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Board of Trustees

Next meeting of the LaGrange Association Library Board of Trustees



Meet the Trustees

Suzanne (Sue) Davis, President

Sue is a 7th generation LaGrange resident, having lived here since 2007 when she returned from living in Australia. She is a longtime lover of libraries, making sure to visit local libraries in her global travels.

Sue graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in International Relations.  She is currently a Director of Global Research & Insights at Dentsply Sirona, a dental supply company. Prior to joining the Library Board, Sue spent several years on the Vanderbilt Garden Association Board before stepping down to focus on her yoga teacher training.

Devon Bryan, Vice President

Devon and his family moved to LaGrange in 2006.  He is a strong believer that having a well-resourced local library is a great benefit to all residents.  He is a Senior Human Resources Leader with extensive experience serving as a proactive business partner in non-profit and for-profit environments.  Devon has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Radford University.  He is currently a Director of Human Resources at JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

Dan Jacobs, Treasurer

Dan received a BS and MS in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has worked for IBM as a software engineer and project manager for over 30 years.  A resident of LaGrange for 20 years, Dan has also volunteered as a soccer coach and softball coach in Town of LaGrange athletic programs.  His favorite pastime is spending time with his wife Karen and two daughters (when they are around!).  Dan’s first ever job was as a library page in junior high school.  He has always been an ardent user and supporter of libraries and is happy to have the opportunity to give back to the community.

Ann Commisso, Secretary

Ann has been a resident of LaGrange for almost three decades. She enjoys reading and listening to books and the library affords the best of both worlds.  She recently retired after working as a Registered Nurse for thirty seven years. Working as a patient advocate was her most fulfilling role.  Ann also enjoys volunteering at her local church and has worked with the Children’s and Youth Ministries.

Susan Birchman, Trustee

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to give back what I’ve been given from our wonderful library. Reading has always been a huge part of my life. I have fond memories of growing up in NYC and at age 5, carrying bags of books home from our local library (still the same today!) I am married with two grown daughters and two beautiful grandchildren. In my working life, I was blessed with two terrific careers; a nurse for 18 years and an elementary music teacher with the Arlington Central School District for 15 years. In my “spare” time, I love to read, teach piano, and study things like American history, astronomy and music. I am looking forward to serving on the board in whatever capacity is needed because our library is a gift to us all!

Julie Colacchio, Trustee

Julie has lived in LaGrange since 2001.  Her three children are products of the Arlington School District. When not at lacrosse or field hockey games, she reads, writes, hikes, or spends time with her family and many rescued pets.

She has a Master’s Degree in Literature and has published one young adult fantasy novel. Julie teaches English, Creative Writing, and Public Speaking at the secondary and college level. She loves teaching and coaches the Debate Team at Dover High school.

Books and mentoring young readers and writers are cornerstones of her life. Being on the Library’s Board of Trustees is another way to support something so fundamental to her.

Ginnie Genovese, Trustee

Ginnie earned BAs in Sociology and Philosophy from SUNY Geneseo, as well as a Master’s in Library Science.  She has worked in a variety of libraries, including university, K-12, and research libraries.  She became a mother of two, and ultimately settled into high school librarianship when she had the opportunity to join a team of educators who were tasked with opening the first comprehensive high school in her small district. Ginnie retired in 2014 and is delighted to continue her life’s work as a library advocate in her new role as a trustee, supporting the mission and vision of her local library.  It is a true passion.

Jack Jones, Trustee

Jack received a Bachelors and Masters in Business administration from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY after moving to the United States from Australia. He is passionate about the value that libraries and their services bring to a community and is excited to help be a part of the library’s continued success. He is a recent LaGrange resident, moving here with his wife Jocelyn and currently works as a communications specialist for Tompkins Community Bank.

Maher Pathan, Trustee

I was born and raised in India and moved to the USA two decades ago. I have my Masters Degree from England in Pharmaceutical Sciences. I acquired valuable experience working in pharm companies abroad and continue my professional journey here.  I moved to LaGrange twelve years ago from Westchester County and live happily with my two beautiful daughters and handsome husband.

To follow my passion for giving back to the community, I was previously engaged with the Rotary Club of Westchester NY, including serving as the President.  I have also volunteered for Sunday school over the last ten years. It is my honor to serve as a trustee at the LaGrange Library.

Melanie Wargo, Trustee

Melanie was born and raised in Palisades (Rockland County) NY, and some of her favorite childhood memories include frequent visits to the library, Girl Scout activities, and climbing a tree in her backyard to sit and read books all summer long.  A graduate of Dominican College of Blauvelt with a B.A. in Mathematics and certification to teach N-6, Melanie moved to LaGrange in 1982.  She worked as a Senior Account Clerk for the Arlington Central School District for 22 years, volunteering to serve as Union Secretary for 20 years, and successfully negotiating 4 (4-year) contracts during her tenure.

Prior to joining the Library Board, Melanie volunteered with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Vassar Brothers Hospital Mother’s Club, the LaGrange Community Day Committee, and still serves multiple positions with Lions Clubs International at the local club, district and state level.


Board Meeting Minutes for those years not available online will be provided upon request by contacting Library Director Mary De Bellis at [email protected].