Currently serves as Vice President of Operations of Resorts World Catskills, Resorts World Hudson Valley, and Monticello Raceway. Anthony has worked for Empire Resorts for over 20 years, during this time he has worked to open and operate Monticello Casino & Raceway, Resorts World Catskills, The Alder, and most recently Resorts World Hudson Valley in Newburgh NY. 

Anthony has held various leadership positions in Finance, Gaming, Marketing, F&B and Racing prior to becoming a General Manager. Anthony earned his BS degree in Business Administration from SUNY New Paltz as well as an MBA from Mount Saint Mary College.  In addition to his position at Resorts World, Anthony has also been a board member of the Sullivan County Visitors Association for several years.

Matthew is the co-owner of The Catskill Porter with his wife Jennifer, lives, works, and plays in Sullivan County. Their business is built on hosting and curating hospitality and visitor experiences. Matthew describes himself as detail-oriented and future-focused with the goal of helping others to experience and enjoy the natural beauty and community of Sullivan County. Opening their business during the pandemic, The Catskill Porter provides property management services for a portfolio of nearly 75 diverse properties across Sullivan County bringing thousands of visitors to the county year-round. They promote local products and encourage their guests to connect with the local businesses.

Professionally, Matthew has been in the hospitality business for 20+ years serving in various roles. He was a member of the New York City Hotel Association Sustainable Hospitality Committee.  His previous experience includes Food and Beverage Manager at Resorts World Catskills, Monticello; Restaurant Manager at Paramount Country Club, New City, and The Roundout, Beacon; General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton in Newburgh; and Director of Food & Beverage at a newly opened Marriott Hotel, Midtown New York City. Key components of his management style are efficiency and sustainability.

I am honored to be considered. I founded Prohibition Distillery in 2008 and operated in Gardiner NY for four years before proudly choosing Sullivan County our home.  My goal is to make beautiful spirits, grow tourism through craft production, while making a positive impact on the world around us. I started Prohibition after spending a successful 15-year career in the Payroll / HR Industry consulting for market leaders ADP and Paylocity.

Prior to this, I served our country in the US Navy and served 4 honorable years.  I attended the US Naval Academy and graduated with honors from Stony Brook university.  I am married and have a daughter. I love Sullivan County and am committed to driving tourism to the region.  Our 50,000 plus followers on Social media know exactly where we make our home…Sullivan County.

Kent Findley is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning multiple industries. His career has been marked by significant achievements and a commitment to both professional excellence and community involvement.

Kent’s professional journey began in the steel bridge industry, where he enjoyed a successful 25-year tenure throughout the tri-state area. His expertise in this field laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. Following his time in the steel bridge industry, Kent took on the role of Plant Manager for a world-class zinc alloys producer. In this position, he oversaw the production of materials crucial to the die casting, foundry, and steel coating industries.

In addition to his corporate career, Kent founded Winterton Farms while working full-time. After marrying Erika Malmgreen, he handed over the reins of Winterton Farms to her. Under her management, the farm has become a vibrant tourist attraction, specializing in lavender cultivation, vegetable farming, and maple syrup production. The farm offers visitors unique experiences such as:

• Lavender Tours: Guests can explore over two acres of lavender plants.
• Vegetable Harvesting: Seasonal activities include planting and harvesting various vegetables.
• Maple Syrup Production: The farm operates 350 maple taps and features a commercial syrup-making facility.

Winterton Farms also hosts workshops and events that draw visitors seeking authentic agricultural experiences.

Kent has been actively involved in his community as a member of the Mamakating Zoning Board of Appeals for over seven years. More recently, helped to manage the day-to-day operations of Rock Hill Farmers Market.  His commitment to local governance reflects his dedication to enhancing the tourism landscape in his area.

Kent is a proud father of four children ranging from ages 22 to 3. His family includes:

• Kayla (22): A graduate of Penn State University.
• Karson (20): A college student in North Carolina who manages a pizza restaurant and is applying to officer candidate school.
• Josephine (7): Attends Emma C. Chase School.
• Victoria (3): Enrolled at Land of the Little People.

