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Board of trustees

Click on Board Trustee´s Name for Complete Bio
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Madeline LoRE

Chairperson & President
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CArol trojan

Executive Director​
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Phyllis colaninno

Vice President
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Mona benedetto

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John trojan

Secretary
Treasurer

trustees

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JOSEPH BARBERO

Silvana Buccianti

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DR. KENNETH GARAY

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Janice Hall

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john ​minella

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alicyn
​perry

linda quentzel

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dr. michael
​russo

advisory trustees

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Victor LoRe 

​Vincent Alessi 
Pasquale P. Diccianni
Anthony Novello
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Madeline LoRe
Chairperson & President

In 2008, Madeline founded and became the Chairperson of the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention.  The foundation provides free cancer screenings to those individuals who “fall between the cracks” and are not covered by insurance. 

Madeline’s professional career began as a hair dresser.  From hair dresser Madeline transitioned to the insurance field.  She became a successful principal in an all women owned insurance agency in Bayonne.  After 26 years, Madeline retired from her professional life and now devotes her time to the foundation.

Madeline began her career of volunteerism when she became a member of the board at Women Rising in Jersey City.  The Bayonne Medical Center was the next venue to benefit from Madeline’s many talents and passionate commitment to giving back to the community.  She was a Trustee of the Bayonne Medical Center Foundation for sixteen years. As a result of her volunteer efforts, two major centers were opened at the Bayonne Hospital: The John C. Fiadini Outpatient Oncology Center, and the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Women’s Center. 

Among Madeline’s past honors are: Concerned Citizens Civic Achievement Award, The Girl Scouts of Greater Essex and Hudson Counties-Woman of Distinction Award, the American Cancer Society’s Crimson Ball Honoree, Women Rising Award, All Saints Catholic Academy-Community Leadership Honoree,  Historical Society of Bayonne Leadership Award and the Royal Hero recognition at Robinson School.  She was a founding member of the board of the Simpson Baber Foundation.  In 2013 Madeline was the Grand Marshall of the Bayonne Columbus Day Parade.  She was named the GFWC Peninsula Women’s Club-Woman of Achievement and Jersey City Council’s Woman of Action in 2015.  In 2016 the Bayonne Chapter of UNICO honored her with their Humanitarian of the Year award.  Additionally, she was honored at the UNCIO National Convention as the 2016 Cianci Humanitarian Award recipient.  She received this at their National Convention in Maryland.

Madeline was an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.  She and her husband Frank are the proud parents of two sons: Victor who is married to Hillary and Joseph married to Eloina.  They have grandchildren: Gabriel, Raphael and Francesco who are their treasures.
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Carol Trojan
Executive Director

Carol is a graduate of Our Lady of the Assumption elementary school, Holy Family Academy and Chestnut Hill College. She received her masters in special education from Jersey City State College and an administrative certificate from Seton Hall University. She is a member of several boards: All Saints Advisory Board and had been a member of Holy Family Academy’s board of directors. She was a member of the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention’s board until accepting the position of Executive Director in January of 2012. Carol has been actively involved in the community for over 35 years, having served as a board member and past president of the YWCA of Bayonne. She spent over 25 years on the board of the YWCA and Women Rising of Hudson County where she also served as president of the board. In the past, Carol served on the committee for the Bayonne Hospital’s annual ball for many years. She and John co-chaired one of these last events. Carol also served on the Simpson Baber Board for several years.

Her professional life has taken her from her teacher of the Blind and Partially Sighted to State Supervisor with the Commission for the Blind to a Special Education Teacher in Bayonne for a total of twenty six years in special education. Before retiring in July 2010, Carol was an administrator in the Special Services Department for the Bayonne Board of Education for fourteen years, serving as the Director for the past ten of those years. Carol is a member of the Rotary Club of Bayonne since 2000. She has been honored by the Girl Scouts of the Greater Hudson and Essex Counties with the Women of Achievement award in 2000. In 1995 she was inducted into the Equity Hall of Fame by the New Jersey State Department for her work with displaced homemakers and for her role in bringing the Rainbows program to the Bayonne Board of Education. In 2011, she received the Columbus Parade’s Italian American Educator Award. Carol is a member of Blessed Miriam Damjanovich Church.

