Westchester Parks Foundation
Emerging Leaders Council
Our Members
Joseph Graziose (Board of Trustees Liaison)
EVP - Head of Construction & Development, RXR
Joseph Graziose serves as Executive Vice President, Development Services at RXR. RXR is an innovative investor, developer and place-maker committed to applying a customer and community-centered approach to building properties, services, and products that create enduring value for all stakeholders. Headquartered in New York, NY with a national platform strategy, RXR is a 500+ person, vertically integrated operating, and development company with expertise in a wide array of value creation activities, including ground up real estate, infrastructure, and industrial development, uncovering value in underperforming properties, repurposing well-located iconic properties, incorporating cutting edge technologies and value-added lending.
Joseph is an active participant of the Business Council of Westchester and in 2020 was awarded the Council’s Rising Stars 40 under 40 award. He currently serves on the Board of the Westchester Parks Foundation, New Rochelle Business Improvement District and Stamford Downtown Special Service District. Joseph is a native of Glen Cove, NY and received a degree in finance from Boston College where he was a member of the BC Football Team. Joseph and his wife, Anastasia have two children, Joseph, and Avelina.
Dorothy Plechaty (Board of Trustees Liaison)
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Dorothy Plechaty is a marketing and writing professional with 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. In her current role, she writes, edits and project manages content for J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
Outside of work, Dorothy is passionate about sustainability and believes parks play an integral role in a healthy environment! Growing up in Katonah, NY, she attended the Young Farmer’s camp at Muscoot Farm and nature camp at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, and these experiences led her to love and appreciate nature. She enjoys going outside to ski, bike, trail run and hike locally and abroad.
Dorothy received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Connecticut College and spent a semester abroad in New Zealand with the School for International Training. She also has an MBA in marketing and management from the Stern School of Business at NYU, where her coursework included classes on sustainability and business.
Domenick Cocchiara
Social Media & Digital Advertising Manager, Thompson & Bender
Domenick Cocchiara, Social Media and Digital Advertising Manager at Thompson & Bender, brings over a decade of invaluable experience as a dynamic social media and digital advertising manager across non-profit, for-profit, and government sectors. With a strong foundation in branding, social media strategy, and marketing, Domenick has consistently showcased his prowess in amplifying brands, transforming them from modest followings to securing notable national media placements.
His track record includes managing content creation for distinguished entities such as the Archdiocese of New York’s elementary and middle schools, Cross County Center, Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers, Simone Development Companies, and Westchester Medical Center. Notably, Domenick spearheads the Generation Yonkers’ Hollywood on Hudson campaign, significantly enhancing the account’s social media presence and engagement, which has led to widespread national recognition.
Recognized as a standout talent, Domenick has been honored as a Business Council of Westchester "Rising Star," a Westchester Magazine "Wunderkind," and a Westfair Business Journal Millennial & Gen Z honoree, solidifying his reputation as a driving force in the industry.
Martin Santangelo
Foreman, Westchester County Dept. of Parks, Recreation, & Conservation
Martin is currently a Parks Foreman with the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation. A Mount Vernon native, Martin brings his extensive Parks knowledge to the WPF’s Emerging Leaders Council. Since 2008, Martin has worked at and been in charge of the maintenance of 5 different Parks and Recreation Facilities, encompassing the full spectrum of Recreational Activities that the County has to offer. These 5 facilities include the Ice Rink at Rye Playland, 3 different aquatic facilities, including the County’s largest swimming pool, and a full blown convention center in the heart of White Plains, the Westchester County Center. Having traversed the Parks system, Martin brings his deeply unique experience along with a career long commitment, and a lifelong love of the Westchester County Parks system to the WPF’s Emerging Leaders Council.
