Board Members
The WEEF board consists of volunteer community members whose term normally runs three years or longer. WEEF is very fortunate to have a diversified Board that believes in the importance of a strong public education. The current board members are Michael Lynch, Deb Ventresca, Colleen Saila, Stephen J. White, Ernest Muccio, Erica Reid, Megan K. Herlihy, Íde Koulbanis, Dr. Mark Garceau, Christian Lund, Susan Ljungberg, Mary Sue Frishman, Jean Larson and Amy DePerry. Please read their detailed bios below:
Stephen J. White, President
Steve is a lifelong resident of Rhode Island. He has 34 years of experience in the credit union industry spending the last 13 years as President & CEO of the Westerly Community Credit Union. Prior to joining WCCU he was the Chief Operating Officer of The People’s Credit Union in Middletown, RI. Steve served as a member of the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island’s Board of Directors for 12 years and served as its chairman for 2 of the 12 years.
A Graduate of URI he holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Steve is a graduate of CUNA Management School conducted by the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Business and the Credit Union Executives Society’s (CUES) Executive Operations Institute sponsored by the University of Missouri. In 2012 Steve completed the CUES’ CEO Institute, a three year professional development program sponsored jointly by the Wharton, Johnson and Darden Schools of Business and obtained the designation of Certified Chief Executive Officer.
Steve is a member of the Ocean Community YMCA Finance Committee, Treasurer of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, and the former Moderator of the Dunn’s Corners Fire District where he is currently District Clerk. He also has been a volunteer in the Westerly School Department’s Mentor program, has coached in both the Westerly National Little League, and Westerly Youth Basketball League. He is a former past president of the Portsmouth Rotary Club as well as a Paul Harris fellow. Steve his wife Grace and their son Carter currently reside in Westerly Rhode Island.
Steve is a lifelong resident of Rhode Island. He has 34 years of experience in the credit union industry spending the last 13 years as President & CEO of the Westerly Community Credit Union. Prior to joining WCCU he was the Chief Operating Officer of The People’s Credit Union in Middletown, RI. Steve served as a member of the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island’s Board of Directors for 12 years and served as its chairman for 2 of the 12 years.
A Graduate of URI he holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Steve is a graduate of CUNA Management School conducted by the University of Wisconsin’s Graduate School of Business and the Credit Union Executives Society’s (CUES) Executive Operations Institute sponsored by the University of Missouri. In 2012 Steve completed the CUES’ CEO Institute, a three year professional development program sponsored jointly by the Wharton, Johnson and Darden Schools of Business and obtained the designation of Certified Chief Executive Officer.
Steve is a member of the Ocean Community YMCA Finance Committee, Treasurer of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, and the former Moderator of the Dunn’s Corners Fire District where he is currently District Clerk. He also has been a volunteer in the Westerly School Department’s Mentor program, has coached in both the Westerly National Little League, and Westerly Youth Basketball League. He is a former past president of the Portsmouth Rotary Club as well as a Paul Harris fellow. Steve his wife Grace and their son Carter currently reside in Westerly Rhode Island.
Christian Lund, Vice President
Chris Lund is a native of New Jersey who was first introduced to the Westerly area while a cadet at the USCG Academy. When later assigned to a RI duty station, he and his wife purchased a Westerly home in 1998 and proceeded to raise their four children in town. The youngest graduated from WHS in 2022. During the remainder of his USCG career and during subsequent positions as the Assistant Director of Public Works in Groton and now as the Director of Facilities in the East Lyme School District, Chris was active in his children's education, coached several of his children's sports teams, was a Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout volunteer, and served on the WAYL Board of Directors. Chris was recently appointed to the Westerly School Building Subcommittee. A lifelong learner and education advocate, Chris earned his MS in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University, his MPA from Norwich University, and his Doctor of Education from Johnson & Wales University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Connecticut.
Chris Lund is a native of New Jersey who was first introduced to the Westerly area while a cadet at the USCG Academy. When later assigned to a RI duty station, he and his wife purchased a Westerly home in 1998 and proceeded to raise their four children in town. The youngest graduated from WHS in 2022. During the remainder of his USCG career and during subsequent positions as the Assistant Director of Public Works in Groton and now as the Director of Facilities in the East Lyme School District, Chris was active in his children's education, coached several of his children's sports teams, was a Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout volunteer, and served on the WAYL Board of Directors. Chris was recently appointed to the Westerly School Building Subcommittee. A lifelong learner and education advocate, Chris earned his MS in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University, his MPA from Norwich University, and his Doctor of Education from Johnson & Wales University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Connecticut.