Of all of her professional and personal accomplishments, Carol is most proud of her three children: Mark, Daniel and Erica and her daughter-in- law, Jennifer and her grandchildren Jack & Emily. She and her husband John have been married for 47 years.
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Phyllis Colaninno
Vice President

Phyllis Colaninno is the Vice President of the Madeline Fiadini LoRe (MFL) Foundation for cancer prevention.  She has served in this position for two years, and has been on the board for the MFL Foundation for six years. In this capacity, she has been integral in fund raising, recruiting prospective beneficiaries, and facilitating medical treatment for them.

Phyllis is a Rutgers graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Education.  She is a retired teacher who worked for thirty years in elementary school.  In addition to her teaching duties, Phyllis had been on the Site Management Team where she worked closely with the Principal and other administration, as well as tutored and counseled students.

  Phyllis has served as a committee person for a major political party in her former hometown of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey.

The Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation strives to inform and educate the community in helping to prevent cancer through early detection screenings. Madeline Fiadini LoRe, Phyllis’ life-long friend, has made serving as a board member for the MFL Foundation an honor and a privilege.
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Mona Benedetto
Secretary

Mona Benedetto has been a board member since the inception of the MFL Foundation in 2008. Mona is responsible for coordinating all of the Foundation's special events. Mona also served as a Trustee of the Bayonne Education Foundation for two years and the Bayonne Medical Center Foundation for three years.

Ms. Benedetto is currently the Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO of C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. and The Starr Foundation in New York City since 2005, and from 1986 – 2005, was the Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO of American International Group, Inc. and The Starr Foundation. Mona was the Executive Assistant to the President of Specialty Products Company in Jersey City from 1977 to 1986.

Mona is a graduate of Bayonne High School and The Katharine Gibbs School in New York City.
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John Trojan
Treasurer

John is the VP Finance & Facilities at Raritan Valley Community College. Has held this position for the last 13 years during which he oversaw approximately $100 million in new construction and renovation projects. Previous higher education experience included similar positions at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia PA and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck NJ. Earlier career positions were in consumer products and banking. A Certified Public Accountant, John earned his MBA in Marketing at Wharton and a BS in Accounting from St. Peters University. He was a Trustee of Bayonne Hospital for almost 20 years and held leadership posts in alumni organizations for St. Peter’s and Wharton.

John is also the husband of Carol Trojan, Executive Director of the Foundation.
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Joseph Barbero

Joseph Barbero is known among his peers, family, and friends for his dedication across a broad spectrum of community and religious values as exemplified by his career as a teacher in Bayonne High School.  In 2019 after 26 years of dedicated service, Joe retired. 

Mr. Barbero is a lifelong resident of Bayonne, the son of the late Carlo and Rose (Pasquale) Barbero.  He is the son-in-law of the late Joseph and Florence (Pirozzi) Giannullo and husband of Giovanna (Giannullo).  He is the father of Carlene Makowski (Keith), Jolene Barbero and Christopher Barbero (Jessica).  He is the grandfather of Joseph Carlo, Allesandro Robert, Jack Thomas, and Caterina.

He holds an undergraduate degree from St. Peter’s University and undergraduate and graduate degrees from New Jersey City University.

Mr. Barbero has been recognized by several organizations in Bayonne.  In 2010 the BHS Choral Parents honored Mr. Barbero at the Night of a Thousand Stars.  In 2014 he was honored at the Simpson Baber 13th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner.  In 2015 the Bayonne Veterans Community honored Mr. Barbero for his patriotism for preparing Thanksgiving and Veteran dinners. On November 5, 2017, Mr. Barbero was honored at the 90th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner of the NAACP for Education.

Mr. Barbero is currently a weekly Communicant, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and is a member of St. Henry’s Parish Council.  Through St. Henry’s he has received the Archdiocesan Adult Recognition Award from the Archdiocese of Newark.  He has served as a CCD teacher in both St. Henry’s and St. Andrew’s parishes and had been the Cub Scout Master for St. Henry’s Pack 35.

