Logo: The Professional Development Program, Rockefeller College, University at Albany, State University of New York

5.0 PDP Staff

5.2 PDP Staff Accomplishments

Much of the success of PDP’s project work comes from the commitment, creativity, and capability of its staff.


Gary Glinski, Casey Becker, Ed Kirchgessner, and Colleen Faragon of the DC01 Regulatory Staff Forum Team (and the Department of Media Production) at the PDP Staff Recognition Event.Gary Glinski, Casey Becker, Ed Kirchgessner, and Colleen Faragon of the DC01 Regulatory Staff Forum Team (and the Department of Media Production) at the PDP Staff Recognition Event.

5.2.1 PDP Promotions for July 2023–June 2024

PDP places a high value on its staff, offering challenging and rewarding opportunities for both personal growth and career advancement within the organization. During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, 14 staff members received promotions to a range of positions, including a Principal Investigator, Training Program Coordinator, Senior Education Specialist, Senior Trainer, Education Specialist, Project Staff Associate, and Project Staff Assistant.

Casey Becker
Date of Promotion: 12/29/2023
New Title: Training Program Coordinator
Former Title: Senior Education Specialist

Alisa Bielert
Date of Promotion: 10/2/2023
New Title: Senior Trainer
Former Title: Education Specialist

Ally Buonanno-Tardy
Date of Promotion: 11/13/2023
New Title: Project Staff Associate
Former Title: Education Specialist

Kari Carroll
Date of Promotion: 6/17/2024
New Title: Project Staff Associate Former
Title: Senior Education Specialist

Liz Cassidy
Date of Promotion: 12/29/2023
New Title: Senior Education Specialist
Former Title: Education Specialist

Trish Geary
Date of Promotion: 12/29/2023
New Title: Senior Education Specialist
Former Title: Education Specialist

Ciara Haag
Date of Promotion: 3/25/2024
New Title: Project Staff Assistant
Former Title: Administrative Assistant I

Katie LeClair
Date of Promotion: 4/1/2024
New Title: Education Specialist
Former Title: Project Staff Assistant

June Mastan
Date of Promotion: 4/4/2024
New Title: Principal Investigator
Former Title: Interim Principal Investigator

Noellie Medina
Date of Promotion: 2/20/2024
New Title: Project Staff Associate
Former Title: Project Staff Assistant

Athina Mizero
Date of Promotion: 1/15/2024
New Title: Senior Education Specialist
Former Title: Senior Trainer

Joe Padua
Date of Promotion: 8/2/2023
New Title: Senior Trainer
Former Title: Education Specialist

Jeffrey Schneider
Date of Promotion: 12/13/2023
New Title: Training Program Coordinator
Former Title: Senior Education Specialist

Sharon Wen
Date of Promotion: 5/6/2024
New Title: Senior Education Specialist
Former Title: Senior Trainer