Hon. Michael Lavorata

1st Vice President

Mayor, Village of Lindenhurst

Hon. John J. Valdini

2nd Vice President

Mayor, Village of Brightwaters

Mayor John Valdini, his wife Colleen and two children, Patrick and Mary Kate, moved to Brightwaters 30 years ago.  Within two months of moving into the village, he became involved with the Park’s Committee and started attending village board meetings.  After many years of volunteering as a coach, serving on committees at the Great South Bay YMCA and serving as president of the High School Parent’s Athletic Sponsors, he was elected as a village trustee and then mayor four years ago. His background in the construction and restaurant businesses, along with the many years of professional experience in organizing, scheduling, budgeting and customer service, have been the guiding factors in preparing him for his role as mayor.

From the first day as mayor, a major goal of his was to inform and communicate with the residents as much as possible about their village to maintain the upmost transparency. This has kept the office staff very busy with sending out emails, updating social media outlets and maintaining the village website, in addition to composing informational mailers.  Mayor Valdini believes residents should not only know about community events but also the workings of the village.  The Village of Brightwaters continues to go above and beyond by live streaming their monthly meetings on Facebook.  This gives all the residents the opportunity to be involved if they can’t be physically present.  As the mayor of a small village, Mayor Valdini highly supports holding a wide variety of community events in an effort to bring business to the storefronts as well as getting the community together. By bringing new and longtime residents together at existing and new events such as the Village Block Party in the downtown area and the Summer Cocktail Party at the Head of the Canal, a sense of “village” is created that everyone wants while enjoying the beautiful amenities Brightwaters has to offer.

Through the mayor’s experience in construction, the village has been able to run projects in-house, resulting in tremendous savings on contractor fees.  During his first year as mayor, the village community cabin located in Wohseepee Park was fully restored.  The cabin was originally built in 1929 by the Boy Scouts and was in desperate need of repair.  Through monetary donations and material and labor donations, the village was able to complete the project at no cost to the residents.  Other completed projects, to name a few, have included restoring the village’s historic bridges, downtown sidewalks, 1500 feet of bulkheading and installing a veterans’ walkway.  Current projects include the renovation of the 75-year-old Walker Beach bathrooms and bringing them up to ADA compliant standards as well as the renovation of the iconic gazebos at the top of the canal in Ackerson Plaza.

The mayor is also very proud of the work the village board and staff have accomplished in the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in the community and workplace.  Instead of canceling everything, the village decided to adjust and create new ways that residents could enjoy their village and community during those troubling times.

The mayor is fiscally responsible and focuses on the little details as he feels they make all the difference in the quality of village life. Fixing simple things like dirty signs and unkempt areas, and providing new flags in the village square and flowers in the flower boxes are always on Mayor Valdini’s radar for improvement.  The mayor sees himself as a “working mayor” who still volunteers at events and is frequently the first to arrive and one of the last few to leave.

Hon. William Manger

Secretary/Treasurer

Mayor, Village of South Hampton

Mayor Bill Manger is a dedicated and accomplished leader who currently serves as the Mayor of Southampton Village, where he previously held the position of Trustee for five years. In just a brief time, Manger has made a powerful impact, including earning the Village a AAA Bond Rating from Moody’s Investor Services, improving upon several critical environmental initiatives, making crucial infrastructure improvements, and installing the East End’s first female Chief of Police.

With a strong background in operations management, public policy, government relations, and corporate development, Mayor Manger has a proven track record of success in delivering results and implementing positive change.

Throughout his career, Mayor Manger has demonstrated his ability to formulate efficient annual budgets, build diverse teams, develop talent, and create solutions in large and complex organizations. His strategic vision and strong business acumen have been instrumental in his leadership roles, allowing him to effectively manage, oversee and administer various aspects of operations.

Prior to his role as Mayor, Manger held several key positions in the public and private sectors. He served as the Chief of Staff of the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), the number two position at the Agency, during the pandemic. He was responsible for implementing the Paycheck Protection Program that provided 550 billion dollars to small businesses and not-for-profits. He also served as the Associate Administrator for Capital Access. Previously, Manger held the position of Associate Administrator for field operations at the SBA, overseeing 1,000 employees nationwide. He also held roles as the acting Associate Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development and as the SBA’s Regional Administrator for Region II based in New York.

In addition to his government experience, Mayor Manger has a background in finance, having worked as a Managing Director at Brock Capital. Previously Manger worked as Vice President at Zanett Capital, Inc. where he focused on private equity placements. He has also been actively involved in several charities; he currently serves as a Trustee of the Riot Relief Foundation which supports the families of New York City police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.

Mayor Manger earned a B.A. from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, as well as an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School. His dedication to public service, combined with his extensive experience and qualifications, make him a valuable leader in Southampton Village and a respected figure in the community.

