Past President Archives
Dr. Clancy Seymour
2019-2021
Conference Theme: "A Professional Legacy is a Journey" What Path Will You Travel?
Presidential Highlight: Second Edition of the Curriculum & Assessment Guidance Document: A Physical Education Resource
Tamela Ray
2018-2019
Conference Theme: Embrace Health & Physical Literacy: Live it
Presidential Highlight: Led the creation of the NYS AHPERD EDI policy.
David Garbarino
2017-2018
Conference Theme: Teachable Moments: Passionate Engaged Enlightened
Presidential Highlight:
Monica Wolfe
2016-2017
Conference Theme: Connect, Grow, Do
Presidential Highlight: Instrumental in the creation of NYS AHPERD Mascot's Finley!
James Rose
2015-2016
Conference Theme: Skills for Longevity
Presidential Highlight: Spearheaded the creation of the Technology Section.
Dr. Alisa James
2014-2015
Conference Theme: Vision + Action = Change
Presidential Highlight: Authored the Curriculum & Assessment Guidance Document: A Physical Education Resource
Gerard "Rod" Mergardt
2013-2014
Conference Theme: Pride, Passion, Partnerships
Presidential Highlight:
Lisa Sherman
2012-2013
Conference Theme: Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Embrace the Future
Presidential Highlight: Instituting the NYS AHPERD Advocacy initiatives and committee
Jason Quitoni
2011-2012
Conference Theme: Footprints to our Future
Presidential Highlight: Established the NYS AHPERD "Joy of Effort" Award
Mara Manson
2010-2011
Conference Theme: Many Cultures One World: A Celebration of Diversity
Presidential Highlight: Designed and implemented the NYS AHPERD Online Institute for Professional Development
Jason Lehmbeck
2009-2010
Conference Theme: "Together with Passion and Purpose"
Presidential Highlight: Had the first Health Section Keynote during the annual conference.
Section Presidents assumed the role of State Conference Program Planners.
Lisa Hrehor
2008-2009
Conference Theme: Recreating our World through Wellness
Presidential Highlight: Lloyd Mott was hired as a consultant to COA and NYS AHPERD.
C. Brian Oaks
2007-2008
Conference Theme: You are the Most Important Piece
Presidential Highlight: Highest recorded membership to date (4065) during term.
Sara Daggett
2006-2007
Conference Theme: With Hearts, Brains and Courage Discovering our Futures Together
Presidential Highlight: First conference with financing for sections under the new reorganization plan
Tom Howard
2005-2006
Conference Theme: Let's Make This Our Finest Hour!
Presidential Highlight: Executive Council and Board of Directors established a policy creating funds for the Jump Rope for Heart money to help fund the Section Treasury
Paula Hamada Summit
2004-2005
Conference Theme: Small Steps...BIG CHANGE!
Presidential Highlight: Implemented the first Executive Training at the Conference
Ronald Whitcomb
2003-2004
Conference Theme: YOU Can Make it Happen!
Presidential Highlight: Creating clear job descriptions for Zone and Section Presidents, and duties for Sections and Zones
Catharine Haight
2002-2003
Conference Theme: Passion and Commitment: The Foundation for Excellence
Presidential Highlight: Held first Executive Council meeting in the central office
John A. "Jack" Baker, EdD
2001-2002
Conference Theme: Strength from Within
Presidential Highlight: Dedicated the Central Office building
Toni Hagerman
2000-2001
Conference Theme: "Getting to the Heart of Education"
Presidential Highlight: Orchestrated the purchase of the building at 77 North Ann Street, Little Falls, NY for the Central Office.
Rick Amundson
1999-2000
Conference Theme: "The Future is Now!"
Presidential Highlight: Initiated the use of sponsorships to the association
Kate Merrill
1998-1999
Conference Theme: "2000 Moves For The New Millennium"
Presidential Highlight: NYSFHPE joins ranks with NYS AHPERD.
State Service Award is renamed the Distinguished Service Award.
Larry Debel
1997-1998
Conference Theme: "Spring to New Heights"
Presidential Highlight: Expanded the role of Executive Director from quarter time to full-time position.
Colleen Corsi was hired as full-time Executive Director beginning in September 1998.
Sandra Morley
1996-1997
Conference Theme: "Working Together For A Healthy State"
Presidential Highlight: First joint conference between NYS AHPERD and NYSFPHE.
Creation of webpage for the Association and began the use of email as the primary source of communication.
George Blessing
1995-1996
Conference Theme: "Impact on Tomorrow"
Presidential Highlight: Newsletter assembled and printed in Central Office
Judith A. Harris
1994-1995
Conference Theme: "Listen to Understand"
Presidential Highlight: Designated Flaghouse as the official supplier of equipment for the conference
Ken Demas
1993-1994
Conference Theme: "Common Goals - Different Roles"
Presidential Highlight: Initiation of the Monograph Series of publications by NYS AHPERD
Judy Ingram
1992-1993
Conference Theme: "Educate Through the Physical"
Presidential Highlight: First use of "breakouts" after a keynote and began the "Follow the Leader" program for students at the annual conference.
