MEET OUR TEAM

Board of Directors

Anthony LaPolla

Anthony comes to CNY Quest with a diverse background, spending the last 13 years in the Human Resources industry. He the Founder and CEO of Empower Business Strategies which is a full-service human resources consulting, leadership development, and organizational development firm. Also, for the last 15 years, Anthony has worked in the Funeral Industry, serving families during difficult times in their lives. One of his greatest passions in life is to support and serve the community, in whatever capacity he can.

Anthony holds a B.S. in Health Studies-Human Behavior from Utica University and a M.A in Organizational Leadership from Medaille University in Buffalo, NY. Prior to joining CNY Quest, Anthony served on several community boards, including the Board of Education for the Utica City School District; the Director of Scholarships and Awards for the Genesee Valley Chapter, SHRM Board in Rochester, NY; Board of Director for The ARC Oneida-Lewis Chapter as well as a committee member for The College Works Program; and Secretary for The Abraham House of Utica. He currently resides in New Hartford, NY.

Ilene Smith

Ilene Smith is the Director of Quality at Catholic Charities Oneida/Madison Counties.  Prior to working at Catholic Charities Ilene was an administration providing oversight to the operations of residential programs serving people with Intellectual Disabilities in Oneida County.  Ilene has spent the last 25 years of her professional career working in various nonprofit agencies ensuring quality care if afforded to those of all abilities.  Ilene has a degree in social work.  Prior to joining the CNY Quest board, Ilene served on the board at the Neighborhood Center.

Ilene resides in Deerfield, NY and is a happily married mother of three.  Ilene enjoys attending her children’s sporting events and spending time with her family. She is motivated by helping others and believes that when people are afforded appropriate services/support they will achieve success.

Eddie Barone

Eddie Barone is a Community Development Manager with First Source Federal Credit Union.  In his role at First Source FCU, he connects local individuals, businesses, and their employees with access to a wide range of services and solutions designed to enrich their personal financial well-being.

Eddie studied education with a minor in special education at the State University of New York College at Oneonta.  He has a passion for philanthropy and currently serves on the board of directors for the United Way of the Mohawk Valley, CNY Quest, and is an Ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s “Men Wear Pink” campaign.

Eddie currently resides in New Hartford with his wife Trisha, two children, puppy Summer, and cat Lula.  Eddie loves food, coffee, and craft beer.  His hobbies include spending time with his family hiking, camping, fun at the beach, and relaxing poolside in his backyard oasis.

Aaron Sapp

Aaron J. Sapp is a Senior Accounting Manager who assists small to mid-sized businesses to accurately report and analyze their financial position. He received his B.S. in Accounting from Ithaca College in 2011 before moving to central New York. In 2012, Aaron joined FSS Group, Inc, a subsidiary of Brown & Associates, CPAs, P.C., where he has developed extensive experience in the evaluation, design, and efficiency of internal accounting systems.

Kevin Conway

Kevin is an Investment Advisor with Caruso McLean Investment Advisors. He specializes in investment and wealth management strategies for individuals and businesses. He studied mathematics with a concentration in education at Utica College. He was a four-year member of the college’s men’s lacrosse team. He is a trustee on the Clinton Central School Foundation board, and a member of the Utica Zoo board. Kevin resides in Utica with his wife Cassie and two daughters. He is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his family.

Cheri Citro

Cheri Citro, Board President, is a Lead Sales Representative for Liberty Mutual Insurance offering personal lines, life and small commercial insurance. Growing up in CNY,  she has always been active in some way serving her community and raising money for not for profits, starting with Operation Sunshine when she was 8 years old.  For many years, she has been involved in various groups and organizations and continues to support The AHA, Alzheimers and ALS. She is an active board member for Mohawk Valley Women’s Business Network and CEWC, Oneida County.
 
In addition to being an active board member for CNY Quest and the President of the Sunshine Ball, she is committed to volunteering weekly at a local food pantry. She has been married for 32 years to husband Patrick and has two grown daughters. She enjoys cooking, cleaning, gardening and spending time with her family at home and their summer home on Oneida Lake.

Frank Aceto

Frank Aceto IV is a seasoned banking professional with over 15 years of experience in the financial industry. A proud graduate of Utica University, Frank holds an MBA, which has been instrumental in shaping his successful career. Throughout his tenure in banking, Frank has developed a robust expertise in financial management, customer relations, and strategic planning.

In addition to his professional achievements, Frank has also been an active member of his community. He previously served on the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce board, where he contributed to various initiatives aimed at promoting local businesses and fostering economic growth in the region. Frank was also a member of the Mohawk Valley Rotary Club, serving the greater Mohawk Valley communities.

Frank currently resides in Deerfield, New York, with his wife and two children. His dedication to both his career and community exemplifies his commitment to making a positive impact in all areas of his life.

Heather Gaetano

Sarah
Zammiello