Staff & Organizational Chart
Brendan Tydings, Administrator
Jackie Flanagan, Office Manager
Vladimir Overchenko
Hank Mullen
Jackie Flanagan, Office Manager
Vladimir Overchenko
Hank Mullen
Board of Directors
Board members serve on a volunteer basis and are appointed by their county.
Members of the Board of Directors
Dave Martin, Chairman
Daniel Kingston, Vice-Chairman
Jessica Holloway, Secretary
Richard Schilling, Treasurer
Jack Moore, Asst. Treasurer
Commissioner of Ag & Markets
Liam Coyne - Livingston County
Jessica Holloway - Ontario County
Daniel Kingston - Livingston County
Mark Lagoner - Wayne County
David Martin - Monroe County
Lyle Merle - Wyoming County
Mike Mele - Orleans County
John Meyer - Steuben County
Jack Moore - Monroe County
Scott Osborn - Yates County
Richard Schilling - Monroe County
Stephen Starowitz - Genesee County
Richard Vercruysse - Wayne County
Joshua Watkins - Ontario County
Dave Martin, Chairman
Daniel Kingston, Vice-Chairman
Jessica Holloway, Secretary
Richard Schilling, Treasurer
Jack Moore, Asst. Treasurer
Commissioner of Ag & Markets
Liam Coyne - Livingston County
Jessica Holloway - Ontario County
Daniel Kingston - Livingston County
Mark Lagoner - Wayne County
David Martin - Monroe County
Lyle Merle - Wyoming County
Mike Mele - Orleans County
John Meyer - Steuben County
Jack Moore - Monroe County
Scott Osborn - Yates County
Richard Schilling - Monroe County
Stephen Starowitz - Genesee County
Richard Vercruysse - Wayne County
Joshua Watkins - Ontario County
Committees of the Board of Directors
Audit: Mark Lagoner, Richard Vercruysse
Allied Industry: Jack Moore, Scott Osborn
Ethics: Jack Moore, Chairman, Daniel Kingston, Stephen Starowitz
Executive: Richard Schilling, Chair, Dave Martin, Vice-Chair, Commissioner of Ag & Markets, Jessica Holloway, Daniel Kingston, John Meyer, Jack Moore
Finance: Daniel Kingston, Dept. of Agriculture & Markets
Personnel: Mark Lagoner, Dave Martin, Jack Moore, Richard Vercruysse
Audit: Mark Lagoner, Richard Vercruysse
Allied Industry: Jack Moore, Scott Osborn
Ethics: Jack Moore, Chairman, Daniel Kingston, Stephen Starowitz
Executive: Richard Schilling, Chair, Dave Martin, Vice-Chair, Commissioner of Ag & Markets, Jessica Holloway, Daniel Kingston, John Meyer, Jack Moore
Finance: Daniel Kingston, Dept. of Agriculture & Markets
Personnel: Mark Lagoner, Dave Martin, Jack Moore, Richard Vercruysse
Break
Meet Dan Kingston
Kingston Farms
Livingston County
I am a lifelong resident of Geneseo, NY. I have been married for 40 years to my wife, Colleen. Together we have nine children and five grandchildren. I'm a 1979 graduate of Alfred State College School of Plant & Animal Science, an Animal Husbandry major.
My brother Robert (Bobby) and I are partners and the current owners of Kingston Farms. We are the 5th generation to operate the farm. Two of Bobby's sons, Jesse and Jeremy, and two of my sons, Jason and Donovan, are our employees, making them the 6th generation to join the family business since our ancestors emigrated from Ireland in 1840 and began farming here.
Kingston Farms is primarily a dairy farm. We milk 300 cows, while raising all of our own replacements. Our herd is a closed herd; we have never purchased cows. All of our cows are descended from the eight original cows our father, Walter Kingston, Jr., began with to grow the herd. We also raise all of the necessary crops for the dairy, plus cash crops, including vegetables, and some organic crops, on 1400 acres of land, mostly land we own, and some we rent.
Livingston County
I am a lifelong resident of Geneseo, NY. I have been married for 40 years to my wife, Colleen. Together we have nine children and five grandchildren. I'm a 1979 graduate of Alfred State College School of Plant & Animal Science, an Animal Husbandry major.
My brother Robert (Bobby) and I are partners and the current owners of Kingston Farms. We are the 5th generation to operate the farm. Two of Bobby's sons, Jesse and Jeremy, and two of my sons, Jason and Donovan, are our employees, making them the 6th generation to join the family business since our ancestors emigrated from Ireland in 1840 and began farming here.