Tom Fay
1991-1992
Conference Theme: "Shaping The Future From The Grassroots"
Presidential Highlight: Acted as part-time Executive Director for the Association following his presidency.
Arlene Seguine
1990-1991
Conference Theme: "Get Healthy Fun, Be In The Run For '91"
Presidential Highlight: Establishment of the PERN network (PE Resource)
Michael Marcus
1989-1990
Conference Theme: "Share Your Knowledge, You Have Much To Offer"
Presidential Highlight: Naismith Centennial Celebration program initiated to take place in 1991
Shirley Bowen
1988-1989
Conference Theme: "Creating Active Lifestyles"
Presidential Highlight: Mission Statement drafted for NYS AHPERD
Sam Utter
1987-1988
Conference Theme: "Participate in '88"
Presidential Highlight: Publication of pamphlet " What Everyone Should Know About PE in NYS"
Barbara E. Southwick
1986-1987
Conference Theme: "Humanism is H.P.E.R.D"
Presidential Highlight: Re-established a viable Student Section
John "Jack" Ault
1985-1986
Conference Theme: "Be Fit in '86"
Presidential Highlight: Robert Jackson is dismissed as Executive Director.
Phyllis Bigel
1984-1985
Conference Theme: "Come Alive in '85"
Presidential Highlight: Adhoc committee was formed to examine the structure and function of NYS AHPERD.
Ron Feingold
1984
Conference Theme: "A Time for Movement"
Presidential Highlight: Fought to keep Physical Education funding through the SED
Barbara DiPalma
1983-1984
Conference Theme: "Unify - We Need You More in '84"
Presidential Highlight: Worked with NYS Regents/Commissioner at Regional Conferences to retain mandates in PE and Health.
In October 1983, the "D" first appears in print in the Association acronym, NYS AHPERD.
Ronald Hoffman
1981-1983
Conference Theme: "Joining Together To Create A Better Life"
Presidential Highlight: Robert Jackson is appointed part-time Executive Director.
Retirees Section adopted the slogan "We're Waiting For You"
Martilu Puthoff
1981
Presidential Highlight: Central Office moves to 19 Fiddlers' Lane, Lathem.
Norm Fullerton
1980-1981
Conference Theme: "Caring Enough To Do Our Best"
Presidential Highlight: Initiated Jump Rope for Heart
Angela Whisher
1979-1980
Conference Theme: "Purpose-Perseverance -Progress"
Presidential Highlight: Participated in the groundbreaking for the AAHPER national headquarters in Reston, Va as part of the LDC
Roger T. Bunce
1978-1979
Conference Theme: "Putting It All Together"
Presidential Highlight: Dance becomes a new section in NYSAHPER
Doris Soladay
1977-1978
Presidential Highlight: Incorporation of the Council for Health Ed, Council for Physical Education, Council for Recreation and the Council of Administrations
Robert Bub
1976-1977
Presidential Highlight: Association presents a paper defending mandates at the state level
H. Jean Berger
1975-1976
Presidential Highlight: Zone boundaries are reset from 19 to 21 Zones
Richard A. Ahkao
1974-1975
Conference Theme: " Toward A Better Life"
Presidential Highlight: Fought for the implementation of Commissioners Rules and Regulations governing Health and Physical Education
Edith M. Cobane
1973-1974
Conference Theme: " Changes That Challenge"
Presidential Highlight: Statewide membership campaign initiated
James A. Runyan
1972-1973
Conference Theme: "Reaching Out"
Presidential Highlight: Name change to read: NYS Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Inc.
Slates for president will be for women on odd numbered years and men on even numbered years
John J. Grant
1971-1972
Conference Theme: "Re Design"
Presidential Highlight: Bernard E. Hughes resigns as Executive Director effective June 30, 1971. David S. Rothenberg is appointed Active Executive Director from July 1 - June 30, 1972.
Doris M. Botsch
1970-1971
Conference Theme: "Imperative - Design For Action!"
Presidential Highlight: New membership structure providing opportunities to join sections, affiliates and the state association
David S. Rothenberg
1969-1970
Conference Theme: "Commitment to Excellence"
Presidential Highlight: Establishment of a Bernard E. Hughes Recognition Award to be instituted by January 1970
Nicholas Zona
1968-1969
Conference Theme: "Innovations"
Presidential Highlight: First full size Journal is published in the fall of 1968
Pearl E. Britton
1967-1968
Conference Theme: "Progress Through Change"
Presidential Highlight: Dance Committee is granted Sectional status
Emilio "Dee" DaBramo
1966-1967
Conference Theme: "Think Positive and Think Big" (listed on conference program) "Unity Through Cooperation"
Presidential Highlight: 2,100 people registered for the annual conference at The Concord
Elizabeth M. Desch
1969-1970
Conference Theme: "Commitment to Excellence"
Presidential Highlight: It is announced that Bernard Hughes will become the first full-time Executive Secretary on September 1, 1965.