Hon. Jean M. Thatcher

Past President

Mayor, Village of Lloyd Harbor

Mayor Jean Thatcher was first elected Mayor of Lloyd Harbor in 2014. Prior to her role as Mayor, she served as Deputy Mayor and Trustee from 2000-2014. Mayor Thatcher’s professional experience includes working for the Medical Malpractice Insurance Association as Sr. VP and Chief Operating Officer of insurer underwriting high risk pools of NY State. Mayor Thatcher also worked for the Combined Coordinating Council, Inc. as VP of captive insurance company manager, overseeing captive insurers in Bermuda and Barbados for 8 New York City teaching hospitals. Additional experience in the insurance field includes teaching as an Adjunct Professor for the College of Insurance. Other organizations and roles Mayor Thatcher has been a part of have included acting as President for Volunteers for Wildlife, Trustee for the North Shore Land Alliance, and founding member as well as First President of The Caumsett Foundation. Additionally, she acted as Chairperson from 1991-2001 of the Concerned Citizens for 25A, as well as President of the Board of Trustees for the Old First Church in Huntington from 2009-2011. Mayor Thatcher has attended Sweet Briar College and Barnard College at Columbia University.

Hon. Lauren Sheprow

Secretary/Treasurer

Mayor, Village of Port Jefferson

In June 2023, first-year Trustee Lauren Sheprow was elected Mayor of Port Jefferson. In a very short time, her administration has already garnered a notable list of accomplishments, such as creating the inaugural Budget and Finance Committee; the unanimous passage of a revised Ethics Code: and the restoration of the Harborfront Park walkways, a large capital project that was completed a month early and under budget, to name just a few.

Prior to entering Village government, Lauren served four years as the Public Relations Director at Mather Hospital, then 16 years at Stony Brook University, where she retired in her final role as Chief Media Relations Officer.

Although she spent her career as a communications professional, Lauren comes by her penchant for public service naturally: her father (and most trusted advisor) Harold Sheprow was a six-term Mayor in the Village (1977-1985 and 1987-1991), and she is dedicated to continuing the family legacy of community service. A lifelong resident of Port Jeff, Lauren also raised her three children here.

Hon. Richard Smith

Past President

Mayor, Village of Nissequogue

Richard B. Smith has served as Mayor of the Village of Nissequogue since 2001. He is the fourth member of his family to serve as Village Mayor and is a 10th generation descendant of the Town of  Smithtown’s founder. For 10 years leading up to his election as Mayor, Richard was a Village Trustee. Prior to that, he served for 5 years on the Village Planning Board, the last 4 years of which he served as Chairman. Mayor Smith is also a longtime member of the Nissequogue Fire Department.  This year marks 40 years of service in the Department.  Prior to becoming a Village Trustee, he had been a Captain of Company # 1. Active in the community, Richard serves in a leadership position within the following organizations: Rotary Club of Smithtown, Smithtown Historical Society and the Suffolk County Village Officials Association.  He was recently appointed Town Historian for the Town of Smithtown and is a past board member of the St. Catherine of Siena Hospital.  Mayor Smith has been a resident of St. James for many years.

Hon. Peter A. Bee, Esq.

Counsel

Former Mayor, Village of Garden City

<[>Peter Beeis a partner in the 18-attorney law firm of Bee Ready Fishbein Hatter & Donovan, LLP, where he concentrates in municipal, labor and employment law. A graduate of St. John’s University (undergraduate and law), Mr. Bee founded his law firm in 1980 after ten years of Nassau County Government experience. Mr. Bee’s clients include local governments at the County, Town, Village and Special District levels. He has served as Counsel to numerous zoning and planning boards throughout Long Island. He is a former School Board Trustee, Village Trustee, and Village Mayor in his home town of Garden City. Mr. Bee currently serves as Counsel to our own Suffolk County Village Officials Association. He is a published author on a variety of municipal law topics, and a frequent speaker at professional associations.

Hon. Paul J. Tonna

Executive Director

Former Suffolk County Presiding Officer

Hon. Paul J. Tonna serves as Executive Director of SCVOA and is Managing Partner of Praxis Public Relations, Inc., a Long Island-based business public affairs company.

Paul served from 1994 to 2005 as a Suffolk County legislator and led the county’s legislature as presiding officer for three years. During his time in office, he was a strong advocate for the poor, homeless and marginalized, as well as workforce housing and the environment. He sponsored, co-sponsored and passed numerous laws and initiatives including groundbreaking non-smoking legislation; innovative programs focused on eliminating child poverty and homelessness; legislation designed to elevate the standard of living for all Suffolk County residents; and innovative Greenway funds to protect open space and farmlands.

