Our Team

About Jeff: Jeff, a Registered Architect in New York State, has 17 years of professional design experience. Working at in ARCHITECTS, LLC he focuses his practice on healthcare design and works in commercial markets as well. Jeff has a passion for creating unique environments for people at all stages of their lives. When he is not practicing architecture, he enjoys spending his time working with community organizations and has served on many boards across Central New York and the State. Jeff is excited to serve as the current President of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity.

About Ann: Ann Fordock is 1st Deputy Commissioner at the City of Syracuse Department of Public Works. She has nearly 20 years of solid waste experience from her time at the city and working at OCRRA as Recycling Specialist and Recycling Operations Manager. Ann graduated from SUNY ESF and currently resides in Syracuse.

About Robert: Robert (Bob) Padula is the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Empower Federal Credit Union. In this role Bob he is committed to addressing the affordable housing challenges in Central New York. His efforts include the creation of affordable mortgage products geared towards low-to-moderate-income first-time homebuyers.

About James: James Zino is a New York State licensed attorney, and Associate General Counsel at SRC, Inc. James has over a decade of legal experience with a focus in not-for-profit law, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. As a Syracuse native, he is privileged to support Habitat’s incredible mission of building homes and hope in his local community.

About Courtney: Courtney Gauthier is a mortgage loan officer and a Town of Clay councilor with a strong commitment to serving her community. She currently serves on the board of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity and Erins Angels as well as volunteers with Blueprint15, providing homeownership education to local families. Courtney is passionate about creating opportunities, strengthening neighborhoods and helping individuals and families build a brighter future.

About Justin: Justin Techmanski is a Research Administrator with The Research Foundation for SUNY, where he partners with faculty and institutional leadership to advance sponsored research initiatives and ensure effective financial and regulatory oversight. He brings expertise in research administration, contract and agreement negotiation, compliance, and management of multi-million-dollar budgets. Justin’s broader higher education experience includes academic advising, organizational leadership, committee service, and strategic initiatives focused on organizational effectiveness and engagement. He holds an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Administration. Outside of his professional and board commitments, Justin enjoys spending time with his family and his dog.

About Michael: Michael D’Arrigo is a Syracuse-area real estate developer and home builder with a background in technology and corporate real estate. Born and raised in Syracuse, Michael works alongside local developers, municipalities, and community leaders to help address the region’s housing needs by creating new homes and rental communities that support Central New York’s continued growth. Michael brings his experience in housing and development to the Habitat for Humanity board and shares the organization’s commitment to expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing in our community. Michael is married with two school-aged sons and, outside of work, he coaches Little League, enjoys outdoor activities, and is an active local performing musician.

About Indu: Dr. Indu Gupta is a physician, public health expert, and the former Onondaga County Health Commissioner. A staunch advocate for health equity, she is particularly focused on various determinants of health, especially housing. Dr. Gupta brings extensive experience in public policy and community engagement to her leadership roles. In addition to this, she is an elected DeWitt Town Councilor and serves on several local community boards, including Syracuse Habitat for Humanity.

About Tamika: As a proud homeowner through Syracuse Habitat for Humanity, I have experienced firsthand the life-changing impact of affordable homeownership. For the past 20 years, I have worked at ACCES-VR, part of the New York State Education Department, helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment. In my current role, I oversee finance operations for three offices across Upstate New York. I am honored to continue my relationship with Habitat, first as a homeowner, and now as a member of the Board of Directors. I am committed to supporting the organization's mission of expanding homeownership opportunities and empowering underserved and marginalized individuals and families in our community.

About Lisa: A seasoned financial professional with CPA and CMA credentials, Lisa Cornish contributes strategic insight and governance experience to the Syracuse Habitat for Humanity board. She is committed to advancing Habitat’s mission and fostering long‑term stability for the organization and the communities it serves.

About Colby: Colby Cyrus is a Program Officer at the Central New York Community Foundation, where he manages responsive grant making and capacity building programs. Syracuse has been Colby’s home since 2018 when he moved to the area for graduate school at Syracuse University.