Kingston Farms is primarily a dairy farm. We milk 300 cows, while raising all of our own replacements. Our herd is a closed herd; we have never purchased cows. All of our cows are descended from the eight original cows our father, Walter Kingston, Jr., began with to grow the herd. We also raise all of the necessary crops for the dairy, plus cash crops, including vegetables, and some organic crops, on 1400 acres of land, mostly land we own, and some we rent.
Meet Jessica Holloway
Hansen Farms
Ontario County
Jessica is the Warehouse Manager and Food Safety Coordinator at Hansen Farms in Stanley NY. They grow cabbage, corn, soybeans, wheat, pumpkins and sweet corn. Jessica has worked at the farm since 2011.
Ontario County
Jessica is the Warehouse Manager and Food Safety Coordinator at Hansen Farms in Stanley NY. They grow cabbage, corn, soybeans, wheat, pumpkins and sweet corn. Jessica has worked at the farm since 2011.
Meet John Meyer
Joseph L. Meyer & Sons Farm
Steuben County
John has been involved in agriculture his whole life. His family has been in Upstate NY since 1944; before that, they farmed on Long Island. John, along with his brother Joe, owns and operates farms in Wayland, Cohocton, Fremont, and Avoca. Their main crops include wheat, corn, green beans, soybeans, and black beans.
Steuben County
John has been involved in agriculture his whole life. His family has been in Upstate NY since 1944; before that, they farmed on Long Island. John, along with his brother Joe, owns and operates farms in Wayland, Cohocton, Fremont, and Avoca. Their main crops include wheat, corn, green beans, soybeans, and black beans.
Meet Lyle Merle
Merle Maple
Wyoming County
Lyle has been living and working on his family farm his whole life. As a young boy, he helped his dad and grandfather wherever he was needed. He learned to milk cows, feed chickens, collect eggs, work in the woods, and make pure maple syrup. The farm had 170 milking cows, 60,000 laying hens, and 10,000 taps. Being the youngest in the family, he was in charge of hauling the organic fertilizer … so he knows his S _ _ _!! His family has been producing pure maple syrup since 1934, and he has been running the maple operation on his own since 1999. The operation has grown to 23,000 taps. Lyle and his wife still live on the family farm.
Lyle is a member of the International Maple Syrup Institute, Treasurer and Director of the Western New York Maple Producers, and a Director of the Wyoming County Maple Producers. He is also a member of the New York State Farm Bureau. We manage our woodlot operations to ensure production for future generations and produce a wide variety of specialty maple products in our New York State-licensed kitchen.
Wyoming County
Lyle has been living and working on his family farm his whole life. As a young boy, he helped his dad and grandfather wherever he was needed. He learned to milk cows, feed chickens, collect eggs, work in the woods, and make pure maple syrup. The farm had 170 milking cows, 60,000 laying hens, and 10,000 taps. Being the youngest in the family, he was in charge of hauling the organic fertilizer … so he knows his S _ _ _!! His family has been producing pure maple syrup since 1934, and he has been running the maple operation on his own since 1999. The operation has grown to 23,000 taps. Lyle and his wife still live on the family farm.
Lyle is a member of the International Maple Syrup Institute, Treasurer and Director of the Western New York Maple Producers, and a Director of the Wyoming County Maple Producers. He is also a member of the New York State Farm Bureau. We manage our woodlot operations to ensure production for future generations and produce a wide variety of specialty maple products in our New York State-licensed kitchen.
Meet Mike Mele
Mele Garlic Farms
Orleans County
Mike is a lifelong resident of Orleans County. Grew up on the family farm, and graduated from Holley High school in 1995. Went on to college at Genesee Community with a degree in Criminal Justice. I then attended the police academy and went on to becoming a Deputy sheriff with the Orleans County Sheriff’s office. I spent 23 years in law enforcement and during all of that time still involved in the day to day operations of the family farm. In 2021 retired from the Sheriff’s office as the Under Sheriff, and continued to grow the family farm.
We are currently growing garlic, corn, and numerous other vegetable crops. The farm is also raising lambs, goats, meat chickens, and rabbits. Our products are sold directly to the consumer and our garlic is shipped to all 50 states.
