Who We Are

Board of Directors

ACAF's Board Members represent a variety of Allegany County communities and occupations. The board meets monthly, September through June.

Allegany County Area Foundation Board of Directors | June 2024

Rodney K. Bennett

Short Tract, NY - Rod served as ACAF's Board President from February of 2021 through June 2025. A Cornell University graduate, he recently retired from a long and successful career in dairy farming. Rod has served as an Allegany County legislator and enjoys hunting and archery. He serves on the board of the Fillmore Wide Awake Club Library.

Kate Elliott

Wellsville, NY - Kate is a senior staff member at the David A. Howe Public Library in Wellsville. Previously, she worked in higher education and international development. Kate is also an artist and involved in various aspects of community organizing. She earned her B.A. from Houghton College.

Carrie Flanagan-Watson

Belmont, NY – Carrie is a science teacher at Belfast Central School. She also serves as a board member for the Town of Ward.

John Flurschutz

Finance & Investments Committee Chair

Wellsville, NY - John is retired from Dresser-Rand, where he spent his career in accounting and management roles. He holds degrees from SUNY Alfred, Alfred University and an MBA from St. Bonaventure University. John has held leadership roles with several not-for-profit organizations. He joined the ACAF board in November 2024 and will serve as VP for Finance and Investments.

Leslie Haggstrom

Grant Committee Chair

Angelica, NY - Leslie grew up in Brockport and ‘married into Angelica.’ She is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo and University of Buffalo School of Law. She retired as a county attorney in 2016 but recently has been serving the county DSS on a part-time basis. Leslie has been a part of ACAF since its founding, including a stint as board president. Leslie is very involved in the United Methodist Church, and manages Angelica Community Angels, a community group that provides food, hygiene supplies, and baby items to those in need.

Julie Hall

Fillmore, NY - Julie is a senior regional manager for Community Bank, NA, overseeing the activities of several branches. She is very involved in the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department.

Brooke Harris

Alfred, NY - Brooke currently serves as Chair of the Allegany County Board of Legislators. His other appointments include Vice-Chair of the National Association of Counties Rural Development Sub-Committee, and the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. Brooke's community service has included Boy Scouts of America, National Ski Patrol, BOCES Academic All-Stars, and the Alfred-Almond Board of Education.

Carolyn J. Miller

Development Committee Chair

Scio, NY - Retired from a career working for the New York Court system, Carolyn pursues various interests. She has been involved in ACAF since its founding and is a past-president of the board. She is also very involved with the Scio Library. Carolyn serves on the Scholarship Committee. She is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia.

Jon Morris

Board President

Cuba, NY – A long-time teacher and school administrator, Jon works as Director of EPPC for St. Bonaventure University (SBU), helping students and graduates with teacher certification. Jon’s community involvements have included Literacy West and Cuba Friends of Architecture. He has a master’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and a school administration credential from SBU.

Jasmine Shephard

Caneadea, NY - Jasmine earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University and master’s degree from Acadia University. She is a special education teacher for Belfast Central School, where she is very involved with students and school activities.

Dawn A. Wildrick-Cole

Scholarship Committe Chair

Almond, NY – Dawn is a graduate of Cuba Central School, Smith College, and Indiana University School of Law. She serves as principal attorney for Allegany County Courts. Dawn’s community involvements include the Allegany Bar Association, Almond Town Board (former town supervisor), St. Jude’s Parish, and the Almond Historical Society.

Lois Whitney

Bolivar, NY – Lois is retired from a long career in nursing spent with Jones Memorial Hospital.

Karen Williams

Fillmore, NY - Karen and her husband Herb operate the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home in Fillmore. She rejoined the board in the spring of 2012 after having served previously. Karen grew up in Friendship, NY.