Zoo New York – Board of Directors

Board Chair - Ken Mix

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

Board VP - Mark Pacilio

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.

Board Treasurer - Philip James

Philip James is a Senior Staff Accountant at Samaritan Medical center in Watertown. He enjoys traveling the world, being outside with nature, playing and listening to music, and loves learning about different cultures!

Board Secretary - Julia Dame

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

Board of Directors Immediate Past Chair - Justin Hall

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.

Board Member - Ryan Jones

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 7-year-old daughter enjoy camping, outdoor activities, and listening to music together.

Board Member & Education Chair - Cindy Eisenhauer

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.

Board Member - Clifford Lashway

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.

Board Member - Christine Darrow

Christine Darrow is the owner of FUNd Development. As a Fundraising Consultant, she provides affordable fundraising for nonprofits. Darrow holds a Bachelors Degree from SUNY Potsdam, a Masters Degree from Oklahoma University, and has completed coursework at Harvard University. She has twenty years of fundraising experience with nonprofits, many of them museums. In 2017, she won the MUSE Award from AAM (American Alliance of Museums) for her exhibit at the American Maple Museum.

Christine Darrow is a North Country native and mother of two sets of twins. Her hobbies include collecting antique wedding gowns and acting in films. She has appeared in two films and continues to work on film projects. She is active in the Watertown Noon Rotary and volunteers with multiple charities. She is currently the Chairman of Fundraising for the Thousand Islands Area Habitat for Humanity.

Board Member - Robert F. Hagemann III

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

Board Member - Andrew Majak

Andrew Majak is a board-certified podiatrist/foot and ankle surgeon and owner of Majak Podiatry PC. He and his wife enjoy spending time in nature with their two girls, and of course, taking them to the zoo!

Board Member - Lesley McKinney

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.

Board Member - Terry Tontarski

Bio coming soon!