Welcome to
The Partnership for Community Development
Our Mission:
The PCD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works to enhance sustainable economic opportunity and community vitality in the village and town of Hamilton and the surrounding areas.
Specifically, we help:
- Existing businesses and farms thrive.
- Attract and support new community-minded businesses and talent to our area.
- Develop attractive, inviting and commercially viable downtown area.
- Preserve and enhance the small town, rural character of our community, staying authentic to who we are.
- Foster widespread civic involvement in community development initiatives.
- Research, solicit, and administer grants and gifts to serve these purposes and leverage the community resources of our Partner organizations.
History
Following long-range planning efforts in the Town of Hamilton and Village of Hamilton, representatives of the Town, Village and Colgate University met in August 1998 to discuss opportunities for a cooperative project that would revitalize the local economy and enhance the quality of life for area residents.
Attending were the town supervisor, the chair of the town’s long-range planning effort; the mayor of the village; the University’s president, treasurer, communications director, a faculty member with a record of community projects and the consultants who had assisted with the town’s plan. That meeting was the first anyone could remember when Town, Village and Colgate University had convened to explore their common concerns.
Our Team
Jocelyn Gavitt, ASLA
Executive Director,
Secretary of the Board
Jocelyn Gavitt joined the Partnership for Community Development as Executive Director in April 2022. In this role, she leads community-based planning efforts and the organization as a whole. A licensed landscape architect with many years of community design and development experience, she brings a holistic view, engaging the community and its partners to bring about positive change.
“Hamilton is a gem in upstate NY with so much opportunity. And this organization fosters a unique collaboration among the community members, the Village, Town and Colgate University. We have a great team that is working to make this area the best it can be.”
Laura Caughlan, AICP
Senior Planner
Laura Caughlan has been with the Partnership for Community Development for four years. As the senior planner, she works on grant applications and administration and works with local government and other community groups on community development initiatives. She loves living in Hamilton for its quiet neighborhoods and having everything within walking distance.
“I enjoy the variety in the work I do. I’ve worked on projects involving climate action, zoning, outdoor recreation, economic development, farmland preservation, etc., so I’ve built a lot of different skills since I’ve been here. I also like being able to see the impacts of my work on the community.”
Melissa Davis
Hub Director
Melissa Davis has joined the PCD Team as the Director of The Hub. The Hub supports local businesses and fosters entrepreneurial and economic growth in the region by providing funding, mentoring, training, space, and a network of professional advisors. We work with new and existing businesses, including agriculture, in all stages of development, from concept through exit.
“Working with small businesses from start up to existing is a passion of mine. As an advanced certified business advisor, I am proud to live and work within this thriving rural community where building lasting relationships and a sense of community matter most. I am thrilled to be a member of the PCD team and continue to fuel economic growth.”
Brigette Barker
Administrator
Brigette Barker has been the administrator for the Partnership for Community Development since 2019. She manages thousands of dollars of funding coming in and out of the office, ensures grant activities are well-documented and on-schedule, oversees all HR needs for PCD, and interfaces with grantees and donors.
Brigette was born and raised in Lebanon, NY and moved back to the area to be closer to her family after spending 20 years in North Carolina. When she made the decision to move home to NY, Brigette wanted to be part of an organization that helps local businesses and residents. She’s excited to say that her position as Administrator with PCD allows her to be part of a team that does just that!
Board Members
Our Board’s make-up is intended to reflect PCD’s geographic reach, focus on community vitality, and our ongoing commitment to the collaboration between the Town and Village of Hamilton, Colgate University, and community residents.
Peter Radosta, President
Peter Radosta works as an environmental engineer, serving municipalities with drinking water and wastewater treatment solutions for regulatory compliance and infrastructure improvements.
“Being involved with PCD is a rewarding way to be engaged in the vitality of our community, and to share personal experiences and skill sets collaboratively with other volunteers and PCD staff. The Hamilton area breathes everything I revere––outdoor recreation, all-things-local, and the charm of rural living.”
Liam McDevitt
Liam McDevitt is the Executive Director of the Hamilton Initiative LLC
“The PCD board has enabled me to collaborate with enthusiastic community members in order to spur economic growth and development.
I love Hamilton’s small town charm, quaint shops, and picturesque sceneries. It’s a great place to call home!”
Brendan O’Connor
Mary Dinski, Vice President
Mary Dinkski is Deputy Executive Director of the Fiver Children’s Foundation as well as a Hamilton Town Council Member.
“Growing up in Hamilton has helped me to recognize and appreciate the importance of a strong community. Serving on the PCD board allows me to support and help strengthen a community that has given so much to me over the years.”
Michael Sciola
Michael Sciola serves as Senior Advancement Director for Career Initiatives at Colgate University
“Serving on the Board of Directors for the PCD allows me an opportunity to engage with community leaders, business owners, and educators and administrators for the purpose of improving and expanding the economic vitality of Hamilton, NY. As a board member, my role is to advise the amazing professional staff and to advocate for continued dialogue among the partner organizations. I am proud of the vitality of Hamilton, NY and the impact of the PCD on the quality of life of my fellow residents and visitors.”
Jeff Coakley
Jeff Coakley is the President & CEO of Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. He moved to Hamilton in the fall of 2020 after leaving Oswego Hospital. He has previously served as President of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce and a longtime member of the Fulton Kiwanis Club and currently serves on the Madison County Rural Council Board. Jeff is very passionate about supporting the community he lives in. He says, “There is a true sense of community here in Hamilton and I look forward to serving on the Board for the PCD.”
Matt Crumb, Treasurer
Rachel Amann-Burns
Rachel Amann serves as Program Coordinator for the LifeLong Learning Program and HCS Foreign Language Program at the Upstate Institute at Colgate University.
She loves this area for its wide-open spaces, its peace, and the opportunities for engagement.
Dana L. Krueger, Town Representative
Dana L. Krueger owns and operates DanaEvents, a cultural event planning company. Dana currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair on the Board of Directors for New York State Tourism Industry Association. She served on the board of the Museum Association of New York, was Board Chair for the New York Cultural Heritage Tourism Network (NYCHTN) and was on the Uncommon Approaches to the Common Core NYS Conference Planning Committee. Dana taught for the Graduate Program in Museum Studies at Syracuse University for ten years. She is also a Town Council member for the Town of Hamilton.
Russ Lura, Village Representative
Russ Lura is currently retired, after serving as the Madison County Planning Director for 22 years and as assistant to the Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors and budget officer for 3 years. He has been on the Village of Hamilton Board of Trustees for 10 years.
Joanne Borfitz, Colgate Representative
Joanne Borfitz is the Associate Vice President for Community Affairs and Auxiliary Services in Colgate’s Department of Community Affairs. She has helped facilitate many discussions between the university and the Hamilton community.
Corey Mosher
Corey Mosher is a fourth-generation farmer and a partner in Mosher Farms in Bouckville.
Britty O’Connor
Britty is a Colgate ’12 alum and has been a full-time resident of Hamilton since 2015. She owns and operates three businesses in town with her husband, Brendan – Flour and Salt Cafe, Flour and Salt Bakery, and Martha’s On Madison. She has held positions on the Hamilton Community Chest board and the Chenango Nursery School board and is also the head of the Hamilton Business Alliance. She is grateful to be a member of the PCD board and is excited to contribute to the ongoing development of the village.