Kerriann Stout
Founder and CEO, Vinco Prep
Kerriann Stout is the founder and CEO of Vinco Prep, providing clients with 1:1 support for their academic and professional needs. Kerriann is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at several law schools teaching courses on bar prep strategies, legislation and regulation, and immigration law. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Professor of History and Political Science at several colleges and universities, teaching courses about the Constitution, the American presidency, urban politics, and other related courses. Kerriann received her juris doctorate from Pace Law School in 2013 and is working towards the completion of her Ph.D. in Political Science at the CUNY Graduate Center. A life-long Westchester County resident, Kerriann grew up frequenting many of Westchester's parks and is proud to play any small part in supporting their continued existence and accessibility to Westchester County residents.
Lauren Kroell
Program Manager, Sustainable Westchester
Lauren Kroell has been with the WPF's Emerging Leaders Council since October 2023. She has benefitted all her life from access to parks, and hopes to champion their importance as places of learning, refuge, play, and community.
Lauren has long been dedicated to environmental awareness and sustainability – whether it be in her personal, academic, or professional life. She graduated from the University of Toronto in 2022, double majoring in Environmental Studies and International Relations and minoring in Drama. Lauren currently works as a Program Manager in the Building Decarbonization department at Sustainable Westchester, where she advises residents who are interested in upgrading their homes to be more energy- and cost-efficient.
Vanessa Cardoso
Assistant Controller/Office Manager, Thalle Industries
Vanessa Cardoso joined Westchester Parks Foundation in 2023 as an Emerging Leader, bringing a diverse skill set and a passion for community engagement. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance, with a concentration in Accounting, and a dual minor in Marketing and Sociology from Manhattanville College. Vanessa is the Assistant Controller and Office Manager at Thalle Industries' Briarcliff location, where she oversees financial operations and office management functions. In addition to her role at Thalle Industries, she also oversees accounting functions at Dakota Concrete and Dakota Recycling, ensuring seamless financial reporting and administrative coordination across all three companies. With a strong foundation in both business and social sciences, Vanessa is committed to making a positive impact in her work with the Westchester Parks Foundation.
Vanessa’s connection to Westchester Parks runs deep through her volunteer work, as both her brother and cousin are actively involved in the park’s operations. This family involvement has further strengthened her dedication to the community and her passion for supporting local parks. Through volunteering, she not only contributes her time but also deepens her commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural spaces she loves.
Outside of her professional life, she has a deep love for the outdoors, particularly walking around her neighborhood and spending time at Croton Point Park, where she enjoys kayaking and relaxing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, shopping, and decorating.
Matthew Berger
Owners Representative, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Matthew Berger has been working in the Real Estate industry for 12 years, with a background in Residential Portfolio Management, Sales and Development. Trained as a Landscape Architect, Matt is very passionate about conserving open space, and creating beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.
Joe Trumbetti
Project Manager, RXR
Joe joined the Westchester Parks Foundation ELC in August of 2024 and has spent his career in the engineering, construction, and real estate development sectors. He holds BS and MS degrees in civil engineering, is a licensed PE in Florida and New York, and a LEED Accredited Professional. His project experience is a mix of ground-up construction and re-developments of multi-family, retail, commercial office, and industrial/logistics buildings.
Joe lives in Westchester with his wife and son, and in his free time enjoys exercise, golf, and reading. One of his favorite activities is going on family walks in the local parks near his home. Joe’s passion for the built world and the environment stems from the belief that each generation has a moral duty to minimize its environmental impact and responsibly manage resources for future generations.
Greg Maugeri
Senior Project Manager, RXR
A lifelong Westchester County resident and parks enthusiast, Greg joined the Westchester Parks Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Council when it was formed in August of 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Penn State and Master of Science from Columbia University, and has worked in real estate development ever since.
Greg is passionate about increasing access to and awareness of the value the Westchester County Parks system provides. He hopes the Emerging Leaders Council will continue to help ensure residents enjoy a top-tier public parks experience. In his free time, he can be found hiking in the Catskills, skiing everywhere he can, and perfecting his homemade pasta recipe.