Meet Our Board

We are a dedicated team of individuals who are passionate about supporting first responders during times of personal crisis. NYHF is an entirely volunteer-led organization with a board made up of members from diverse backgrounds who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our organization.

Our board members are deeply committed to our mission of providing financial assistance to first responders who are facing unexpected personal challenges. We understand the incredible sacrifices that first responders make every day to keep our communities safe, and we believe that they deserve our support when they are in need.

Each member of our board brings unique skills and experience to our organization. From financial experts to community leaders, we have a diverse group of individuals who are dedicated to ensuring that our nonprofit is effective and efficient in its mission. We work tirelessly to ensure that every dollar donated to our organization goes directly to supporting first responders in crisis.

We are proud to be part of an organization that is making a real difference in the lives of first responders and their families. Our board is committed to ensuring that our nonprofit continues to grow and thrive so that we can provide even more support to those who need it most.

 

Board Members

Jeff Kayser

President

Jeffrey Kayser is the President of the NYHF and is one of the three founding Charter Members of the Board. With a distinguished career spanning 32 years, Jeffrey retired as an Investigator from the New York State Police. He holds the unique distinction of being the only member to serve as an Executive Officer on both police labor union Boards representing sworn members of the NY State Police.

 

From 2001 to 2004, Jeffrey served as the Executive Secretary and Troops G & H Delegate for the NY State Troopers PBA, Secretary/Treasurer of the NY State Police Investigators Association, and President of the union. Over the years, Jeffrey has been involved in several hundred charitable grant disbursements, witnessing firsthand the transformative assistance provided by the organization to first responders and their families during their most challenging moments.

 

Beyond his role on the Board of Directors, Jeffrey is an active member of a volunteer fire department in Colonie, New York, where he currently serves as the Chief of the Department. Public service has been a lifelong passion for him, and supporting his fellow first responders during their time of need has been a personal commitment spanning many years.

Robert Klinkman

Vice President

Robert F. Klinkman serves as the Vice-President of the organization, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to public service. Growing up in Buffalo, Robert’s father’s lifelong membership in the Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Department inspired his interest in serving the community. In 1986, he joined the New York State Police, embarking on a dedicated career that spanned over 32 years until his retirement in 2019 as a Major Crimes Investigator.

 

Throughout his career, Robert received several citations, reflecting his exceptional dedication and contributions. Concurrently, he served as a Board Member of the New York State Police Investigators Association, acting as a liaison between the association and the organization. Initially joining as a trustee, he steadily advanced to become a Board member.

 

One of Robert’s greatest joys is being able to assist First Responder families during their times of need. He understands the profound impact that such crises can have on their lives and aims to alleviate their worries through the organization’s support. Outside of his professional endeavors, Robert finds fulfillment in coaching youth sports and attending his grandchildren’s activities. After dedicating over three decades to public service, his desire to help others remains as strong as ever, and he continues to channel his passion into making a positive difference in the lives of those in need.

Bill Wasserbach

Secretary

Bill Wasserbach is a dedicated member of the Hero’s Fund Board of Directors, currently serving as Secretary on the Executive Board. With over 25 years of experience as the President of Norvest Financial Services, Inc., Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in providing insurance products and services to employees and members within the public entity sectors throughout New York State.

 

As one of the original board members without a law enforcement background, Bill believes he can contribute to the goals of the Hero’s Fund by offering helpful perspectives with respect to promotion and fund-raising efforts on behalf of the first responders and their families. He has gained appreciation and respect for those who spend their careers protecting and providing for the health and safety of the citizens they serve and wanted to find a way to give back. The Hero’s Fund provided the perfect avenue for him to do that.

 

For Bill, it is especially important to know that the resources are directed directly to those who fell in hardship in their time of need in a very timely and interpersonal way. He is committed to continuing to raise awareness and resources to help a greater number of those in need that selflessly help us every day.

Jim Gaunay

Treasurer

Jim Gaunay has been actively involved with the New York Hero’s Fund since its establishment in 2011. Since 2016, he has served on the Board of Directors and currently holds the position of Treasurer. Jim has played a pivotal role in the organization’s fundraising efforts, ensuring the continuity of their mission to support those in need.

 

In 1988, Jim began his distinguished career in public service by joining the New York State Police, where he dedicated 31 years of his life and retired as an Investigator. It was during his time with the police force that he became closely connected with the New York Hero’s Fund. Witnessing the aftermath of the 9/11 events, where countless first responders selflessly deployed to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and subsequently faced illnesses, line-of-duty deaths, and personal tragedies on a daily basis, Jim recognized the importance of getting involved with an organization that could provide assistance to these individuals.

 

Having personally experienced and overcome cancer as a 9/11 survivor, Jim holds a deep personal connection to those in need. Being part of an organization that offers financial support to first responders during their times of hardship fills him with immense pride.

