Board of Directors
Michael Jagielski, Chair
Mike is the Chair of the CareFirstNY Board of Directors. He is the Director of the Clean Energy Program of Koffman Southern Tier Incubator at Binghamton University Collaborative. Mike is a results-driven leader and high performer with a successful track record of directing new technology introductions and business strategies within the Clean Energy, Utility, and Big Data (AI), market segments.
Mike is currently managing a portfolio of 40+ clean tech startup’s who have raised over $320M within the last 3 years.
He is a strong proponent of Cleantech and sustainability, GHG emissions reduction, Workforce Development and enabling new business models to address the rise of distributed energy, green hydrogen, solid-state electrolytes, demand response, and advanced AI applications for clean carbon-based solutions.
Prior to this role, Mike held the position of COO (Chief Operating Officer) for a successful technology company that developed advanced sensing solutions for the Utility Industry. With over 40+ years of experience, he has also held roles as Managing Partner for NCR Corporation, the Director of Internal Audit for several Fortune 100 firms and as a Senior Sales executive for several major technology companies.
Why CareFirstNY? If you surround yourself with same industry associates, you only get similar ideas. Surrounding yourself with diversity in thought, leads to excellence in new ways of doing things! This is what we do at CareFirstNY!
Craig T. Casper, Vice Chair
Craig is the Vice Chair of CareFirstNY Board of Directors. He is the Director of Patient Access and Reimbursement for the Northeast with Amgen, currently focused on rare disease in the Biopharmaceutical space. Craig has over 28 years of experience in various roles with Johnson & Johnson, Mitsubishi Tanabe and Horizon Therapeutics. He is driven by aiding patients and healthcare providers to gain access to complex biologic treatments, and educating on navigating the dynamic and challenging insurance and reimbursement landscape.
He started his career in the Finance Office of Hospice of CNY, where he often negotiated Hospice Riders with insurance companies where coverage did not exist. It was here that he learned the importance of advocating and giving voice to those in need during one of the most trying times in life's journey. He sees the mission of CareFirstNY to be a vital part of the greater healthcare continuum, and supports the very special individuals who provide this integral service to the community.
Pam Bliss, Treasurer
Pam Bliss is the treasurer on the CareFirstNY Board of Directors. She is an accountant by trade and enjoys bringing her knowledge to the board to help CareFirstNY thrive. Pam’s passion as a board member is ensuring that the organization stays vibrant for many years into the future. She had several family members who were clients of CareFirstNY prior to becoming a board member and strives to ensure that this service of caring for our critically ill or dying family members remains an available service for the community. The sense of support and community that CareFirstNY delivers to the family in this difficult phase of life is a part of the mission that drives Pam to continually support this organization and their mission.
Joseph B. Rogers, Esq., Secretary
Joseph B. Rogers, Esq. is a graduate of SUNY Oswego and Albany Law School. He is a partner at the law firm of Rossettie Rosettie & Martino LLP in Corning, NY where he focuses his practice on estate planning, long-term care planning, elder law, and estate administration. He has served on the Board of Directors at CareFirstNY since 2017 and has served as Board Secretary since 2022. Mr. Rogers believes CareFirst's mission is vital to the community and sees the positive impacts of CareFirst's work daily.
Tom Wirth, Chair Emeritus
Rosemary Anthony
Alexis Lake
Alexis is a Finger Lakes native and established communications professional. She is currently working at Corning Incorporated focused on executive and internal communications.
On the board, Alexis helps advise on CareFirstNY's marketing communications and public relations strategy. She believes in the mission of CareFirst because it means someone will be there for your someone.
Michael Manzari
Michael Manzari is currently a commercial Real Estate Broker at Cushman & Wakefield/Pyramid Brokerage Company in Corning and has been with them for 23 years. In his spare time he likes to travel, enjoys the outdoors, go to flea markets and car shows. He is starting his 4th term as a board member and is on the nominating committee. Having several family members over the years use hospice care he is very dedicated to seeing CareFirstNY continue to be a top provider in the region and assist families through difficult times with compassionate care.