Board of Directors
Kathy Diamond is the current president and has been on the board for 25 years. Kathy grew up in Jefferson and has lived in Cobleskill, NY for her adult life, a Schoharie County native she is. Kathy is a personal baker for Key Bank in Cobleskill. Her favorite hobbies include family and friends. She loves the beach, and will travel any place her kids are.· Kathy is a proud Mom to 2 adult children, however her favorite new title is Nana. Kathy is beyond grateful for the support that MFABL receives each year, with the goal of helping any/all Schoharie County cancer patients. “This organization has its own heart-beat, I could not be prouder to be a part of such goodness.”
Mia Stella: I joined the MFABL in 2007. It has been the most fulfilling thing I have done second only to watching my kids grow. Being part of an organization who sole purpose is to help our neighbors fighting cancer is amazing. I especially love that when called upon our little community comes together to help us accomplish·our goal of helping others. Thank you for the many years of fun.
Kim Law, Treasurer, has been involved with the Marathon for a Better Life since the organizations inception in 1996. She joined the Board due to her passion for the mission of helping those who face the battle of fighting cancer. Kim has been a resident of Schoharie County since 1987, where she raised her two sons, Corey and Brandon. She attended SUNY Cobleskill and later served as an adjunct professor for financial and managerial accounting. She graduated from College of St. Rose in 1993 with her master's in accounting, and later became a CPA. She brings to the organization nearly three decades of financial management experience in the private and public sectors. Her hobbies/interests include being outdoors, walking, and time with family and friends.
Larkin (Schulze) Nikolaus has been an active marathon participant and co-chair of the “Bosom Buddies” team for over ten years. Her belief to be kind and community minded led her to pursue board membership in 2019. Larkin has strong family ties to Schoharie County and has proudly called this area home since high school. Presently, she is happily married with two grown children and enjoys time with her first grandchild.
Dawn: I have spent most of my life living in Schoharie County. It's a wonderful place to live. I also have the privilege of working here as well. As a School Counselor, I am lucky to call Gilboa-Conesville Central School my home. The Marathon For A Better Life is another place in Schoharie County that I call home. I am so proud to serve the Marathon as a Secretary and to serve all the residents of our beautiful county. I have had several family members suffer from cancer and a couple who have lost their battle with that cancer. Working with the Marathon and serving our community is a way for me to help and honor mine and others' loved ones.
Steve Chaison been with the Marathon for 10 plus years. Started out on a team walking the day of then started helping with the process and that led to becoming a board member. I've been a Schoharie County Resident all my life. My wife and I got married in 1986 we have 1 son, 1 daughter and 1 fabulous grandson. I just retired from NYS where I was employed for 34 years.
Bobbi: I’ve been on the board for 3 years and have participated in Marathon for a Better for 8 years as a Captain of Bosom Buddies. I was in healthcare in one form or another for over 10 years and 5 years ago went back to school and opened my own landscaping business. I’ve been married for 23 years and have 2 amazing young men-Andrew and Jake which are the lights of my life. Being part of the board is an experience that has made me a better person- to see behind the scenes and to feel all of the love, compassion and heart this organization has is overwhelming
Lauren Mayer joined the Marathon for a Better Life board in 2018, where she currently sits on the Finance and Nominating Committee. Lauren’s passion in the organization started in high-school while being on a team and has only grown from there. She is a strong supporter in giving back to the community and is involved in many local volunteer events. She has been with Fenimore Asset Management, Inc. since 2012, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration along with a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Todd/Tina: We have been part of the Marathon for over 20 years between being on the board or being a part of a team. It has been a huge part of our lives. We were born and raised in Schoharie County and love our community. We have been married for 30 years and have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. The Marathon has been a part of their lives too. Bringing the younger generation into community events is so important to ensure the future of those events. We believe there are truly Angels among us in Schoharie County and we are glad to be work alongside of them.
Posie Shaw is new to the board of directors, but not new to Marathon For A Better Life having participated with the 165 miles off Broadway team for many years. Posie lives in Richmondville with her husband Dennis. She is Mom to three great kids and one old dog (not Dennis) Pepper. Posie has been a speech therapist for 40 years, when not working, she enjoys gardening, baking, quilting and being outside. "I love Marathon For a Better Life because it provides a base of support for those who need it the most" She would like to remind everyone that giving a little bit is easy. For the price of a fast food meal, you can make a monthly contribution and make a huge difference in a community member's life.
Lauren Mayer joined the Marathon for a Better Life board in 2018, where she currently sits on the Finance and Nominating Committee. Lauren’s passion in the organization started in high-school while being on a team and has only grown from there. She is a strong supporter in giving back to the community and is involved in many local volunteer events. She has been with Fenimore Asset Management, Inc. since 2012, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration along with a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Larkin (Schulze) Nikolaus has been an active marathon participant and co-chair of the “Bosom Buddies” team for over ten years. Her belief to be kind and community minded led her to pursue board membership in 2019. Larkin has strong family ties to Schoharie County and has proudly called this area home since high school. Presently, she is happily married with two grown children and enjoys time with her first grandchild.
Jon Borst Noble Road in Cobleskill with his wife Sally.. Jerry grew up on a dairy farm in Delaware County, graduating from Franklin Central School in 1962. He went on to obtain a B.S. degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. After completing his college degree, Jerry spent 2 1/2 years in Niger, Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in the field of agriculture. After returning to the U.S. he embarked on a 33 year teaching career beginning at Richmondville C.S for seven years, continuing on to Jefferson C.S. for six years, and then teaching at Schoharie C.S. for twenty years, retiring in 2002. After retirement Jerry returned to his first love of dairy farming with his son Greg. At present he is working part-time at the Cacciola Farm in Cobleskill. Jerry and his wife of 51 years, Sally, are the proud parents of five sons - Robb, Greg, Mike, Jason, and Jeremy - seven grandchildren and are soon to be great-grandparents!!