Deb Ventresca, Grant Committee Chair
Deb Ventresca is a Westerly Public School alumnus who also had three daughters that attended Westerly schools. Two were salutatorians of their classes! The other number three. The Westerly school system provided an extraordinary foundation for each to continue at an excellent college and graduate programs, and all three are very successful at their chosen vocations; math teacher, speech pathologist, and financial analyst. Deborah has an Elementary/English Certification and Middle School Endorsement as well as MA in Education URI. Deb retired after Deb retired after 33 years in the Westerly School system, and taught ELA for eight years in the middle school, grades 6-8, at St. Michael School. When asked why she joined the WEEF board, Deb replied: “My family has deep roots in this community. My parents both worked in downtown Westerly for forty years, and were very involved in their church and the community. My dad, Arthur Wills, was a town councilman for many years. Giving back to the local community is my way of continuing to invest in its future; helping to nurture the most valuable resource, the children.”
Deb Ventresca is a Westerly Public School alumnus who also had three daughters that attended Westerly schools. Two were salutatorians of their classes! The other number three. The Westerly school system provided an extraordinary foundation for each to continue at an excellent college and graduate programs, and all three are very successful at their chosen vocations; math teacher, speech pathologist, and financial analyst. Deborah has an Elementary/English Certification and Middle School Endorsement as well as MA in Education URI. Deb retired after Deb retired after 33 years in the Westerly School system, and taught ELA for eight years in the middle school, grades 6-8, at St. Michael School. When asked why she joined the WEEF board, Deb replied: “My family has deep roots in this community. My parents both worked in downtown Westerly for forty years, and were very involved in their church and the community. My dad, Arthur Wills, was a town councilman for many years. Giving back to the local community is my way of continuing to invest in its future; helping to nurture the most valuable resource, the children.”
Ernest Muccio, Treasurer
Ernie has been a WEEF board member since 2015. He is employed at Jewett City Savings Bank in Griswold, Ct and serves as the bank’s Chief Credit Officer. Prior to joining Jewett City Savings Bank he was with Westerly Savings Bank, which merged with
NewportFed, for 17 years. He is currently a volunteer firefighter at the Westerly Fire Department. He was a board member of the Westerly High School’s Finance Academy as well as a past board member of Westerly Recreation Board. He currently serves as a board member of South Eastern Connecticut Economic Region and is the Chairman of the organization’s Loan Administration Board. Ernie and his wife Jeri, a Westerly High School teacher, reside in Westerly with their three daughter all currently in the Westerly School system.
Ernie has been a WEEF board member since 2015. He is employed at Jewett City Savings Bank in Griswold, Ct and serves as the bank’s Chief Credit Officer. Prior to joining Jewett City Savings Bank he was with Westerly Savings Bank, which merged with
NewportFed, for 17 years. He is currently a volunteer firefighter at the Westerly Fire Department. He was a board member of the Westerly High School’s Finance Academy as well as a past board member of Westerly Recreation Board. He currently serves as a board member of South Eastern Connecticut Economic Region and is the Chairman of the organization’s Loan Administration Board. Ernie and his wife Jeri, a Westerly High School teacher, reside in Westerly with their three daughter all currently in the Westerly School system.
Colleen Saila, Secretary
Colleen Gencarella Saila joined the WEEF Board in 2011. Colleen has a BS in education from St. Bonaventure University, 1992, MS from SUNY Albany, 1993. She Achieved National Board Teacher Certification (NBCT) in 2002. Colleen is married to Karl Saila, they have two children who attend Westerly Public Schools. Colleen worked 18 years as a Teacher/Special Education Teacher in Norwich, CT and Westerly. Currently she is a Special Education Teacher at Dunn's Corners School. Colleen also volunteers her time on the School Reform Initiative. When asked why she chose to join WEEF she replied: “I believe the WEEF board does wonderful things for education. I want to be part of the organization not only as a representative of the community, but as a teacher in the Westerly Public
Schools.”
Colleen Gencarella Saila joined the WEEF Board in 2011. Colleen has a BS in education from St. Bonaventure University, 1992, MS from SUNY Albany, 1993. She Achieved National Board Teacher Certification (NBCT) in 2002. Colleen is married to Karl Saila, they have two children who attend Westerly Public Schools. Colleen worked 18 years as a Teacher/Special Education Teacher in Norwich, CT and Westerly. Currently she is a Special Education Teacher at Dunn's Corners School. Colleen also volunteers her time on the School Reform Initiative. When asked why she chose to join WEEF she replied: “I believe the WEEF board does wonderful things for education. I want to be part of the organization not only as a representative of the community, but as a teacher in the Westerly Public
Schools.”
Michael Lynch, Past President
After obtaining his B.S. in Business Administration from Providence College in 1983, Attorney Lynch continued his education at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane Washington, and then The Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. in 1986. Attorney Lynch is licensed to practice in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Michael’s civic dedication is evident. He has been involved as a member of the Board of Governors of Community Health of Westerly Inc., (the parent entity for The Westerly Hospital), has served as president and Board Member of The Rotary Club in Westerly and as an area representative for Rotary International District 7950. He has also served on the Board of Directors for The W.A.R.M. Shelter, Inc., as a Member of the Board of Corporators for the Westerly Public Library, and presently serves on The Board of Directors as the 2nd Vice President for The Girl Scouts of Rhode Island. Michael is also counsel for many non-profit youth and adult organizations.