Orleans County
Mike is a lifelong resident of Orleans County. Grew up on the family farm, and graduated from Holley High school in 1995. Went on to college at Genesee Community with a degree in Criminal Justice. I then attended the police academy and went on to becoming a Deputy sheriff with the Orleans County Sheriff’s office. I spent 23 years in law enforcement and during all of that time still involved in the day to day operations of the family farm. In 2021 retired from the Sheriff’s office as the Under Sheriff, and continued to grow the family farm.
We are currently growing garlic, corn, and numerous other vegetable crops. The farm is also raising lambs, goats, meat chickens, and rabbits. Our products are sold directly to the consumer and our garlic is shipped to all 50 states.
Meet Mark Lagoner
Lagoner Farms
Wayne County
I was born and have lived in Williamson my entire life. The Williamson area and the greater Wayne County Region are especially known for Apple production, being the 3rd largest apple producing county in country.
I am 4th generation to have lived on and managed the farm business. My son, Jacob, 5th generation, has recently assumed management responsibilities.
Lagoner Farms Inc. consists of the farming operation, a Farm Market, and a Florist Shoppe. The farm grows a variety of three fruit, berries, and vegetables. There is also a Farm Cidery, Embark Craft Ciderworks, located on the premises. The Cidery produces Hard Cider and has a tasting room located within the Farm Market.
I have served as a board member of the NY Apple Growers Association, Williamson Planning Board, and Motts Grower Advisory Board. I am an elder and Deacon as a member of the Plutneyville Reformed Church.
Our farm, which dates to 1909, is identified as a “Century Farm” by the NYS Agriculture Society.
Wayne County
I was born and have lived in Williamson my entire life. The Williamson area and the greater Wayne County Region are especially known for Apple production, being the 3rd largest apple producing county in country.
I am 4th generation to have lived on and managed the farm business. My son, Jacob, 5th generation, has recently assumed management responsibilities.
Lagoner Farms Inc. consists of the farming operation, a Farm Market, and a Florist Shoppe. The farm grows a variety of three fruit, berries, and vegetables. There is also a Farm Cidery, Embark Craft Ciderworks, located on the premises. The Cidery produces Hard Cider and has a tasting room located within the Farm Market.
I have served as a board member of the NY Apple Growers Association, Williamson Planning Board, and Motts Grower Advisory Board. I am an elder and Deacon as a member of the Plutneyville Reformed Church.
Our farm, which dates to 1909, is identified as a “Century Farm” by the NYS Agriculture Society.
Meet Richard Schilling
Retired, Harris Seed
Niagara County
Richard started his career in agriculture at an early age. Helping his grandfather on his farm in Niagara County and then on his uncle's dairy and fruit farm. He graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in agriculture and spent four years in the U S Air Force. He then went on to work for Harris Seed in the research department and then spent 32 years as manager of the garden center. While working there he joined many farm groups and the Henrietta Kiwanis club. He was a member for 32 years and served as president. In 2005 he was awarded the Hixon award for outstanding service. In 1981 he was appointed to the Genesee Valley Regional Market Board of Directors. He has served as treasurer and chairman of the executive committee. He has been a member for 43 years. He has also been on the board of directors for the Rushford Lake Landowners Association.
Niagara County
Richard started his career in agriculture at an early age. Helping his grandfather on his farm in Niagara County and then on his uncle's dairy and fruit farm. He graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in agriculture and spent four years in the U S Air Force. He then went on to work for Harris Seed in the research department and then spent 32 years as manager of the garden center. While working there he joined many farm groups and the Henrietta Kiwanis club. He was a member for 32 years and served as president. In 2005 he was awarded the Hixon award for outstanding service. In 1981 he was appointed to the Genesee Valley Regional Market Board of Directors. He has served as treasurer and chairman of the executive committee. He has been a member for 43 years. He has also been on the board of directors for the Rushford Lake Landowners Association.
Meet Scott Osborn
Fox Run Vineyards
Yates County
The son of two professors, Osborn's first interest was international politics. Attending the Friends World College, now Global College, with campuses all over the globe, it is still the only college that is 100% immersible in the culture of each country. He lived and studied in Kenya, India, Thailand, Japan, and England.
He went into real estate development in 1974, later opening an office in Lake County California, a well-known viticulture area. The move there proved to be fortuitous; living so close to the vines Osborn became interested in wine. In 1980 he took his first job at Konocti Winery hand labeling bottles. He then went on to work at Firestone Vineyards, Zaca Mesa, and Byron Winery in Santa Barbara. In 1984 During his time at Byron he came back to visit family, and during a wine tasting trip around Seneca Lake tasted a Wagner Vineyards 1982 Barrel aged Chardonnay. It was his first experience with a cool climate wine, and he realized that this was where he wanted to make wines and ultimately own his own vineyard and winery.
