INNOVATE EDUCATE AND LEAD THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS EDUCATION

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Meet the Board

	President Mindy McCarthy is a passionate educator and 30+ year veteran teacher at Henninger High School in Syracuse NY. As a dedicated DECA advisor, she has mentored countless students in developing leadership, business, and marketing skills. Beyond the classroom, Mindy serves on both the NYSACTE and ACTE Business and Marketing Policy Boards, where she advocates for strong career and technical education programs at the state and national levels. When she’s not in the classroom or attending board meetings, Mindy enjoys archery, hiking, and spending quality time with her three beloved grandchildren. Her commitment to education, student success, and lifelong learning continues to inspire all who work with her.
	Treasurer Rami Joudah is a Business & Marketing Teacher at East Meadow High School. His teaching journey began in 2018, building upon extensive professional experience from 1991 to 2018 that encompassed owning and operating multiple businesses and working within corporate structures. At East Meadow, Rami is the 12th Grade NAF Academy of Finance Advisor, a dedicated Virtual Enterprise Teacher, and a former DECA advisor, leveraging his practical background to inspire the next generation of business leaders. He holds a BS in Economics from St. John's University and an MSEd in Business and Marketing from Hofstra University.
	Director of Communications and Social Media Lisa Svara is a business educator at Nanuet Senior High School, where she has taught for the past 10 years and served as the school's DECA advisor. She is an active member of the New York DECA community, contributing to the planning of statewide conferences, and has served on the board of the Business Teachers Association of New York State (BTANYS) for the last four years. Recognized as a Distinguished Educator by Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF), Lisa is deeply committed to promoting financial literacy and preparing students for real-world success. Before entering education, Lisa worked in human resources and data analysis for a pharmaceutical company and also owned and operated a photography business. She holds an MBA from the University at Albany and is currently pursuing an MS in Finance from William Paterson University. Lisa is also a proud mom of three and the owner of a spirited dog.
	Director of the Business Marketing Honor Society and Awards Chairperson Scott Lieberman is a business educator at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School, where he teaches courses in marketing, hospitality and tourism, Microsoft Office, financial literacy, and internship. He is also a CTE coordinator for the district and is known for bringing real-world relevance to the classroom through project-based learning and a student-centered approach. Mr. Lieberman is an active member of many New York State organizations and is committed to preparing students with the skills they need for success in college, careers, and beyond.
	Director of Website Communications Susan Schnaufer is a dedicated educator specializing in business education, instructional technology, and STEAM. Currently, she is serving as a Business Teacher at Salamanca City Central School District, where she teaches a range of business courses, including college-level instruction through partnerships with ECC and JCC, and coordinates STEAM-related programming and teacher technology support. She holds a Master of Arts in Education (Distance and Adult Education) from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Communications/Media with a minor in Business Administration from Fredonia State College (1987), and a Teaching Certification in Business/Distributive Education from Buffalo State College (1991). Prior to her current role, she served for six years as a Technology Instructional Coach at Salamanca, providing district-wide training and leadership in educational technology integration. She was also a Computer Lab Teacher and District Technology Integrator at Eden Central Schools for nearly a decade, where she developed K–6 technology curricula, led district staff development initiatives, managed educational platforms, and coordinated student enrichment programs such as musicals, clubs, and career days. Passionate about lifelong learning and technology-enhanced instruction, Susan has continually supported both educators and students in navigating digital tools, enriching curriculum, and preparing for college and career success. Her work reflects a deep commitment to educational innovation, student achievement, and collaborative professional growth.
	Director of Business Education Policy and Advocacy Gina Farrell is a business educator at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School, where she serves as a Business Teacher, Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator. With an MBA in Health Care Administration from CUNY Baruch/Mount Sinai, she brings industry experience and a passion for teaching to her roles. Gina develops career pathways, builds industry partnerships, and creates hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for future success. She also serves on the board of the Long Island Business Teachers’ Association and was named Outstanding WBL Coordinator by the NYS Career Readiness Educators Association in 2022.
	Western NY Regional Director Katie Estes is the Western NY Regional Director for BTANYS and a dedicated business educator entering her ninth year at Canandaigua Academy and thirteenth year overall. Prior to teaching, she worked in marketing and corporate training, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. She was honored with the 2024 Clinton A. Reed Award for Outstanding Business Educator and recognized as a 2025 NGPF Distinguished Educator. As a DECA advisor for the past four years, Katie is passionate about equipping students with practical, real-world skills to help them thrive as adults. She lives in Western New York with her husband and two young children.
	Central NY Regional Director Susan D’Angelo is a passionate and dynamic business educator at Penn Yan Academy High School in Canandaigua, NY, where she’s been shaping young minds for three years. In addition to teaching Business, she is co-advisor to the Culinary Club, serves as the Lead Advisor for the Class of 2028, and supports the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) as its advisor. Susan also plays a key role as the Social Media Coordinator for the district and lends her expertise as a board member for the Business Teacher Association of New York State (BTANYS). Before entering education, Susan honed her skills in Boston, gaining valuable experience in e-commerce, human resources, and retail—insights she now brings to the classroom. She earned her BS in Marketing & Management from Siena College, followed by an MBA from Boston College. Committed to continuous growth, she also completed an advanced graduate certificate in Organizational Learning & Development from Suffolk University. Originally from Central New York, Susan is deeply rooted in the community and currently enjoys living in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Her dedication to student development, both inside and outside the classroom, underscores her commitment to preparing young adults for success in business and life.
	Hudson Valley NY Regional Director Mariana Pavic is a dedicated business educator who has taught at Ossining High School for 4 years and served as a DECA advisor and VITA coordinator for the past two years. She has been an active member of the Business Teachers Association of New York State (BTANYS) for 4 years and was honored with the Marsha W. Iverson New Business Educator Award in 2023-2024. Before entering education, Mariana built a diverse professional background in advertising, construction management and insurance auditing. She holds an MS in Education from Buffalo State University and is currently pursuing an MS in Finance from William Paterson University, further enhancing her ability to promote financial literacy and business education.
	Long Island NY Regional Director Damacus Lee. Business has always been my passion—and so has youth development. A native of Brooklyn I attended Hofstra University, New York Theological Seminary, and Empire College. I began my career on Wall Street with my fraternity brothers, where I owned both a brokerage firm and a real estate company. But over the years, I discovered that my true calling was in mentoring and teaching. With over 20 years of experience as a successful youth football coach, I later transitioned into education through substitute teaching. I quickly realized how much I valued daily student engagement and the ability to continue running my business with my wife. Today, I proudly serve as a business teacher, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world insight. I live in Nassau County, and I'm the proud father of a talented NYU graduate and content creator. At my core, I believe in faith, family, hard work—and my favorite motto: Life is Good.
	Michael LaMastra, PhD serves as the New York State Education Department Liaison to the Business Teachers’ Association of New York State (BTANYS) board. He is an Associate in Instructional Services for Business and Marketing Education at the New York State Education Department. He oversees the federal career clusters of marketing and sales, management and entrepreneurship, and financial services in addition to providing support for middle level CTE programs and work-based learning experiences. Prior to his work with the department, he was a business and marketing teacher in several schools throughout the Capital Region of New York. Michael holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University at Albany in Educational Policy and Leadership. In addition, he also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration as well as a Master of Science in Education from SUNY Oswego.