E-mail: [email protected]
After obtaining his B.S. in Business Administration from Providence College in 1983, Attorney Lynch continued his education at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane Washington, and then The Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. in 1986. Attorney Lynch is licensed to practice in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Michael’s civic dedication is evident. He has been involved as a member of the Board of Governors of Community Health of Westerly Inc., (the parent entity for The Westerly Hospital), has served as president and Board Member of The Rotary Club in Westerly and as an area representative for Rotary International District 7950. He has also served on the Board of Directors for The W.A.R.M. Shelter, Inc., as a Member of the Board of Corporators for the Westerly Public Library, and presently serves on The Board of Directors as the 2nd Vice President for The Girl Scouts of Rhode Island. Michael is also counsel for many non-profit youth and adult organizations.
E-mail: [email protected]
Megan K. Herlihy
Megan Herlihy is an alumna of Westerly Public Schools and Providence College, where she earned an undergraduate degree in Secondary Education. She furthered her education at Providence College, receiving a Master’s Degree of Education in Administration as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Megan has been employed by the Westerly School Department since 2002. Her career began as a Social Studies educator at Westerly High School, where she taught grade 9-12 students an array of courses. She was then appointed as the coordinator of an alternative program for students and is currently a Dean of Students at the high school. It was an honor for her to become a WEEF board member in 2015, as she truly values her education through the Westerly public schools, and she has devoted her professional life to educating and assisting our youth. Megan believes in community-based collaboration with our schools, and WEEF is an ideal partnership to enhance our students’ education and lives.
Megan Herlihy is an alumna of Westerly Public Schools and Providence College, where she earned an undergraduate degree in Secondary Education. She furthered her education at Providence College, receiving a Master’s Degree of Education in Administration as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Megan has been employed by the Westerly School Department since 2002. Her career began as a Social Studies educator at Westerly High School, where she taught grade 9-12 students an array of courses. She was then appointed as the coordinator of an alternative program for students and is currently a Dean of Students at the high school. It was an honor for her to become a WEEF board member in 2015, as she truly values her education through the Westerly public schools, and she has devoted her professional life to educating and assisting our youth. Megan believes in community-based collaboration with our schools, and WEEF is an ideal partnership to enhance our students’ education and lives.
Íde Koulbanis
Born and raised in Ireland, Íde graduated from University College Cork with a BA in French and Archaeology. Having moved to Westerly in 2001, she continued her studies at University of Rhode Island, and graduated in 2006 with a BA in Elementary Education and French. She taught in West Warwick for 8 years before moving to Westerly Middle School in 2014. Being part of the 3rd generation of teachers in her family, she continues to work at WMS, teaching French and World Cultures. She is married to Jamie Koulbanis, whose family has deep roots in Westerly. They are blessed with 2 children, Erin and John. Erin is a recent graduate of Westerly Public Schools, and John is a current student. Íde joined the WEEF Board in 2019, and is very proud to be a part of such a wonderful community organization that supports the students, staff and schools of this amazing town.
Born and raised in Ireland, Íde graduated from University College Cork with a BA in French and Archaeology. Having moved to Westerly in 2001, she continued her studies at University of Rhode Island, and graduated in 2006 with a BA in Elementary Education and French. She taught in West Warwick for 8 years before moving to Westerly Middle School in 2014. Being part of the 3rd generation of teachers in her family, she continues to work at WMS, teaching French and World Cultures. She is married to Jamie Koulbanis, whose family has deep roots in Westerly. They are blessed with 2 children, Erin and John. Erin is a recent graduate of Westerly Public Schools, and John is a current student. Íde joined the WEEF Board in 2019, and is very proud to be a part of such a wonderful community organization that supports the students, staff and schools of this amazing town.
Susan Ljungberg
I was born & raised in Westerly and am a proud graduate of the Westerly Public School System. The education I received has served my well. After graduating from WHS I continued by education at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Maryland and Southern Connecticut State University. I taught K-12 education in the Groton Public School System for over 30 years. I retired to travel and did so for 2 years. After 2 years, the call of teaching came back to me and I took a part time position at Westerly High School. I teach Fashion Design & Garment Construction, as well as Child Development & Education. I am also on the Health & Wellness committee and was recently asked to be a member of the WEEF grant committee.
I was born & raised in Westerly and am a proud graduate of the Westerly Public School System. The education I received has served my well. After graduating from WHS I continued by education at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Maryland and Southern Connecticut State University. I taught K-12 education in the Groton Public School System for over 30 years. I retired to travel and did so for 2 years. After 2 years, the call of teaching came back to me and I took a part time position at Westerly High School. I teach Fashion Design & Garment Construction, as well as Child Development & Education. I am also on the Health & Wellness committee and was recently asked to be a member of the WEEF grant committee.
Dr. Mark Garceau