Kent Findley’s career exemplifies a blend of engineering expertise and entrepreneurial spirit within the tourism sector. His contributions to various industry projects and local agriculture underscore his commitment to enhancing visitor experiences while fostering community growth.

Sims is the Executive committee member of the SCVA.

Sims Foster is James Beard Award nominated restaurateur and hotelier with deep expertise in the restaurant, bar and nightlife fields. He is a Co-Founder, along with his wife and partner Kirsten Harlow Foster, of Foster Supply Hospitality. Foster Supply Hospitality operates five hotels and a total of 6 restaurants in the Catskill Mountains, with even more under development in the region.

Foster Supply Hospitality’s current portfolio is comprised of The Arnold House (Livingston Manor, NY), Hemlock (Neversink, NY), Nine River Road (Callicoon, NY), The DeBruce (Livingston Manor, NY), Bittersweet (Neversink, NY), Piccolo Paese (Liberty, NY) and Kenoza Hall (Kenoza Lake, NY.)  These hotels and restaurants have quickly helped define the renaissance of the Catskill area. This area is dear to Sims as it is where he was born and raised, and where his family has resided for generations.

In 2018 Sims’ hotel and restaurant, The DeBruce, was named as one of the world’s best new hotels by Conde Nast Traveler and also was the #6 pick by Esquire magazine on their Best New Restaurants in America.  Both nods are highly coveted by all in the hospitality industry and rarely, if ever, does one property earn both awards.

Prior to launching Foster Supply Hospitality, Sims spent two decades working in national and global hospitality and restaurant operations and development.  As Senior Vice President at Commune Hotels and Resorts, Vice President at Denihan Hospitality, Director of Operations of Country, and General Manager of the legendary NYC nightlife venue Lotus, he successfully partnered with the likes of Geoffrey Zakarian, Marcus Samuelsson, David Burke, Art Smith, EMM Group, David Rabin, Michele Bernstein, Spike Mendelsohn, Paul Kahan, Donnie Madia, Dale Talde, Enrique Olvera, Serge Becker and many others in places like New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, London, Playa Del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco, and Seattle.  He has partnered to open more than 30+ restaurant and bar concepts in his career and at Commune was overseeing more than $200M in annual revenue through all outlets.

Starting as a dishwasher at age 14 in a building Foster Supply Hospitality now owns in Livingston Manor, Sims came up working his way through kitchens, front of house service positions and ultimately through the New York City hospitality and nightlife industry.  A seasoned operator at all levels as well as savvy marketer, Sims learned his business the old fashioned way, long hours and persistent dedication to learning at every step.

Sims has a degree in music performance and is as happy in the world’s finest restaurants as he is on his tractor in the Catskills where he resides with Kirsten and their two children Maximillian and Bobbie Rose.  Bobbie is named after Sims’ paternal grandmother who was a beautician on Main Street, Livingston Manor for more than 40 years.

Trevonne Gilliard is a dedicated advocate for Sullivan County and a passionate entrepreneur. With deep roots in the community, Trevonne has a long-standing history in the Catskills, having grown up here and raised a family. Her intimate understanding of the area’s culture, economy, and challenges provides invaluable insights into the region. Trevonne’s entrepreneurial spirit has led to the successful establishment of multiple businesses in Sullivan County. As the owner of A2B Taxi, a MWBE NY State Certified transportation company, and Four 5 Three Broadway LLC (DBA, Escape 2 The Catskills), a STR company in the hospitality industry, she has demonstrated her ability to contribute to the local economy, think outside of the box, and create opportunities for others. Her businesses have not only provided employment and services to the community but have also helped to revitalize the local economy.

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Trevonne is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She has volunteered with various local support agencies and served on multiple boards, showcasing her passion for making a positive impact. Her involvement demonstrates her willingness to be an advocate for local residents and small businesses, and her dedication to the well-being of the community. Trevonne is passionate about the ongoing resurgence of the region and is eager to play a role in its continued growth and development. Her dedication, coupled with her experience and entrepreneurial spirit, make her a valuable asset to the SCVA. Trevonne’s commitment to Sullivan County and her ability to drive positive change make her a strong candidate.