Robert J. Weber
1964-1965
Conference Theme: "Our Strength"
Presidential Highlight: Dr. Nash continues as Executive Secretary on a part-time basis through September 1, 1964.
Ross L. Allen
1963-1964
Conference Theme: "Teachable Moments"
Presidential Highlight: New zone boundaries and maps created
William A. Stebbins
1962-1963
Conference Theme: "Again-The Greek Ideal"
Presidential Highlight: Student enrollment from; Adelphi, Brockport, Buffalo, Brooklyn, CCNY, Cortland, Ithaca, Hunter, Kings College, Manhattan, NYS, Queens, Syracuse, TC Columbia, LIU
Joseph A. Guerrera
1961-1962
Conference Theme: "The Challenge of New Frontiers"
Presidential Highlight: Active solicitation for a new Executive Secretary begins with a goal for the transition to take place by September 1962.
Arthur W. Selverstone
1960-1961
Conference Theme: "Space Age Demands in Health Physical Education and Recreation"
Presidential Highlight: Eastern Zone divided into Northway (Saratoga), Zone II (Capital), Otsego-Delaware (Oneonta), Southern divided into East and West
Raymond S. Bradley
1959-1960
Conference Theme: "Achieving Effective Interrelated Programs in Health, Physical Education and Recreation"
Presidential Highlight: Student Section being formulated.
Alice Backus
1958-1959
Conference Theme: "Balance For Living Most and Serving Best"
Presidential Highlight: Association reached highest membership ever, 22% increase from previous year
Elmer K. Smith
1957-1958
Conference Theme: "Operation Fitness"
Presidential Highlight: Recommended that all Zones have VP's for HPE & R; Presidents to serve 2 years; Membership Chair to serve 3 years.
Paul A. Fairfield
1956-1957
Conference Theme: "Beliefs into Action"
Presidential Highlight: Employed Dr. Jay B. Nash as Executive Secretary; purpose to "complete an endless chain of communications within our ranks."
Ray Glunz
1955-1956
Conference Theme: "This We Believe"
Presidential Highlight: Continued research into the appointment of an executive secretary for the association.
Julius Kuhnert
1954-1955
Conference Theme: "For Creative Action"
Presidential Highlight: First paid Executive Secretary approved for the Association.
Julia M. Pratt
1953-1954
Conference Theme: "Roads to Agreement"
Arthur L. Smith
1952-1953
Conference Theme: "Uniting for Action"
Presidential Highlight:: Operating code of the Finance Committee was approved and the recommendation was made that all committee chairpersons use it as a pattern to establish operating codes for all committees.
Jeannette Saurborn
1951-1952
Conference Theme: "Serving Community Needs"
Presidential Highlight: Appointed Marie Schuler as Parliamentarian
Lloyd O. Appleton
1950-1951
Conference Theme: "Toward Better Learning"
Presidential Highlight: The first Association organization chart was printed in the conference program.
John H. Shaw
1949-1950
Conference Theme: "Working Together"
Presidential Highlight: Dental Hygiene Teachers become an affiliate
Marie R. Schuler
1948-1949
Conference Theme: "Progress Thru Standards"
Presidential Highlight: Service Award Committee added to be made up of 5 immediate Past Presidents.
Carroll H. Smith "Red"
1947-1948
Conference Theme: "We Dare! Let's Go!"
Presidential Highlight: NYS Standards Project initiated
Francis J. Moench
1946-1947
Conference Theme: "More Teamwork"
Presidential Highlight: Two new sections to join, NYS Council on Health Teaching; Association of Women in Physical Education of NYS
Ethel T. Kloberg
1944-1946
Presidential Highlight: First female President of the Association
H. Harrison Clarke
1943-1944
Presidential Highlight: First reference to "professional hitch-hikers", individuals eligible to be members who choose not to join.
Elmon L. Vernier
1942-1943
Presidential Highlight: A Service Award was created to award qualified individuals who have spent a "lifetime" in service of physical education and are at retirement age.
Arthur H. Howe
1941-1942
Presidential Highlight: First membership drive began in September yielding 305 new members by the October meeting.
Paul Krimmel
1939-1941
Presidential Highlight: The word "recreation" is added to the title of the Association.
Charles J. Kraft, Jr.
1937-1939
Presidential Highlight: Voted to amend the constitution so as to provide for a first and second vice-president to relieve the workload.
Fred H. Wohlers
1936-1937
Presidential Highlight: The first publication of the state journal was sent to all health and PE teachers in NYS.
Ellis H. Champlin
1930-1936
Presidential Highlight: Ellis H. Champlin Award was established in 1962 by the Council of Administrators in memory of Ellis Champlin, an outstanding administrator in the field of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The Ellis H. Champlin Award is the most prestigious award given by the COA.
Herman J. Norton
1924-1930
Presidential Highlight: Developed New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and was the first President.