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ACCORD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ACCORD is Seeking a Board Member with Early Childhood Education Expertise

Why Join the Board?

As a member of ACCORD’s governing body, you’ll play a vital role in shaping programs and services that strengthen families and empower our communities—especially our youngest learners.

We welcome individuals who:

✔️ Reflect the communities we serve

✔️ Are parents of current/former Head Start children

✔️ Bring experience in early childhood education

 

This is a volunteer position requiring regular board participation and a dedication to ACCORD’s mission and the Head Start Program.

 

Interested?

Contact:

Lesley Gooch-Christman – Lchristman@accordcorp.org | (585) 268-7605 ext. 1051

Jenevera Embser – Jembser@accordcorp.org | (585) 268-7605 ext. 1033

The ACCORD Corporation Board of Directors is comprised of nine elected members, representing the Private Sector, Elected Public Officials and the At-Large Market, who jointly oversee the activities of the agency.  The board's activities are determined by the powers, duties, and responsibilities delegated and detailed in our Corporate By-Laws.

Our Board of Directors

 

Carrie Whitwood
Chairperson / President
Private Sector Representative - Nonprofit Finance & Management Expert

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Debra Miller
Secretary / Treasurer
Low-Income Individuals and Families Representative

Reita Sobeck-Lynch
Director
Elected Public Official Designee

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Jennifer Bigelow

Director

Elected Public Official Designee


Joseph Damiano
Director
Low-Income Individuals with Disabilities Representative

​

VACANT
Vice President
Private Sector Representative - Early Childhood Education Expert

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Mindy Scott 

Director 

Private Sector Representative - Senior Research Scholar

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Charley Bessette

Director

Elected Public Official Designee

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Crista Wigent

Director

Low-Income Individuals and Families Representative

Board Meeting Schedule:

The ACCORD Board of Directors meets the third Monday of each month unless otherwise stated, with the exception of July and December.  Meeting dates and times are subject to change.  All board meetings are open to the public, held at ACCORD's Corporate Office located at 84 Schuyler Street, Belmont, NY 14813.  Meetings begin promptly at 3:30pm unless otherwise noted in the meeting notice. 

Next Board Meeting:
The next ACCORD Corporation Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at 3:30pm - to be held virtually.  Please contact Jenevera Embser, Clerk of the Board, if you are interested in attending or would like more information: jembser@accordcorp.org

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General Agency Hours:

Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 3:00 PM

*Other times by appointment.

*Changes in hours will be posted to our Facebook page.

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ACCESS Center/Food Pantry Hours:

Monday to Friday 9 AM to 3 PM, closed daily from 12-12:30 PM

1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

ACCORD Corporation

84 Schuyler Street

Belmont, NY 14813

585-268-7605

info@accordcorp.org

This website is supported by Grant Number 02CH011624 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of ACCORD Corporation and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

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