Board of Trustees

Dr. Eric Lewis '83, P'17; Board President

Dr. Eric Lewis is a Professor of Accounting Practice at Cornell University’s Dyson School and former Dean of the School of Management at Union Graduate College. He specializes in Auditing, Data Analytics, and Business Valuation.

A Past President of the AAA Northeast Region, he received the AAA President’s Award (2014) and was inducted into its Hall of Fame (2015). He holds an MBA in Accounting and a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems from Union College.

Dr. Lewis is the founding partner and Managing Director of The Elliott Group, specializing in Business Valuation and Litigation Support, and has been recognized as a subject matter expert in County, State, and Federal courts.

Jennifer Amstutz P’19, ’21

Jenny Amstutz P’19, ’21 is the founder of J.A. Strategies, a firm specializing in organizational development, board and staff training for nonprofit organizations, universities, government agencies, and businesses. She has held leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards throughout the Capital Region.

A dedicated member of the Albany Academy community, Jenny is the proud parent of Ryan ’19 and Daniel ’21. She previously served as President of the Albany Academies Parents' Association, contributing to the school’s vibrant parent and volunteer network.

Carl Becker, Esq. '04, P'35

Carl Becker, Esq. '04, P'35 is a legal and business professional with extensive experience in real estate and commercial development. He joined the Windsor Companies in 2012 and is admitted to practice law in the State of New York. A member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), he brings a strong legal and financial background to his professional and community engagements.

A graduate of The Albany Academy, Fordham University, and Albany Law School, Carl remains deeply involved in the Capital Region. He currently serves on the Capital Bank & Trust Advisory Board and is a Board Member for the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. As an Albany Academy trustee, Carl serves as a member of the Finance and Building & Grounds Committees.

Nicole Borisenok '08

Nicole Borisenok ’08 is an entrepreneur and business leader who began her career in product development at Victoria’s Secret before joining her family’s thoroughbred breeding farm, Old Tavern Farm, in 2018. She later expanded the business by founding Old Tavern Farm Winery, where she manages wine production, sales, and vineyard operations.

An active philanthropist, Nicole has co-chaired the Travers Wine Tasting Event, benefiting LifePath. She also serves on the Saratoga Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, leading its video marketing initiative.

A graduate of the Academy for Girls class of 2008, Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing from Ithaca College, where she also played lacrosse. She lives in Saratoga Springs with her family.

Dr. Fran'Cee Brown-McClure

Dr. Fran’Cee Brown-McClure is the Vice President for Student Affairs at Jackson State University. She brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, with a focus on student engagement, emotional intelligence, and leadership development.

Dr. Brown-McClure holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Social Work from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Jackson State University. A recognized speaker, she presents nationally on topics related to leadership and student success in higher education.

She is a member of the Jackson, MS, Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Richard Flaherty P'15, '21

Rich Flaherty P’15, ’21 is the President and CEO of Cove Risk Services, LLC, a company specializing in workers’ compensation coverage for businesses in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. With extensive experience in risk management and insurance, he has held leadership roles in industry organizations, including serving on the Board of the Business Council of New York State, Inc. from 2005 to 2010 and as President of the Group Self-Insurance Association of New York from 2000 to 2008.

A dedicated member of the Albany Academy community, Rich is the proud parent of two Academy graduates, Class of 2015 and 2021.

Dr. Kyle Flik P'18, '20, '23, '26

Dr. Kyle R. Flik, MD is a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon at OrthoNY, specializing in shoulder and knee treatment for athletes of all ages. He serves as Medical Director of the Executive Woods Ambulatory Surgery Center and is a member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. Dr. Flik is the head team physician for the Albany FireWolves professional lacrosse team and has long served as the team doctor for Albany Academy. He also proudly serves as an assistant coach for Academy hockey.

A Dartmouth College graduate, he played varsity ice hockey and lacrosse before a season of professional hockey in Germany. He earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont, completed his orthopedic residency at the Hospital for Special Surgery, and a fellowship in sports medicine at Rush University in Chicago.

Kyle and his wife, Anna, a pediatrician at Albany Medical Center, have four children who have all attended Albany Academy.

Dr. Robert Higgins ’77

Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, '77, is the President and Chief Academic Officer of RUSH University and Senior Vice President of the RUSH University System for Health, where he oversees academic programs, clinical alignment, research, and external engagement activities. A distinguished physician and leader, Dr. Higgins has held prominent roles, including Surgeon-in-Chief and Halsted Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins, President of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Executive Vice President of Mass General Brigham.

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Higgins also holds a master’s in health services administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and has trained extensively in general and cardiothoracic surgery. With over 200 scientific publications and leadership positions in national professional societies, Dr. Higgins continues to advance academic medicine and healthcare innovation.