In 1985, there were not a lot of winemaking jobs available here in the Finger Lakes, so he began working for a wine distributor and then went on to be General Manager of Pindar Vineyards on Long Island. In 1993, Fox Run became available and in partnership with Andy Hale they purchased it.
When he purchased Fox Run there were only 14 wineries on Seneca Lake, now there are over 100. Initially assuming the responsibilities of winemaking, along with the myriad tasks of management, speaking engagements and travel, he chose to hire a full-time winemaker. His selection of Peter Bell in June of 1995 satisfied his desire to engage the most gifted winemaker in the Finger Lakes region. Their shared vision for quality wine production freed Osborn to the task of managing the winery and planning for its future. In 2022, after 27 years Peter retired and he hired Craig Hosbach to take Fox Run on its next journey.
Scott regularly participates in wine judgings, panel discussions, and symposiums dealing with the many challenges of an increasingly sophisticated appellation.
The highly successful working relationship between Scott, Peter/Craig, and Vineyard manager John Kaiser has resulted in spectacular grapes, wines, and successful introductions of State-of-the-Art vineyard practices, keeping Fox Run Vineyards on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking.
On Christmas day of 1998 three days after turning 50 Scott married long time sweetheart Ruth Worden and in 2012 Ruth’s sister Kathy and her husband Albert became partners making Fox Run is a family owned winery.
Scott is constantly working to improve our environmental impact and in 2002 received the Lake Friendly Farm designation from Yates County Soil and Water Conservation. This award is given to farms whose farming practices do not negatively impact the water quality of Seneca Lake. In 2015 he also installed a 151-Kilowatt solar system which provides 100% of the electrical needs for the winery, tasting room and café. In 2020 he planted a 4.5 acre Butterfly and Bee habitat. We have reduced our herbicide and pesticide use and are replacing them with organic and biological sprays that are less impactful on the environment. In 2023 Fox Run received the New York Sustainable designation.
He has been awarded the Jim Finkle Industry award for his contribution to the New York wine industry and Fox Run was awarded the Winery award which is given to a winery that has helped increase the quality and reputation of New York wines. He has been President of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail two times and a founding member and past President of Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. He is a founding member of the New York Wine Policy Institute which was founded in 2009 to represent the Wine Industry to educate legislators in Albany on issues that impact our wineries and vineyards here in New York State. He was elected by his peers in the NY wine industry as the New York representative on the Board of Wine America which is the national advocacy organization for the American Wine Industry in Washington DC. In 2024 he was elected to a two year term to be Chairman of the organization. He has been the Yates County Representative on the Genessee Valley Regional Market Authority since 2014.
Yates County
The son of two professors, Osborn's first interest was international politics. Attending the Friends World College, now Global College, with campuses all over the globe, it is still the only college that is 100% immersible in the culture of each country. He lived and studied in Kenya, India, Thailand, Japan, and England.
He went into real estate development in 1974, later opening an office in Lake County California, a well-known viticulture area. The move there proved to be fortuitous; living so close to the vines Osborn became interested in wine. In 1980 he took his first job at Konocti Winery hand labeling bottles. He then went on to work at Firestone Vineyards, Zaca Mesa, and Byron Winery in Santa Barbara. In 1984 During his time at Byron he came back to visit family, and during a wine tasting trip around Seneca Lake tasted a Wagner Vineyards 1982 Barrel aged Chardonnay. It was his first experience with a cool climate wine, and he realized that this was where he wanted to make wines and ultimately own his own vineyard and winery.
In 1985, there were not a lot of winemaking jobs available here in the Finger Lakes, so he began working for a wine distributor and then went on to be General Manager of Pindar Vineyards on Long Island. In 1993, Fox Run became available and in partnership with Andy Hale they purchased it.
When he purchased Fox Run there were only 14 wineries on Seneca Lake, now there are over 100. Initially assuming the responsibilities of winemaking, along with the myriad tasks of management, speaking engagements and travel, he chose to hire a full-time winemaker. His selection of Peter Bell in June of 1995 satisfied his desire to engage the most gifted winemaker in the Finger Lakes region. Their shared vision for quality wine production freed Osborn to the task of managing the winery and planning for its future. In 2022, after 27 years Peter retired and he hired Craig Hosbach to take Fox Run on its next journey.