​Since 2013 Mr. Barbero has been a member of the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce.  He  is proud to serve on the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention.
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Silvana Buccianti

Silvana is a VP – Territory Sales Manager, Bayonne and Jersey City for Valley National Bank.  In addition to serving as the Secretary of the MFL board, she is a member of the boards of Saint Dominick Academy and is the Treasurer of Bayonne Community Mental Health Center.  Silvana is a Rotarian and has been the president of the Bayonne Rotary Club from 2010 – 2012.  In addition, she is a member of St Henry RC Church where she serves as a member of the Finance Committee.  Silvana is also a former member of the board of St. Dominick’s Academy and Peace Care, St Joseph’s.
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Dr. Kenneth Garay, M.D.

Dr. Garay is uniquely skilled as a practicing surgeon and physician for 30 years along with a successful track record in leadership of a large medical staff. He earned honors and acclaim for developing collaboration models between physicians and nurses to achieve top decile in quality as well as championing Leapfrog safety records. Dr. Garay oversaw meaningful financial improvement involving bundled payments, clinical documentation and CMS goals of readmission and mortality rates.  He has an impeccable academic record and has published numerous articles on medical topics.

From 2008-present, Dr. Garay’s professional experience is at RWJ Barnabas Health, Jersey City Medical Center/Liberty Health, Jersey City, NJ.  While there he has developed and led staff of 800 physicians; oversaw protocols for safety and quality care; developed guidelines for physician engagement; co-chaired the Business Council; led the value analysis process and productivity improvements and established news residencies.

From 1986-2010 Dr. Garay was on the staff of Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center, Secaucus, NJ.  While there is served as VP of Medical Affairs, Member of the Board of Trustees, President, Medical Staff and Secretary & Treasurer of the Medical Staff.

Dr. Garay is a founder and Senior Partner in the Center for Sinus and Nasal Disease and the Head and Neck Surgical Associates both in Englewood, NJ.

Dr. Garay holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Columbia College, NYC, and Medical Doctor degree from Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.  He did his residency at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, PA. Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York is where Dr. Garay completed his Residency, Otolaryngology -Head and Neck Surgery.  He was also the Chief Resident in Otolaryngology at Columbia during that time.  He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

​Dr. Garay and his wife reside in Manhattan, NY.
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Janice Hall

Janice was born in Guyana South America and spent her early childhood and some of her adult life there before moving to Jamaica to study Communications at the University of the West Indies.  She loved the island so much she lived there for almost 13 years before moving to the USA in 2000 to help take care of her ailing parents.   Since then, Janice has been able to live the American Dream while continuing her personal mission to help improve the lives of others here and back home in Jamaica and Guyana.  

Janice began her career with a sound business foundation, working first in Public Relations in Guyana and Jamaica.  While in Jamaica she was recruited by business mogul and Jamaican hotelier Elias “Lee” Issa to take on the role as his Assistant for his Couples Resort Group.   Janice honed her marketing and sales skills over the 7 years she spent in the hospitality industry, promoting the group of luxury resorts to visitors from the USA and Europe and creating concepts to elevate awareness with travelers to the island.   She did this while directing the group’s public relations locally.

​The demands of family and more available resources brought Janice to New York in 2000 where she quickly landed on her feet.  After a brief stint in the Hospitality Industry she turned her attention to Real Estate Sales.  Securing a NJ Real Estate License in 2005 Janice put her extensive networking skills and relationship-building talents to work in Real Estate sales.   