During his 12-year tenure at The Albany Academy, Dr. Higgins was a three-sport varsity athlete and captain of the football and hockey teams. A leader among his class, he was the first African American Major of the Cadet Battalion. He graduated Cum Laude from Academy before being an early acceptance matriculant at Dartmouth College.

David J. Hollander P'19

David Hollander, CM-LEAN, P'19 is Vice President at LeChase Construction, overseeing major commercial, institutional, and infrastructure projects across New York. He holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a BS in Civil Engineering from Union College, and a BA in Political Science from the University of Rochester.

An industry leader, David has served as Chairman of the AGC NYS Building Board of Governors and is a board member of ACC NYS LLC and the B’nai B’rith Foundation. He is also a trustee of the Fort Orange Club and actively supports workforce development initiatives.

A dedicated supporter of Albany Academy, David brings expertise in construction, business, and community engagement to the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Peter K. Kim '87

Dr. Kim is a board-certified general and acute care surgeon. Dr. Kim started the North Bronx Faculty Practice and served as a Director of the Board for the Physician Affiliate Group of NY (PAGNY) for many years. As editorial board member of General Surgery News, he has spearheaded Healthcare Provider Wellness as one of the most important issues for the delivery of safe patient care.
 
Peter is a proud graduate of The Albany Academy where he was co-captain of the football, swimming and tennis teams. He went on to graduate from Harvard College and earned his M.D. at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He also graduated from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business with a master’s degree in Medical Management.

Michael Lasch P'20, '22

Michael Lasch is a Managing Partner and co-founder of Pine Street Capital Partners, a private debt and equity fund based in Albany. He oversees investment sourcing, portfolio management, and investor relations, serving on the boards of several portfolio companies.

Previously, Michael was a Director in FleetBoston Corporation’s Leveraged Finance Group and a congressional aide in Washington, D.C. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from Emory University.

A 2007 “40 Under 40” honoree, Michael is active in the Capital Region’s nonprofit community and is a past president of the Upstate Capital Association of New York. He lives in Loudonville, NY, with his wife, Alicia, and their three children—William (AA ’20), Christian (AA ’22), and Alexandra.

Cara Milde P'26, '29, '32

Cara spent ten years in education as a teacher and Assistant Principal at a K–8 school in the Bronx, NY, where she also served as the school liaison for Prep for Prep, supporting high-achieving students of color transitioning to independent schools.

Now based in Saratoga Springs, she is an active community leader, serving as President of both the Caroline Street PTA and The Flower & Fruit Mission of Saratoga Hospital. She also sits on the Saratoga Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees and chairs the Sponsor A Scholar Fundraising Committee.

Cara holds a B.A. from Villanova University and an M.S. Ed. from The College of Saint Rose. An Academy parent since 2019, she is actively involved in the AAPA and Athletic Council. She and her husband, Toby, are the parents of Fletcher ’26, Quinn ’29, and Elizabeth ’32.

Caron O'Brien '77, P'04

Caron O’Brien is a member of the Government Relations department at Hinman Straub, P.C., where she specializes in health care, criminal justice, technology, and government relations matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Caron served in the New York State Senate as a team leader and program director for Health, Human Services, and Education in the Senate Counsel Program Office. In this role, she was the chief advisor to the Senate Majority Leader on health care policy, including access, financing, delivery, and public health.

Caron is also a board member of Families In Need of Assistance, a local organization dedicated to supporting children and individuals facing mental health challenges and substance abuse.

Neerav Patel '96, P'31

Neerav Patel is the Healthcare Data & AI Americas Leader for DXC Technology, a Fortune 500 global technology company, where he helps healthcare and life sciences organizations navigate complex data and AI-driven challenges. Previously, he held leadership roles in Data, Analytics, and AI at IBM and served as COO of Empire Broadcasting and President of Scanris Teleradiology.

A “40 Under 40” honoree by the Albany Business Review, Neerav has served as President of The Albany Academy Alumni Association, a trustee at Siena College, and a board member for Radiologists Without Borders. He holds degrees from Siena College (B.S.), RPI (M.B.A.), and Northwestern University (M.S.).

At The Albany Academy, Neerav was a three-sport varsity athlete, Sergeant Major of the Cadet Battalion, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Albany Academy CUE, a member of Fish & Pumpkin, and recipient of the Alfred K. Sabisch Award.

Geoffrey S. Plante P'20, '22

Geoff Plante is a Partner at KPMG and the Firm’s Lead Partner for New York State, overseeing services to the State. With over 33 years of experience, he is also a leader in KPMG’s National Finance Transformation practice, specializing in government and higher education. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Project Management Professional, Plante earned his B.B.A. in Accounting from Siena College. He has spoken nationally on AI governance, business transformation, and risk management.