Thomas DiNovo

Director & Legal Counsel

Tom, a shareholder at O’Connell and Aronowitz, P.C., is an accomplished attorney with over 35 years of experience. He has been recognized for his legal expertise and ethical standards, being named to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers list and receiving an “AV-Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

 

Passionate about giving back to the community, Tom serves as a board member of the New York Heroes Fund, providing assistance to first responders in need. He also volunteers as a Certified New York State Emergency Medical Technician and has served as a volunteer firefighter and line officer in a local fire department.

 

Beyond his legal and community work, Tom is a member of the Board of Trustees at Christian Brothers Academy and actively participates in driver safety programs, educating high school students about the dangers of distracted driving through the Casey Feldman Foundation and EndDD.org. His dedication to promoting road safety has reached over 15,000 students, aiming to keep them safe on the road.

Billy Conway

Director

Billy Conway serves as a Trustee on the New York Hero’s Fund Board, bringing valuable expertise and a strong commitment to supporting first responders. With approximately 20 years of experience as a Commodities Trader, specializing in grain and feed products, Billy brings a unique perspective to the board.

 

In addition to his involvement with the New York Hero’s Fund, Billy serves as a board member for the New York Chapter of Folds of Honor. His dedication to helping both first responders and the military has been a lifelong passion for him and his family. They are deeply committed to giving back as much as possible, recognizing the sacrifices made by these courageous individuals.

 

Billy’s extensive experience in commodities trading, combined with his genuine desire to make a difference, makes him a valuable asset to the New York Hero’s Fund Board. He is driven by a strong sense of compassion and a sincere dedication to supporting those who serve our communities and protect our nation.

Abe Friedman

Director

Coming Soon…

Tom O’Connor

Director

Tom O’Connor is a director on the NYHF board and the founder and managing partner at Mohawk Insurance Services. He currently serves as the President of the NY Chapter of Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen or disabled service members.

 

In addition to his role with Folds of Honor, Tom serves as a Trustee on the board of St. Gregory’s School, and is an active board member of the Special Operator Transition Foundation (SOTF), an organization focused on supporting the transition and reintegration of special operations veterans into civilian life.

 

Tom resides with his wife Avery and their four children in Slingerlands, NY. Together, they embrace a shared commitment to positively impacting their community and beyond. 

John O’Keefe

Director

John O’Keefe is a retired Senior Investigator from the State Police, boasting an illustrious career in law enforcement. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the New York State Police Investigators Association, being the first elected delegate for Troop NYC. Demonstrating his leadership abilities, John went on to serve as the Vice President of the association, advocating for the rights and welfare of investigators throughout the state.

 

Throughout his career, John also held significant positions as a Group Supervisor in the NYC Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Organized Crime Strike Force. His expertise and dedication in combating drug-related crimes and organized criminal activities have made a lasting impact on the community and law enforcement efforts.

 

With his extensive experience and invaluable contributions to law enforcement, John brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to his current endeavors. While retired from active service, he continues to support and make a difference in the field.

Todd Silaika

Director

Coming Soon…

Sue Anson

Trustee

Coming Soon…

James Coker

Trustee

Coming Soon…

Mark Dembrow

Trustee

Coming Soon…

George Schupp

Trustee

George Schupp serves as a Trustee on the board, bringing decades of experience as a managing partner at Schupp’s Line Construction, Inc., a family-run business established by his father in 1962 that specializes in utility infrastructure contracting, with a focus on the telecommunication and electrical markets.

 

George and his family actively contribute to numerous local organizations including South Colonie Youth baseball, basketball, softball, and Pop Warner Football. Additionally, they contribute to local Boy Scouts of America, Where Angels Play Foundation, and cheerleading. Their philanthropic efforts extend to supporting local and state fire and police organizations, as well as military and veteran affairs fundraisers. George remains actively engaged in industry associations, including the NECA (National Electrical Contracting Association) and NESCA (Northeast Subcontractors Association).

 

Witnessing the dangers present in his job sites, roads, and interstates on a daily basis, George deeply appreciates the tremendous sacrifices made by first responders. He believes that these heroes deserve more recognition for the risks they undertake, and he is committed to supporting and honoring their efforts through his involvement with the organization. Outside of his professional and philanthropic pursuits, George finds joy in spending time with his son, as well as three step-sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Rosanne Toohey

Trustee

Rosanne Toohey has a background in the insurance industry and customer service experience. For the past 15 years, she has been working for Norvest Financial Services as a Select Account Manager. Prior to this, Rosanne held positions in Human Resources within 2 Community Hospitals and a major health insurance carrier, gaining valuable insights into the healthcare industry.

 

What Rosanne enjoys the most is the human connection that comes with customer service. She finds it rewarding to face daily challenges and make a difference. For her, the Hero’s Fund is an extension of the customer service experience. She appreciates how the organization steps up to help families going through tough times and gives back to the first responders’ families through scholarships for their members. Being part of an organization that supports those who give so much every day is truly special to Rosanne.

 

Having the opportunity to contribute to the Hero’s Fund and witness its positive impact on individuals and their families aligns perfectly with Rosanne’s core values of compassion and service. It allows her to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and she feels privileged to be part of such a remarkable organization.Rosanne Toohey

NY Hero's Fund