Bruce Tyron:
Dawn Schell
Mia Stella: I joined the MFABL in 2007. It has been the most fulfilling thing I have done second only to watching my kids grow. Being part of an organization who sole purpose is to help our neighbors fighting cancer is amazing. I especially love that when called upon our little community comes together to help us accomplish·our goal of helping others. Thank you for the many years of fun.
Kim Law, Treasurer, has been involved with the Marathon for a Better Life since the organizations inception in 1996. She joined the Board due to her passion for the mission of helping those who face the battle of fighting cancer. Kim has been a resident of Schoharie County since 1987, where she raised her two sons, Corey and Brandon. She attended SUNY Cobleskill and later served as an adjunct professor for financial and managerial accounting. She graduated from College of St. Rose in 1993 with her master's in accounting, and later became a CPA. She brings to the organization nearly three decades of financial management experience in the private and public sectors. Her hobbies/interests include being outdoors, walking, and time with family and friends.
Larkin (Schulze) Nikolaus has been an active marathon participant and co-chair of the “Bosom Buddies” team for over ten years. Her belief to be kind and community minded led her to pursue board membership in 2019. Larkin has strong family ties to Schoharie County and has proudly called this area home since high school. Presently, she is happily married with two grown children and enjoys time with her first grandchild.
Dawn: I have spent most of my life living in Schoharie County. It's a wonderful place to live. I also have the privilege of working here as well. As a School Counselor, I am lucky to call Gilboa-Conesville Central School my home. The Marathon For A Better Life is another place in Schoharie County that I call home. I am so proud to serve the Marathon as a Secretary and to serve all the residents of our beautiful county. I have had several family members suffer from cancer and a couple who have lost their battle with that cancer. Working with the Marathon and serving our community is a way for me to help and honor mine and others' loved ones.
Steve Chaison been with the Marathon for 10 plus years. Started out on a team walking the day of then started helping with the process and that led to becoming a board member. I've been a Schoharie County Resident all my life. My wife and I got married in 1986 we have 1 son, 1 daughter and 1 fabulous grandson. I just retired from NYS where I was employed for 34 years.
Bobbi: I’ve been on the board for 3 years and have participated in Marathon for a Better for 8 years as a Captain of Bosom Buddies. I was in healthcare in one form or another for over 10 years and 5 years ago went back to school and opened my own landscaping business. I’ve been married for 23 years and have 2 amazing young men-Andrew and Jake which are the lights of my life. Being part of the board is an experience that has made me a better person- to see behind the scenes and to feel all of the love, compassion and heart this organization has is overwhelming
Lauren Mayer joined the Marathon for a Better Life board in 2018, where she currently sits on the Finance and Nominating Committee. Lauren’s passion in the organization started in high-school while being on a team and has only grown from there. She is a strong supporter in giving back to the community and is involved in many local volunteer events. She has been with Fenimore Asset Management, Inc. since 2012, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration along with a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Todd/Tina: We have been part of the Marathon for over 20 years between being on the board or being a part of a team. It has been a huge part of our lives. We were born and raised in Schoharie County and love our community. We have been married for 30 years and have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. The Marathon has been a part of their lives too. Bringing the younger generation into community events is so important to ensure the future of those events. We believe there are truly Angels among us in Schoharie County and we are glad to be work alongside of them.
Posie Shaw is new to the board of directors, but not new to Marathon For A Better Life having participated with the 165 miles off Broadway team for many years. Posie lives in Richmondville with her husband Dennis. She is Mom to three great kids and one old dog (not Dennis) Pepper. Posie has been a speech therapist for 40 years, when not working, she enjoys gardening, baking, quilting and being outside. "I love Marathon For a Better Life because it provides a base of support for those who need it the most" She would like to remind everyone that giving a little bit is easy. For the price of a fast food meal, you can make a monthly contribution and make a huge difference in a community member's life.
Lauren Mayer joined the Marathon for a Better Life board in 2018, where she currently sits on the Finance and Nominating Committee. Lauren’s passion in the organization started in high-school while being on a team and has only grown from there. She is a strong supporter in giving back to the community and is involved in many local volunteer events. She has been with Fenimore Asset Management, Inc. since 2012, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration along with a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Larkin (Schulze) Nikolaus has been an active marathon participant and co-chair of the “Bosom Buddies” team for over ten years. Her belief to be kind and community minded led her to pursue board membership in 2019. Larkin has strong family ties to Schoharie County and has proudly called this area home since high school. Presently, she is happily married with two grown children and enjoys time with her first grandchild.
Jon Borst Noble Road in Cobleskill with his wife Sally.. Jerry grew up on a dairy farm in Delaware County, graduating from Franklin Central School in 1962. He went on to obtain a B.S. degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. After completing his college degree, Jerry spent 2 1/2 years in Niger, Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in the field of agriculture. After returning to the U.S. he embarked on a 33 year teaching career beginning at Richmondville C.S for seven years, continuing on to Jefferson C.S. for six years, and then teaching at Schoharie C.S. for twenty years, retiring in 2002. After retirement Jerry returned to his first love of dairy farming with his son Greg. At present he is working part-time at the Cacciola Farm in Cobleskill. Jerry and his wife of 51 years, Sally, are the proud parents of five sons - Robb, Greg, Mike, Jason, and Jeremy - seven grandchildren and are soon to be great-grandparents!!
Bruce Tyron:
Dawn Schell