Zoo New York – Board of Directors

Older man with glasses and a beard wearing a gray shirt.

Ken Mix, Chair

Ken Mix is currently retired and was the Watertown NY City Manager and is the owner of Meekestead Farm.

Smiling mature man in a blue blazer outdoors with greenery background.

Mark Pacilio, VP

Mark is the Executive Director of the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust. He has a deep background in nonprofit management, government, business, and education. He has served in executive management for five nonprofit organizations in two states. Mark has served as an adjunct college instructor for over a decade, served in both local and state government capacities, most recently as Chief of Staff in the New York State Assembly, and has been a co-developer and managing partner in several businesses. Mark is passionate about helping to strengthen organizations from a leadership perspective.

Smiling woman with blonde hair in a floral top, standing indoors.

Julia Dame, Secretary

Julia is a teller at CBNA with over 40 years of banking experience. She is a lifelong resident of Sackets Harbor where she grew up on a farm, giving her an appreciation for taking care of animals. She is currently an active member of the Sackets Harbor Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and has been the Treasurer of the Sackets Harbor Alumni Association since 2006. She is a proud supporter of Zoo New York and enjoys bringing her grandchildren to tell them family history as she is the Granddaughter of Grover H Brenon Sr, the first Superintendent of the Thompson Park Zoo from 1921 -1957

Justin Hall, Immediate Past Chair

Justin Hall has been a Veterinary Practices Instructor at the Bohlen Technical Center for 16 years. In his free time he enjoys camping gardening, and hiking with his husband and three dogs.

Ryan Jones, Board Member

Ryan Jones is the COO/Owner of Advanced Business Systems here in Watertown. He has served on the board for more than a decade and is a proud supporter of Zoo New York and countless other local organizations through his companies. Outside of work, Ryan and his 8-year-old daughter enjoy camping, outdoor activities, and listening to music together.

Cindy Eisenhauer, Member & Education Chair

Cindy Eisenhauer has been an Educational Volunteer for over 20 years. She is a wildlife artist. Most of her artwork can be found at the Sackets Harbor Arts Gallery where she is board president.

Clifford Lashway, Board Member

Cliff is a seasoned business leader with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to the Watertown community. His three decades of experience in business and management, including ten years at the helm of 7-Eleven, have instilled in him a keen understanding of fiscal responsibility and the

importance of building strong relationships. Cliff's dedication to fostering local economic growth makes him a powerful advocate for building a more prosperous future, right here in our own backyard.

Marie Hess, Board Member

Marie Hess is a retired Nurse educator who worked at Jefferson Community College for over 40 years. She enjoys gardening, traveling, and her boat on Lake Ontario. She has been involved with the Zoo for over 25 years .

Robert F. Hagemann III, Board Member

Bob has retired from his role as Jefferson County Executive after 28 years and now enjoys retirement traveling and spending time with family.

Lesley McKinney, Board Member

Lesley McKinney, a Northern New York native, graduated from Watertown High School and Oswego State University with bachelor's and master's degrees.

Her 40-year media career began in 1983 as an assistant editor at Women's Sports & Fitness magazine. She worked for the New York Times Sports & Leisure Magazine Group and later returned to the North Country in 1990, joining Black River Broadcasting. In 1996, she moved to WWNY/WNYF, where she became the first woman general sales manager.

McKinney spent her last 2.5 years working part-time at Stephens Media before retiring in July 2023. She lives in Watertown with her husband Greg, daughter Taylor, and golden retriever Luka.

Terry Tontarski, Board Member

Bio Coming Soon

Stefanie LaPier, Board Member

Stefanie LaPier serves as Jefferson County’s Auditor and is a lifelong resident of the North Country. In addition to her work in government, she brings extensive experience in the nonprofit and not-for-profit sectors, with a strong background in fundraising and strategic development. A proud supporter of Zoo New York, Stefanie is driven by her lifelong love of animals and a deep commitment to their care and well-being.