Paul is a former adjunct professor of theology and religious studies at St. John’s University. He served as Chairman of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Vice Chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Council. He is an active member of many not-for-profit boards including: The Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center (SBU), Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), Community Housing Innovations’ (CHI) LI Advisory Board and Flushing Bank Advisory Board.

Paul serves as the Executive Director of Suffolk County Village Officials Association (SCVOA), United States Green Building Council-Long Island (USGBC-LI) and The Energeia Partnership, a leadership organization dedicated to identifying and addressing serious, complex and multi-dimensional issues challenging the Long Island region. He is also Chairman and Commissioner of the South Huntington Water District.

Paul has received many awards and honors including: Eagle Scout; Molloy University’s Caritas Medal; St. John’s University’s St. Vincent de Paul Medal; Suffolk County Human Rights Commission Legislator of the Year; National Association of Social Workers Public Citizen of the Year; Habitat for Humanity Man of the Year; The Nature Conservancy’s Conservation Award; Networking Magazine’s David Award; Long Island Advancement For Commerce, Industry and Technology (ACIT) Award; Community Advocate Award; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission Public Service Award; and the American Jewish Committee Community Service Honoree.

Paul earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from New York University, a master’s degree in theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary and he conducted doctoral studies in systematic theology at Fordham University. Paul resides in Huntington, New York with his wife Carol and his children Peter, Paul, John, Grace, Mary, Carolann, Joseph and Lucy..

Hon. Allan M. Dorman

Past President

Mayor, Village of Islandia

First elected Mayor of Islandia in 2005, Mayor Dorman has kept his promise to initiate change and growth in the village, facilitating many improvements in this now bustling community. In addition to implementing a comprehensive road improvement program, the mayor instituted the Islandia Senior Bus, which picks up seniors at their door for doctor visits, shopping, and running errands, and returns them home at no charge—a service much appreciated by the seniors in this caring village.

As a United States Marine who served in Vietnam, Mayor Dorman had a vision of having a memorial built in honor of the many community veterans who have given so much to our country. His vision became a reality in 2009 when the Islandia Veterans Memorial Triangle was dedicated. The showcase eternal flame can be seen both day and night and has quickly become a Suffolk County landmark for Veterans. In 2014 Mayor Dorman became the Founder and First Commander of the Colonial Francis S. Midura VFW Post 12144 Islandia, New York located across the street from the Veterans Memorial Triangle. Mayor Dorman also helped to facilitate the dedication of needed property to build new homes for returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in Islandia.

Very visible in the community, Mayor Dorman is well known for his “Cup of Joe with the Mayor” that started out with visits on Saturday mornings. Every week, he would meet residents on predetermined streets with coffee and donuts and listen to their concerns and suggestions. Today due to the great increase in attendance, the “Cup of Joes” are held at the village hall on pre-determined Saturdays.

In 2016, Mayor Dorman successfully negotiated a $47 million taxpayer relief agreement with Delaware North, owners of Jake’s 58 in Islandia. Jake’s 58 is Long Island’s first and only Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) gaming facility. This agreement ensured a revenue stream for the Islandia Village taxpayers for a period of twenty years. Village taxes have been reduced by 50% since then. Mayor Dorman believes that government should always look for other means of increasing revenue without raising taxes.

Mayor Dorman retired from United Parcel Service after 28 years as a business manager. He has lived in the Islandia community with his wife Patricia for more than 40 years, where they raised their three children.

Hon. Paul V. Pontieri, Jr.

Past President

Mayor, Village of Patchogue

Elected Mayor for the first time in 2004 and Village Trustee for the prior eleven years, Mayor Paul Pontieri has served the Village of Patchogue for more than 30 years. As mayor, Paul Pontieri has made economic development his top priority, and he has focused on putting “feet on Main Street,” the heart of the village. With this as the Mayor’s basic philosophy, during his tenure in office, Patchogue has experienced a revitalization made possible by over $150 million dollars in public and private investment. Mayor Pontieri has established Patchogue as a successful model of smart growth, with a number of major economic development initiatives that he and his administration have spearheaded.

Mayor Pontieri was a school administrator for many years and a former businessman. In August 2009, he was appointed Brookhaven Deputy Town Supervisor for Economic Development, a position he held for two years. He is the Governor’s appointee to the Board of Directors of Suffolk County Community College, a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Regional Planning Council, Executive Board Member of the New York Conference of Mayors, a Trustee of Independent Group Home Living (IGHL), and past president of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association. Mayor Pontieri is also involved in many community organizations and activities, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services. The Long Island Housing Partnership, the Regional Planning Association, and Vision Long Island have honored Mayor Pontieri for his accomplishments in the revitalization of downtown Patchogue, and for the village’s commitment to providing affordable housing for its residents.

Mayor Pontieri was born and raised in the Village of Patchogue. He graduated from Patchogue High School and raised his family in the place he has always called home.