NEWBURGH (November 30, 2020) – Pattern for Progress welcomes the largest class (35) of Pattern Fellows in the 14 year history of the program. The Pattern Fellows class of 2020-2021 running from October 27th – June 8th, and will explore the issues of institutional racism, diversity, equity and inclusion and community-police relations.

 “Pattern, as an organization, created a task force to look at itself through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” says Pattern for Progress President and CEO, Jonathan Drapkin. “One of the outcomes was to have our Pattern Fellows’ leadership program tackle the issue of institutional racism in the Hudson Valley. Though the conversation will not be easy, it is important to broaden the perspective of future leaders from throughout the Valley.”

Initiated in 2007 to expand the horizons of those already acknowledged as leaders in their communities and disciplines, this regional leadership training program is geared towards mid-career professionals. The program helps participants to gain a more intimate knowledge of the region and encourages them to explore regional approaches to their work. More than 290 people have graduated from the Pattern Fellows Program. In previous years, Pattern Fellows have included leaders from the fields of finance, government, economic development, land conservation, law, human services, healthcare, academia and more.

This year’s Fellows Class includes:

Samuel C. Bergsohn, Jacobowitz and Gubits, LLP

Adam Billingslea, Health Alliance

Michael Bonse, City of Kingston Police Department

Jeannie Borko, Rhinebeck Bank

LaTanya Bryant, TD Bank

Darrah Cloud, Town of Pine Plains

Alejandro “Alex” Cordova, Ulster Savings Bank

David Dirks, Hudson Valley Credit Union

Fran Dunwell, DEC

Karen Gates, Hudson Valley Credit Union

Randi Greene, Town of Montgomery IDA

John Hank, Town of Montgomery Police Department

Eric Harget, City of Middletown Police

Kate Heidecker, Ulster County Economic Development

Dabby Hines, Marist College

Michael Hoblin, Rockland County

Jennifer Holohan-Ferrer, Hudson Valley Credit Union

Shelly Humeston, Salisbury Bank and Trust

Megan Lung, DEC

Michael Mattone, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

Rob McNeely, Town of Montgomery Police Department

Nichole Moretto, Walden Savings Bank

Terry Nelson, City of Beacon

Maija Niemisto, DEC

Vanessa Olivo, Sullivan County Partnership

Genesis Ramos, City of Newburgh

Patricia Salgado-Hernandez, Salesian Missions

Michael Santos, Orange & Rockland

Amy Shapiro, Bard College

Phyllis Tucker, Workforce Development Board of Rockland County

Nicholas Watkins, RBT CPA’s

Aaron Werner, AKRF

Richard Williams, Insite Engineering, Surveying & Landscaping Architecture, P.C.

To learn more about the Pattern Fellows Program, visit: https://www.pattern-for-progress.org/fellows/

About Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress

Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress is  policy, planning, advocacy and research nonprofit that has promoted regional, balanced and sustainable solutions for the Hudson River Valley since 1965. Visit Pattern-For-Progress.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.