Alma is a dedicated and inspiring leader currently serving as the Director of Business Development at Frost Valley YMCA, a renowned nonprofit organization known for fostering community development and personal growth through outdoor education and experiential learning. Alma has played a pivotal role in shaping new revenue streams to foster growth at Frost Valley YMCA through asset reutilization, outreach to new groups and new program opportunities.

Alma D. Gonzalez is a dynamic entrepreneur and passionate advocate for small business development. With several decades of experience in helping individuals and communities bring their business ideas to life, she has established herself as a trusted figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Alma’s journey into business development began in her early career when she recognized a gap in accessible resources for small business owners, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women, minorities, and immigrants. This realization fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact by equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed.

Alma’s educational background is grounded in business administration, and she holds an MBA with a specialization in entrepreneurship. Her academic training, combined with her hands-on experience, has made her a versatile leader capable of understanding both the theoretical and practical aspects of launching and sustaining small businesses. She is known for her ability to break down complex business concepts into actionable steps, which makes her an effective coach and mentor for new and seasoned business owners alike.  In 2023, Alma became a SCORE certified mentor and serves as a startup specialist helping new startups navigate the formation process.

Throughout her career, Alma has worked with a wide array of clients, from local mom-and-pop shops to budding tech startups. She has served in multiple capacities, including as a business consultant, mentor, and speaker. One of her primary areas of expertise is helping businesses develop strong, sustainable business models and marketing strategies tailored to their unique audiences. Alma’s clients benefit from her keen understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and the importance of building a strong brand identity.

Alma’s commitment to small business development extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is also an active community leader, volunteering her time to support local economic initiatives and advocate for policies that promote small business growth. Her belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship drives her involvement in nonprofit organizations that focus on business education and economic empowerment.  Alma currently is in the leadership at Blooming Grove Chamber of Commerce, VFW Auxiliary ad Toastmasters as well as Leadership Ulster.

As the founder of her own consulting firm, Alma continues to lead by example, using her platform to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her goal is to create a ripple effect—helping small businesses thrive so that they, in turn, can contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. Through her unwavering dedication to empowering small businesses, Alma D. Gonzalez has become a champion of entrepreneurship and a catalyst for sustainable growth.

Tanya serves on the Executive Board of the SCVA as Treasurer. She graduated from the University of Scranton and started at Jeff Bank after graduation. She has held various positions such as Branch Manager, Loan Department Head, Senior Loan Officer and is currently Chief Lending Officer at Jeff Bank.  Not only does Tanya oversee their loan portfolio, but she also does a significant amount of training for the up-and-coming lenders.  She is a member of the Executive Management Team and has been with the bank for 30+ years. 

Tanya grew up in Sullivan County on a dairy farm located in Jeffersonville.  She loves agriculture and learned at very young age of the difficulties facing the industry.  Tanya and her husband, Andy, took over the maintenance of her family’s farm after her father passed.  Andy and our son Michael continues its operation today where they raise cattle, pigs, sheep, laying hens and turkeys. Hilly Acres Farm is a vibrant asset to the Sullivan Catskills’ agriculture/agritourism community.

It would be an honor and a privilege to serve as a member of the SCVA Board of Directors. I spent my summers as a kid growing up in the incredible Catskill Mountains with my family.  That began my journey into my love of this amazing area.  Rather than just short visits we bought a home in Narrowsburg in 2006 and then in 2021 bought another home in Callicoon that we began running as a successful Short-Term Rental.  Developed a “Welcome Book” to support “all” of the neighboring businesses and attractions so the guests get just as excited about the area as we do.  I was able to compile this book through networking with so many great businesses and companies in the Catskills through the SCVA and the incredible resources they have for the area.

My background has been in science and STEM education, where I was a science and STEM teacher and an Assistant Principal for six years at a middle school in Elmhurst, Queens, with over 1600 students and, I moved to central headquarters in NYC, oversaw elementary school science in NYC.  Being in this career is all about “customer service”- coming up with new creative ideas and working with parents, colleagues, and students.  Besides being an educator, I also ran a Sports Resort called Club Getaway in Kent, CT, for over 30 years during the summers- another customer service venue where creativity and new ideas for the guests and staff are always needed.

