*Original publication date: May 22, 2025*

On Monday, May 12, YWCA Cortland’s Board of Directors held its 2025 Annual Meeting of the Membership, during which we welcomed several new Board members and honored those whose terms ended. Click to view the current list of Board members.

Please join us in welcoming the following new Board members who will each serve three (3) year terms:

Kristin Valentine Behnke is the Innovation Outreach Manager at the Center for Technology Licensing at Cornell University. A long-time member and participant in YWCA programs, her kids have benefited from a variety of services, including swim lessons, summer camps, afterschool programs, and the Here We Grow daycare for her children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Theory and a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration. With extensive experience in creative program development across performing arts, youth programming, educational initiatives, and business marketing, she also possesses deep expertise in event planning, fundraising, development, and grant writing. Passionate about leveraging her background in nonprofit administration, she is eager to join the board and contribute to the organization’s mission.

Robin Cataldo is the Financial Operations Manager at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center (GCMC). She holds an MS in Leadership & Management and is a Certified Health Care Professional. A dedicated community volunteer, she currently serves on several local committees, including the Cortland High School Wall of Fame Committee, the Cortland County School Safety Task Force, and Friends of the Cortland Child Advocacy Center. Previously she served at the Cortland County United Way and the Cortland Public Education Foundation. She is excited to join the board, eager to continue giving back to the Cortland community while leveraging her expertise in fiscal management.

Cristin Marshall is the Community Mental Health Manager for Cortland County Mental Health, where she oversees community-based training programs aimed at improving cross-system collaboration and treatment effectiveness. She currently utilizes the YWCA summer camp program and the Here We Grow Daycare Center. She is a passionate advocate for breaking down barriers in the community and is excited to join the YWCA’s efforts and contribute to strengthening its mission in the community.

Pam Smith is retired and actively participates in the YWCA Health and Fitness programs, having been a longtime member of the organization. Previously, she held the position of Administrative Assistant at SUNY Cortland, worked in the Sales and Marketing Department at Marietta, and has generously volunteered her time with the Cortland Repertory Theatre. She is passionate about giving back and is deeply committed to serving the Cortland community.

Unfortunately, the terms of the Board members listed below came to an end at the Annual Meeting. We thank them for the time they dedicated to our organization and hope they will stay involved with YWCA Cortland in other roles!

Suzette Pace is concluding her first three-year term on the Board of Directors. During her tenure, she served as Chair of the Development & Communications Committee and was a member of the Executive Committee. A dedicated and hands-on member, Suzette was a frequent presence at our events, helping ensure the success of our fundraising efforts. Thank you Suzette for the many ways you support the YWCA mission and programs.

Kim Stevens is completing her second three-year term on the board. She was also a driving force on our Development and Communications Committee. Kim brought strategic insight, creativity, and unwavering dedication to advancing our mission. She has been an active fundraiser and a passionate volunteer, consistently going above and beyond—building relationships, securing vital support, and generously offering her time and talents. Kim was not only a regular presence at our events, volunteering with enthusiasm, but also the visionary behind our successful Dream Big Cash Raffle. We are thrilled that Kim will continue her work with us on the Development and Communications Committee. Her perseverance, creativity, and infectious enthusiasm have enriched our organization in countless ways.

Susan Williams is completing her second three-year term on our Board of Directors, and we are deeply grateful for her dedication, leadership, and community spirit throughout her tenure. As Chair of the Nominating Committee, Susan played a key role in shaping the future of our board. Her deep ties to the community and her unique ability to “connect the dots” among local resources have made her an invaluable advocate for our mission. Among her many contributions, Susan was instrumental in supporting a successful GEMS program at the Homer Elementary School—an initiative that continues to benefit young girls—and she was an active and engaged member of the Chef’s Take A Stand Workgroup for the last three years. Thank you, Susan, for your insight, leadership, and commitment to making meaningful connections that strengthen our work and expand our reach

Deb Wines is completing her second three-year term on the Board of Directors. Deb was an active member of the Program Committee, she also served on the Housing Committee playing an instrumental role in the agency successfully opening the first permanent supportive housing facility, Grace Brown House. Deb is an active volunteer at YWCA events and fundraisers, a dedicated supporter, and a member who uses our facilities daily. Thank you, Deb, for your leadership, support and dedication to keeping our mission centered in action in all we do.

Ginny Wright is completing her second three-year term on our Board of Directors, and this is not the first time she’s been on the board, this is her second time! We extend our sincere thanks for her exceptional service and leadership. A dedicated supporter, Ginny has been a passionate advocate not only for our mission but for the people behind it—always ensuring our staff felt supported, and valued. During her tenure, Ginny provided thoughtful leadership as Chair of the HR Committee and served on the Executive Committee. Her insight, empathy, and integrity have left a meaningful and lasting impact on our organization. Thank you, Ginny, for your years of service, leadership, and for the heart you bring to all we do.

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