Geoff serves on the Board of Building on Love and previously held leadership roles with The Ronald McDonald House of the Capital Region, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, and USA Powerlifting. A former competitive powerlifter, he placed sixth at the 2005 World Bench Press Championships.

Geoff's daughters, Allison and Megan, graduated from Albany Academy for Girls in 2020 and 2022. Before joining the Board of Trustees, he volunteered with the Institutional Advancement Committee and at swim meets. He lives in North Greenbush, NY, with his wife, Laurel, and their two daughters.

Andrew Safranko '91, P'23, '26

Andrew R. Safranko is a founding partner of LaMarche Safranko Law PLLC, specializing in personal injury litigation, professional discipline, and criminal defense. With over 23 years in private practice, he has handled numerous high-profile cases and is widely recognized for his legal expertise.

A graduate of The Albany Academy, Emory University, and Albany Law School, Andrew has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2010 and as a Super Lawyer since 2013. He was named Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year in 2020 and received the Albany Academy Distinguished Alumni Award (2021) and the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center Pillars Award (2023).

Andrew chairs the Albany Academy Athletic Council and lives in North Bethlehem with his wife, Julie (AAG ’95), and their children, Alexis (AAG ’23) and Chad (AA ’26).

Elissa Smith P'23, '25, '26

Elissa is the Chief Administrative Officer and Partner at SPEC Consulting, an engineering and design firm specializing in petrochemicals, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy services. Since joining in 2010, she has led the firm’s growth, overseeing financials, contracts, marketing, and HR.

A graduate of Quinnipiac University, Elissa began her career in healthcare before transitioning to operations management. She is actively involved in the community, serving on the Camp Chingachgook Advisory Council, SPAC Action Council, Sage Estate Homeowners Association Board, and The Albany Academies Marketing and Enrollment Committee.

Elissa and her husband, Justin ’96, have three children: Lorelai ’23, Grant '25, Evelyn ’26, who joined Albany Academy in 2021.

Eileen Tucker Spiro '05

Eileen Tucker Spiro is a Vice President at Shenkman Capital Management, Inc., an investment firm based in New York City, where she specializes in high-yield loans and collateralized loan obligations. Prior to joining Shenkman, she was a research analyst at JPMorgan, focusing on fixed-income investments.

A graduate of Albany Academy for Girls, Eileen earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Statistics with College Honors from Carnegie Mellon University and is a CFA Charterholder.

She resides in New York City with her husband and daughter.

Kaari Stannard P'20, '23

Kaari is the Owner and President of New York Apple Sales, a leading marketer of New York State fresh apples. She is also a partner in Fish Creek Orchards, a large orchard operation in western New York, and holds an ownership interest in Fruit Forward, an intellectual property organization focused on developing new apple and pear varieties.

A Certified Public Accountant, Kaari earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from SUNY Buffalo and began her career in public accounting in Atlanta, GA. She joined New York Apple Sales in 1996 and became President and Owner in 2000. She also serves on industry boards, including the U.S. Apple Association and the New York Apple Association.

When her children attended Acdemy, Kaari was an active parent, serving as a division representative, class parent, and board member of the Albany Academies Parents’ Association.

Sara Strope '96

Sara is the Chief Marketing Officer at QuotaPath, a series B funded sales compensation software company. Previously, she was CMO at TaxJar, a sales tax software company acquired by Stripe in 2021. Sara brings 15+ years of marketing leadership in public companies and venture-backed, B2B SaaS start-ups. 

A member of the Albany Academy for Girls class of 1996, Sara graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with both a bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Social and Economic Development. Sara learned to swim at Academy, was part of the first girl’s swim club at Academy, and is now an avid triathlete. Sara has completed seven Ironman triathlons and now calls Lake Placid, NY home. 

Richard Ward '85

Richard Ward is a Technical Fellow at Microsoft Corporation, specializing in cybersecurity and security assurance. He currently oversees security assurance and design for a range of Microsoft products, including Windows and related systems.

Since joining Microsoft in 1989, Richard has played a key role in systems engineering, serving in positions ranging from individual architect to engineering manager.

Following his time at Academy, Richard attended Williams College, he earned a B.A. in Computer Science.

Nancy Wekselbaum '69

Nancy is the Founder of The Gracious Gourmet, an award-winning artisanal condiment company sold nationwide. She oversees product development, production, sales, marketing, and finance. Previously, she co-owned Gracious Home, a Manhattan home furnishings emporium, and began her career as a securities analyst on Wall Street.

After graduating from Albany Academy for Girls, Nancy earned a B.A. in Economics from Skidmore College and an M.B.A. in Finance from NYU. She has mentored students and judged startup pitches through Skidmore’s entrepreneurial business plan program.

A loyal AAG supporter, Nancy credits the school with inspiring her love of history, strong foundation in English grammar, and appreciation for classical studies—lessons that have stayed with her for over 50 years.