Janice prides herself on representing hundreds of sellers and buyers in Hudson county and elsewhere in New Jersey.  Janice is a skilled negotiator and a fierce advocate for her clients and has earned a reputation for integrity, sound judgment and discretion.  She is relentless in closing the sale for everyone she represents, and finds client satisfaction important and fulfilling.
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Janice enjoys a rich full life outside of work, making time for family and friends.  She devotes her energy and skills wholeheartedly to assist worthy charitable projects.  She loves to travel to new places, read motivational books, and the occasional adrenaline rush of skydiving.
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John Minella

John Minella has been in public service, government and politics for over forty years.   He worked at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority for over twenty-five years, eventually advancing to the position of Roadway Superintendent for the Garden State Parkway division.  He currently serves on the Board of Commissioners for that agency.  John is also the Chair of the Hudson County Board of Elections as well as a member of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education.  He is also a commissioner with the Bayonne Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and a Trustee of the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention.  Additionally, John is a member of the Bayonne chapter of UNICO and is a former member of the Jersey City Board of Education and a former Chairman of the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority.  John currently serves as the Executive Director of the Hudson County Democratic Organization where he oversees campaign activities in the county.

John graduated from Marist High School in Bayonne and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Peter’s College.  He is a lifelong Hudson County resident and has lived in Bayonne since 2004.
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Alicyn Perry

Alicyn McGhee-Perry was born and raised in Bayonne. She briefly lived in Middletown, NJ and spent a few years in New Brunswick while attending Rutgers University. Her heart always remained in Bayonne. Upon returning to her hometown, Alicyn joined the teach preparing for the opening of the Bayonne Community Bank, later to be known as BCB Community Bank, where she worked for sixteen years.

In her free time, Alicyn serves on the board of the Bayonne Hometown Fair Association, is a decade long member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Bayonne, and volunteers for Hudson Hospice. Alicyn is an avid baker, loves to crochet, and is slowly “mastering” the sport of golf.

No use of her time is more important to Alicyn than that spent with her husband, George Perry, and her beautiful stepson.
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Linda Quentzel

Linda was raised on Woodlawn Avenue, in the Greenville section of Jersey City, Linda is a Hudson County girl, through and through. Upon graduating from NJCU with a BA in Business. Linda began a career in 1981 at the Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) that spans over 35 years. Linda was the Director of Development for HCST, in 2009 Linda established the HCST Foundation. In her role as the Executive Director the HCST Foundation it has become a vital part of the Hudson County Schools of Technology. Linda has organized many successful fundraising events such as Galas, Wine Tastings, and Golf Outings.

As a non-profit organization, the Foundation works with local industry and educational leaders, as well as alumni, parents, and teachers, to provide financial support for innovative, quality learning initiatives that provide students with memorable, real-world experiences. Linda maintains the philosophy that she didn't go to work; she went to school. In January 2017 Linda went on a sabbatical and will be retired September 2018. Beyond the halls of HCST, Linda is the President of the Condo Association at Creekside Manor in Secaucus. Linda is the President of her company LQ Strategies, LLC started in 2010. In addition Linda is a Trustee on Art House Productions in Jersey City and an Advisory Member of NJCU Arts Council as well as a Big Sister at Big Brothers Big Sisters and Chief Marketing Officer at Martin Albert Interiors in NYC.

Linda is the proud mother of two boys, Evan and Marshall. Evan is a 2012 graduate of Hofstra University, Zarb School of Business. Evan is employed in NYC as a Digital ​SPARK Foundry the world's third largest communications group. Marshall is a 2010 High Tech alum and a 2014 graduate of Montclair State University, School of Business, Cum Laude recipient with a degree in Accounting. Marshall is a Senior Accounting Associate at Prudential in Newark.

Linda is engaged to Albert Harary, Owner of Martin Albert Interiors in NYC and Emmy Award Set Designer. Linda resides in Secaucus.

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Dr. Michael Russo

Dr. Michael Russo was born and raised in Hoboken. A graduate of Hoboken High, Michael went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Richard Stockton University, a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Rutgers (formally, The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Utica College. Michael has been in practice as a Physical Therapist since 2001, owning multiple private practice locations. Dr. Russo founded the New Jersey Institute of Balance, a premier orthopedic & vestibular rehabilitation clinic. Since beginning his career he has specialized in Orthopedics, Sports Care and Vestibular rehabilitation.

