2026 YWCA Cortland Annual Meeting Ballot

The Governance Committee is pleased to present the following slate of nominees for election to the Board of Directors to serve three (3) year terms:

Keisha Chase is employed with the Town of Cortlandville and is also a small business owner. She holds an Associate’s degree from Herkimer Community College. Keisha has a strong connection to the YWCA through her children, who currently attend the Here We Grow daycare center and have participated in swim lessons and gymnastics. She is interested in joining the Board of Directors to give back to the community and to deepen her understanding of the many ways individuals and families engage with and benefit from YWCA programs.

Kaitlyn Gordon is the Assistant Branch Manager at Tompkins Trust Company. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Communication from SUNY Cortland. Kaitlyn has a lifelong connection to the YWCA, having participated in programs growing up. Her daughter now attends swimming and gymnastics classes, as well as the before and after school programs. She is interested in joining the Board of Directors to become more involved in her community and to find her place within the YWCA community. Kaitlyn is also a graduate of Leadership Cortland.

Krista Natale is a Cortland Experience Instructor at SUNY Cortland. She holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University. Krista has a long-standing connection to the YWCA. She participated in after school and summer camp programs, took dance classes, and was later employed in the summer recreation program. She is interested in joining the Board of Directors as a way to give back to her community and continue building meaningful relationships. Krista brings extensive marketing experience and is an active volunteer in the community.

Kori Post serves as the Comptroller at Tompkins Cortland Community College. She is completing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in nonprofit leadership from Empire State University. Kori has a long-standing connection to the YWCA. Her daughter participated in gymnastics and swimming lessons, and she has remained engaged with the organization over the years. She is interested in joining the Board of Directors because she believes deeply in the YWCA’s mission. Through her background in finance and leadership across the public and nonprofit sectors, she has seen how thoughtful governance, fiscal stewardship, and strong community partnerships can advance equity and long-term organizational sustainability. Kori is eager to contribute both her professional expertise and her passion for community-centered leadership to help the YWCA continue to thrive and expand its impact.

Patty Schaap serves as the Director of Community Services for the Cortland County Mental Health Department, where she leads local service planning across mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Syracuse University. Patty has been a long-time supporter of the YWCA. Her children participated in the YWCA’s before and after school program, and her daughter attends the annual Girls Day Out event. She is interested in joining the Board of Directors to further advance the mission of the YWCA and contribute to meaningful, positive change within the Cortland community.

Continuing Members of the YWCA Cortland Board of Directors
Kris Valentine-Behnke, Cathy Bischoff, Robin Cataldo, Susan Cerretani, Phuong-Binh Duong, Gloria Gartenlaub, Barbara Henza, Cristin Marshall, Nimisha Muttiah, Gina Sikora, Pam Smith, Kathy Stemm, Carrie Whitmore, Kathie Wilcox

YWCA Cortland Governance Committee

The Governance Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of nine (9) voting directors.

Continuing Members of the YWCA Governance Committee
Gloria Gartenlaub, Cristin Marshall, Kathie Wilcox

The Governance Committee is pleased to present the following nominees for election to the Governance Committee to serve one two (2) year term:

Kaitlyn Gordon is joining the board this year. She is a leadership Cortland graduate and is well connected in the Cortland community.

Patty Schaap is joining the board this year. Patty always has an interest in having the right people at the table and is an active volunteer in the community.