of the 16 members of the 2017-18 Pattern Fellows class that graduated on June 11 at SUNY Orange in Newburgh.

Now in its 11th year, the Pattern Fellows Program is an innovative leadership curriculum designed to expand the horizons of those already active in their communities and disciplines. Prominent guest speakers from government, business, education, and the non-profit sector provide insights and share their experiences with program participants, who then spend several months working on a research project to be presented at a graduation luncheon each June. Since the program’s creation, over 250 fellows have graduated, including leaders from the fields of finance, government, economic development, land conservation, law, human services, healthcare, academia and more.

The 2017-18 class of Pattern Fellows focused on understanding the impact of “anchor projects” on the communities they are located in. One group studied the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, one studied SUNY Orange in Newburgh, and the third studied the new Resorts World Catskills Casino in Sullivan County.

“I wanted to have this year’s Fellows class study some of the anchor projects that we see transforming communities in the Hudson Valley,” said Jonathan Drapkin, Pattern’s President & CEO, who leads the Fellows program.

For the Fellows themselves, the program was eye-opening.

“Every trip from Sullivan County was worth it,” said Nicole Slevin, the Communications & Diversity Manager for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County. “This program provides professional development, new connections, and a regional perspective on both issues and solutions in the Hudson Valley that are relevant to every profession. I’m proud to be an alumna.”

“The Fellows program was a wonderful experience that challenged my views of regional development and trends,” said Allison Cappella, an attorney with Jacobowitz and Gubits LLP in Walden. “I learned a tremendous amount about the Hudson Valley region and enjoyed hearing my classmates’ various points of views. The program truly taught us to think critically about many issues facing our region.”

Applications for the 2018-19 Fellows class are now being accepted. To learn more about the program or how to apply, contact Evan Menist at or 845-565-4900.

The 2017-18 Pattern Fellows class:

Jolene Borell – RBT

Joe Candela – Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Allison Cappella – Jacobowitz & Gubits

Dan Garcia – Sociamerica

Danny Hairston – Family Services

Evelyn Heinbach – Ulster County Government

Teresa Hoffmann – St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital

Aliza Krevolin – Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

Linda Malave – Hudson River Housing

Tiffany Niles – Orange County Government

Abby Paul – Ulster Savings Bank