Board of Directors

Left to Right: Kurt Koczent (President), Rich Buch, Stacie Foster, Nicole Tillotson, David Mack, Gina Jacques (Secretary/Treasurer), Hannah Luciano, Liz Mattison 
Not picutred: Rob Kozcent, Linda Vaughn (Vice President)

The Board of Directors is a group of local professionals who volunteer their time to guide the mission and strategy for the Ontario County Humane Society including financial oversight, fundraising, and community outreach.

Kurt Koczent
Board President

Kurt M. Koczent, RN, FACHE, is a highly accomplished healthcare executive with a distinguished career in leading and overseeing healthcare operations. With a proven track record of success in executive roles, Kurt brings extensive expertise in organizational performance, financial management, regulatory compliance, and quality clinical practice.

Currently serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at UR Medicine-Thompson Health, Kurt is responsible for the overall service and financial aspects of an award-winning health system. Leading a team of over 2,200 employees, Kurt ensures optimal organizational performance by focusing on human resources, customer satisfaction, budget development and adherence, quality clinical practice, and regulatory compliance. With a strong emphasis on relationship development, Kurt cultivates key partnerships with associates, medical staff, and external stakeholders critical to the success of Thompson Health.

In addition to his remarkable professional achievements, Kurt wholeheartedly embraces the spirit of giving back through active engagement in volunteer activities. He generously devotes his time as a board President for Ontario County Humane Society and a former board member of the Finger Lakes Community College Foundation, leveraging his expertise to contribute to their missions.

Linda Vaughn
Board Vice President

Linda has served on the Board of Directors for many years in various roles including President, her current role as Vice President, and treasurer. She assists in determining policies and procedures, and works closely with our Shelter Director and supports the shelter’s fundraising efforts. She played a critical role in Ontario County Humane Society’s recent property purchase on Rochester Road.

Linda is a big advocate for recycling, and is the owner and manager of Lily’s Consignment Shoppe which she founded in 1989.

Inspired by her grandmother, Linda has always been passionate about caring for stray animals and volunteering. She has fostered numerous cats and dogs and currently has two Irish Wolfhounds.

Gina Jacques
Board Secretary/Treasurer

Gina is a long time Ontario County resident who loves to stay busy.  In addition to volunteering on our Board of Directors and running the Humane Society’s social media accounts, she is a Fraud Investigator with Canandaigua National Bank, a Certified group Fitness Instructor at the PCC Fitness Center in Phelps and has her own craft business, Gina J Designs.    Her love of people and animals comes through for anyone who has a chance to meet her.   She currently resides in Clifton Springs with her husband, Kenny and their chocolate lab, Daisy.

Rich Buch

Rich has worked in the financial services industry for 29 years including 8 in public accounting and over 21 in private practice including 9 years as non-profit CFO.

He enjoys spending time with family and friends, golf, traveling, Buffalo Bills, Penn State Football and Clemson University. Rich has served on a several boards and committees over the years.

Stacie Foster

Stacie  is a dynamic marketing professional with over a decade of experience focusing on project management, creative copywriting, and strategic advertising. She currently serves as Marketing Manager at TOPTICA Photonics, where she leads content creation and oversees tradeshow logistics, media coordination, and digital marketing initiatives.

With a strong foundation in writing from Syracuse University, Stacie brings a multifaceted perspective to every project. Her career has included key marketing roles at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack—where she was named Employee of the Year in 2016—and Archer Communications, where she honed her skills in public relations and social media management.

Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her dog Benji and her two cats, Harlow and Callie. 

Robert Koczent

Hannah Luciano

Hannah has been a dedicated board member since November 2024. She is the proud owner of both Cultivating Bookkeeping LLC and Luciano Family Farms, bringing her entrepreneurial spirit and business expertise to every endeavor. Since 2020, Hannah has been responsible for handling the bookkeeping for the humane society. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from St. John Fisher University. A devoted mother to her daughter and a passionate animal lover, she shares her home with three beloved dogs—one of whom was adopted from the Ontario County Humane Society.

David Mack

David J. Mack has served for a half-century as a business leader, journalist, and community volunteer in upstate New York. Professionally, he spent 33 years in newspapers and 17 years in not-for-profit health insurance.

He joined Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in March 1997 and retired in 2013. As senior vice president / corporate relations, Dave sourced 39 Upstate counties for prospective board members, staffed the governance and nominating committees, worked in public policy, government relations, and communications, and leveraged his networks on behalf of the enterprise.

Dave was a journalist in Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany, starting in 1963 as copyboy at the Sun-Bulletin newspaper in Binghamton, then becoming a sportswriter and beat reporter. He moved to the Gannett-owned Evening Press in 1970, rising from news leadership positions into general management, most recently as president and publisher of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle from 1990-1997. He was vice president of the Gannett Company’s eastern-U.S. newspaper division.

In addition to his work as a director of the Ontario County Humane Society, Dave also serves on the boards of directors of the Finger Lakes Community College Foundation and Lifespan of Greater Rochester.

Liz Mattison

Liz’s childhood dog Scrappy was her constant and dear companion. She showed Scrappy when she was a child and can still remember her very first dog show, sponsored by the local 4H club. Pets- including dogs, rabbits, cats, and tropical fish have always been an important part of Liz’s life from childhood to the present day. She’s always had a dog(s) as her constant companion, and she couldn’t imagine life without them. Liz started showing dogs more than 40 years ago and has showed dogs in obedience, conformation, and rally.  

Liz received the Kanadasaga Kennel Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2017),  the American Kennel Club’s Outstanding Sportsmanship Medallion (2010), as well as the American Kennel Club’s Breeders of Merit recognition.  

Nicole Tillotson

Nicole Tillotson is a seasoned government professional with extensive experience serving Ontario County through a variety of key roles, including positions with Public Health, the Sheriff's Office, and the Department of Social Services. She currently serves as the Geneva City Clerk , where she oversees official municipal records, provides customer service, supports stakeholders, and works to ensure employee and community success.

Deeply committed to her community, Nicole also serves on the board of the Ontario County Humane Society, following years of volunteer involvement. Her passion for animal welfare shines through in her personal life as well—she shares her home with two beloved cats adopted from Happy Tails Animal Shelter.

Nicole is the proud mother of three adult children, all living in the Finger Lakes. Known for her dedication, integrity, and warm approach to service, she continues to build strong connections both inside and outside of government.