For the past two years, I have been the Secretary of the Callicoon Business Association (CBA) – assisted in developing many new ideas to bring into Callicoon and constantly assisting in all the great events that Callicoon has. 

The Catskills are booming again since COVID and we need to continue this path!  With my background in education, being a manager of a Sports Resort, owning and managing a successful Airbnb for the past 3 years, and being part of the Board of Directors of the CBA, I  believe I have all the skills and can give many new creative ideas on how we can continue to push the Catskills into the future to get more visitors and attract them to this great area of New York.

Thank you for your vote!

Rick is on the Executive Board of the S.C. Visitor’s Association and owner of Lander’s River Trips, an outdoor recreational company, with seven river locations, including three campgrounds. Past Chairman of the Board of the Catskill Regional Medical Center – Harris and Grover M. Hermann in Callicoon, past Supervisor for the Town of Tusten; past board member of Sullivan West school for 14 year. Rick has been with the Narrowsburg Fire department for 40 years and the Tutson EMS for 32 years.  He is married with four children and two grandchildren.

With a track record of working in economic growth and fostering community development, I am eager to contribute my skills to the Sullivan Catskills Visitor Association Board.

As the Workforce Development Director at SUNY Sullivan, I am currently focused on aligning education and industry needs, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the region. Prior to this role, I served as President and CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, where I collaborated closely with the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association on a myriad of projects and volunteered for major events like the 50th Woodstock Anniversary and Catskills Cuisine.

My experience extends beyond Sullivan County. As Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Park County, Wyoming, I spearheaded agritourism initiatives in Powell, WY, partnering with state and local tourism boards, and participated in Yellowstone Park and State of Wyoming Tourism initiatives.

My passion for tourism, coupled with my understanding of economic development strategies, make me a strong candidate for this board position. I am committed to working collaboratively with other board members to promote the Sullivan Catskills as a vibrant destination for visitors and residents alike.

Meg Sullivan is a leadership and business development trailblazer, sociopreneur and catalyst for change. She has spent her career helping organizations develop and deliver client relationship building programs, at the same time broadening their global visibility. Meg is the co-owner and Managing Partner of the Blue Fox Motel, a hospitality business located in Narrowsburg, N.Y., that she and her life partner launched in 2020 after three years of renovation and development. She is also the founder and CEO of Quorum Initiative, an international organization that was established in 2011 and focuses on accelerating the advancement of executive women to create greater equity in business and society. In 2019, Meg won the Financial Times’ Innovative Lawyer Legal Intrapreneur of the Year award and is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s First-Mover Fellowship program that focuses on the development of corporate social intrapreneurs.

For 18 years, she was responsible for strategy, growth, and innovation in legal services as the Chief Business Development, Marketing and CSR Officer at Paul Hastings, an international law firm. Meg oversaw business and client development programs, public relations, brand management and communications that promoted the firm’s international reach and commitment to client service. She also led the DEI and Corporate Responsibility efforts of the firm. Before joining Paul Hastings, Meg was based in Europe for ten years where she was the Director of Marketing for the EMEIA region at Andersen, the big 5 accounting firm. In addition, she held director positions in business development, marketing and export for a major French clothing manufacturer, the largest French shoe manufacturer and an American venture capital firm that was acquiring assets in Europe. Meg is a board member of the SUNY Sullivan Foundation that assists students financially through scholarship opportunities and participates on the finance committee. She is also an advisory council member for Child HELP Partnership, an organization that focuses on therapeutic treatments for children that have experienced trauma.

Additionally, she served on the steering committee for The Aspen Institute Socrates Program. Meg and her partner, Jorge, have owned a home in Sullivan County for over ten years. She moved up to the area full time from New York City in early 2020 to dedicate herself to the growth and development of the Blue Fox Motel. She believes that the hospitality industry in Sullivan County has amazing things to offer to both the locals and visitors alike and looks forward to continuing to be an active participant in ensuring the area and its businesses flourish.