Dr. Russo learned the importance of service to his community early in life, from his earliest days as a Boy Scout, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. The drive to help others continued through his adolescence and young adulthood. His volunteer work as a PAL football coach, an assistant scoutmaster and work as a high school summer supplemental education instructor has given him a unique perspective on the lives of many families, and a great sense of fulfillment. Dr. Russo has provided pro bono care for athletes at all levels, including student athletes in their early childhood through high school and college. He has volunteered his services since the beginning of his career to various high schools in New Jersey, but most notably his hometown and alma mater, Hoboken High School’s Football program.  He also worked with Olympic athletes treating the national Israeli Ice Dance Team.

Dr. Russo serves as the Standard Bearer of a non-profit organization, Hoboken Pride (formally, The Michael Russo Civic Association), where he is able to provide various community activities for the many residents of Hoboken. He also serves on the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation board of trustees, raising money to provide cancer screenings for those without access to these lifesaving procedures. Through these non-profit organizations, Michael is able to help the many residents of Hudson County and raise money for other local charities.

A natural extension of the yearning need to help others, Michael entered a career in public service as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment in 2000. In late 2003, Michael was then elected as the Third Ward Councilman in Hoboken, where he still currently serves.  As an avid tenant advocate, he was elected to serve as a commissioner of the Hoboken Housing Authority, by his council colleagues, again having the privilege to serve his neighbors.  With his unique expertise in health care, Dr. Russo was also asked to serve on the City of Hoboken’s Health Insurance Commission.  

In his private life, Michael married Lisa Baptista in 2009. She is a registered dietitian and certified specialist in pediatric nutrition. Although now she has the most important job of all…being a mom. Happily married and living in Hoboken, Michael and Lisa are raising their beautiful children Lia Grace, Jack Anthony and their twins Michele Stella and Michael Dean.

Dr. Russo’s primary drive in life has always been the love for his family and his faith in God.  In addition, his upbringing, education and his caring nature have led him to always help others. 

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Victor LoRe

​Victor holds a BS degree from St. Peter’s University. He presently is a Sales Director with Insidesales.com, a technology industry leader in Sales Acceleration, Analytics and Data Science. Victor is also a licensed Real Estate and Insurance Agent and enjoys a good conversation around these topics. Victor is an Advisory Board Member today with the MFL  Foundation.   

Victor has been a member of the MFL board since its inception and in the initial years held the office of Vice President. His other volunteer efforts include having served as VP for the Columbus Citizens Foundation’s Youth Group in New York City whose focus is raising money for scholarships recipients. And today he is still an active adult member. Together with his wife Hillary, Victor enjoys family, friends, traveling, fine dining, the arts, and exercise.
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Pasquale Diccianni

A leader in the construction industry, Mr. Diccianni retired in 2007 as President of Tilcon New York, a major supplier of aggregates, asphalt and construction services in New York and New Jersey. He began his career as an order clerk in 1964 and has held numerous positions in the industry throughout his career.

Mr. Diccianni has served on industry wide boards some of which include The National Stone Association, New York City Concrete Industry Board, Empire State Concrete Aggregates Association, New York Asphalt Pavement Association, Rockland County Economic Development Corporation and Associated General Contractors of New Jersey. He holds emeritus membership in the moles.

Through the years Mr. Diccianni has been honored by several organizations. In 1988, Lone star Industries named its newest tugboat the “Pat Diccianni” in recognition of his outstanding leadership. Also in 1988, Pat was named “Man of the Year” by Dominican College, a school he had been active with as Chairman of the President’s Advisory Council, Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the board over a twenty year relationship. He was awarded a Doctor of Laws Degree in 2000 and received the Distinguished Service Medal. 

In 2004, Mr. Diccianni was honored by the Columbus Citizens Foundation at its sixtieth annual Columbus Day Parade and Gala.

​In his home community, Mr. Diccianni was a founder, along with his wife, Karen, of the Ramsey Public Education Foundation. He is the proud father of Robert and Mark, the proud father-in-law of Kim and Bianca, and really proud Grandfather of Matthew, Jonathan, and Gianna Eve. Pat and Karen currently live in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
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