Scott regularly participates in wine judgings, panel discussions, and symposiums dealing with the many challenges of an increasingly sophisticated appellation.
The highly successful working relationship between Scott, Peter/Craig, and Vineyard manager John Kaiser has resulted in spectacular grapes, wines, and successful introductions of State-of-the-Art vineyard practices, keeping Fox Run Vineyards on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking.
On Christmas day of 1998 three days after turning 50 Scott married long time sweetheart Ruth Worden and in 2012 Ruth’s sister Kathy and her husband Albert became partners making Fox Run is a family owned winery.
Scott is constantly working to improve our environmental impact and in 2002 received the Lake Friendly Farm designation from Yates County Soil and Water Conservation. This award is given to farms whose farming practices do not negatively impact the water quality of Seneca Lake. In 2015 he also installed a 151-Kilowatt solar system which provides 100% of the electrical needs for the winery, tasting room and café. In 2020 he planted a 4.5 acre Butterfly and Bee habitat. We have reduced our herbicide and pesticide use and are replacing them with organic and biological sprays that are less impactful on the environment. In 2023 Fox Run received the New York Sustainable designation.
He has been awarded the Jim Finkle Industry award for his contribution to the New York wine industry and Fox Run was awarded the Winery award which is given to a winery that has helped increase the quality and reputation of New York wines. He has been President of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail two times and a founding member and past President of Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. He is a founding member of the New York Wine Policy Institute which was founded in 2009 to represent the Wine Industry to educate legislators in Albany on issues that impact our wineries and vineyards here in New York State. He was elected by his peers in the NY wine industry as the New York representative on the Board of Wine America which is the national advocacy organization for the American Wine Industry in Washington DC. In 2024 he was elected to a two year term to be Chairman of the organization. He has been the Yates County Representative on the Genessee Valley Regional Market Authority since 2014.
Meet Stephen Starowitz
SJ Starowitz Farms & STL Harvest
Genesee County
Stephen currently operates SJ Starowitz Farms and STL Harvest, a grain and vegetable farm located in Byron, NY. From humble beginnings, Stephen began his agricultural operation with 150 acres he purchased in 1977. He began farming full time in 1982 and has grown his farm to operate over 2200 acres throughout Genesee County. He currently grows corn, soy beans, wheat, cabbage and a variety of Chinese cabbage varieties.
In addition to his service on the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, he serves as the President of the North Byron Cemetery Association and the Republican Committee of Byron. Previously, he has served on the NYS Cabbage Research Board, the Byron-Bergen Central School Ag Program Board, Byron Town Board and Farm Service Agency of Genesee County.
He was awarded the Agricultural Business of the Year in 2005 from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and was named the 1986 Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation Farmer of the Year. Beyond his accomplishments in his professional career, Stephen contributes to his community through the Gillam Grant Community Center, the Holy Name Society of St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church in Bergen, the Bergen Swamp Society and is a lifetime member of the South Byron Fire Department.
Stephen resides in Byron with his wife of 46 years, Diane. Together they raised four children, and have 15 grandchildren. His son James currently manages SJ Starowitz Farms alongside Stephen. He also is the co-owner of Black Creek Cidery, a farm-crafted hard cider producer, with his brother Michael Starowitz.
Genesee County
Stephen currently operates SJ Starowitz Farms and STL Harvest, a grain and vegetable farm located in Byron, NY. From humble beginnings, Stephen began his agricultural operation with 150 acres he purchased in 1977. He began farming full time in 1982 and has grown his farm to operate over 2200 acres throughout Genesee County. He currently grows corn, soy beans, wheat, cabbage and a variety of Chinese cabbage varieties.
In addition to his service on the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, he serves as the President of the North Byron Cemetery Association and the Republican Committee of Byron. Previously, he has served on the NYS Cabbage Research Board, the Byron-Bergen Central School Ag Program Board, Byron Town Board and Farm Service Agency of Genesee County.
He was awarded the Agricultural Business of the Year in 2005 from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and was named the 1986 Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation Farmer of the Year. Beyond his accomplishments in his professional career, Stephen contributes to his community through the Gillam Grant Community Center, the Holy Name Society of St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church in Bergen, the Bergen Swamp Society and is a lifetime member of the South Byron Fire Department.
Stephen resides in Byron with his wife of 46 years, Diane. Together they raised four children, and have 15 grandchildren. His son James currently manages SJ Starowitz Farms alongside Stephen. He also is the co-owner of Black Creek Cidery, a farm-crafted hard cider producer, with his brother Michael Starowitz.