Our executive team meets regularly to discuss organization-wide issues, set programmatic and operational direction, and ensure the high quality of services and programs. They work together to provide forward-thinking leadership for our organization to best serve students, schools, and educators from across our region and beyond.
Senior Leadership Team Biographies
Lauren J. Gemmill, District Superintendent
A highly respected educational leader, Lauren J. Gemmill joined the Capital Region BOCES leadership team in 2019, and quickly rose to prominence as the deputy district superintendent. In this role, she played a pivotal part in advancing the organization’s instructional and operational achievements.
Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the field of education. Gemmill spearheaded the development of Essential Ed, an online curriculum resource designed to facilitate virtual or hybrid learning models. Her dedication to ensuring access to quality education led her to collaborate with BOCES leaders and staff to establish the Cooperative Virtual Learning Academy (CVLA). Created during the pandemic, this K-12 virtual school continues to support students who can not attend traditional schools due to health concerns.
As district superintendent, Gemmill assists the education commissioner with implementing statewide initiatives, oversees the administration of state grants, and works with the regional information center on data warehousing, testing, and regional planning.
A state board member and conference chair for the New York State Association for Women in Administration (NYSAWA), Gemmill actively supports women leaders through coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship, striving to create more opportunities and promote gender equality in education.
Before joining BOCES, Gemmill served as assistant superintendent for instruction as well as a building principal for the Niskayuna Central School District. She began her career as the K-5 academic administrator for English language arts and social studies in the Shenendehowa Central School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in reading, and a certificate of advanced studies in educational administration and policy studies from the University at Albany.
Dr. Elizabeth Wood, Deputy District Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Elizabeth Wood brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Deputy District Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer. Spanning decades, her illustrious career is highlighted by a deep commitment to educational excellence and a track record of effective leadership.
In her prior position as Deputy Superintendent for the Shenendehowa Central School District, Dr. Wood was a strong leader. Her attention to fiscal responsibility was evident in her management of instructional budgets and the expansion of programming options for students, as well as in her contributions to successful contract negotiations with bargaining units.
Previously, as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, she shaped instructional programs across grade levels. Her leadership led to the seamless integration of technology in classrooms, comprehensive professional learning for educators and equitable staffing to meet student needs.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wood has served as a social studies teacher, an associate principal and a building principal. She is an active member of various educational and healthcare boards and committees including the New York State Association for Women in Administration (NYSAWA), New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), Saratoga Hospital, and Albany Med Health System.
Recognized for her outstanding contributions to district leadership and educational administration, Dr. Wood has received prestigious awards such as the Capital Area School Development Association Excellence in District Leadership and the New York Library Association Secondary Administrator’s Award. She holds a Doctorate of Educational Leadership, a master’s degree in teaching and a bachelor’s degree in history.
Jennifer Bennett, Director of Management and Administrative Services
Jennifer L. Bennett has dedicated over 25 years to the growth and excellence of Capital Region BOCES. In her current role as the Director of Management and Administrative Services, she leads a multifaceted division that provides vital, cost-effective services to school districts, including Shared Food Service, Shared Transportation, Health-Safety-Risk Management, Substitute Coordination, and Residency Verification.
Bennett also serves as the organization’s Chief Safety Officer, helping to ensure the well-being of BOCES students and staff by coordinating and implementing the BOCES-wide school safety plan. This plan is responsive to the needs of all schools within the organization and helps to provide secure learning environments to protect the entire school community. Bennett has contributed to the growth of behind-the-scenes services that support and train staff, ensure efficient business office operations, and promote health and safety.
An active member of the New York State Association for Women in Administration (NYSAWA) and a cabinet member of the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), Bennet holds a master’s degree in safety and occupational health applied science and a bachelor’s degree in management and safety studies.
Bethany Centrone, Lead Attorney
Bethany Centrone is the lead attorney for the Capital Region BOCES Legal Services Team that helps school district leaders navigate complex legal issues with one-to-one support.
A member of the New York State Bar Association with more than two decades of experience, Centrone serves as school attorney and general counsel for BOCES and school districts in matters such as inter-municipal agreements, labor relations and employment. She also provides legal advice and counsel in all areas of education law and represents clients in adversarial matters such as labor arbitrations, administrative hearings, and special proceedings in New York State Supreme Court.
Prior to joining Capital Region BOCES, Centrone served as school law practice co-chair for Bond, Schoeneck and King, concentrating her practice in school law and labor and employment law. She also served as chief of human capital initiatives and labor and employment counsel for the Rochester City School District.
Centrone began her law career as associate counsel at Harter, Secrest, and Emery, L.L.P., a large Rochester law firm, where she represented public and private sector management in a wide range of labor and employment matters. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Rochester.
Dr. Mike Doughty, Assistant Superintendent for the Northeastern Regional Information Center (NERIC)
Dr. Mike Doughty is the Assistant Superintendent for the Northeastern Regional Information Center (NERIC), which provides an array of cost-effective 21st century technology tools and services to more than 130 school districts from the Capital Region to the Canadian border. Previously, Mike served as the Executive Director for Statewide Projects, spearheading efforts to roll out the Next Generation learning standards in school districts across the state.
Prior to joining Capital Region BOCES, Mike served in educational leadership capacities in western New York, including as the Deputy Superintendent of the Greece Central School District and Deputy Superintendent of Monroe 1 BOCES, and as an elementary school principal for nearly 10 years. A lifelong educator, he has taught elementary school, high school math, undergraduate and graduate teacher education, and certification courses for aspiring school administrators. A skilled and energetic speaker, Mike has presented regionally and nationally on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to presentation skills, and productivity to leadership.
Adrienne Leon, Director of Engagement & Development Services
Adrienne Leon is the Director of Engagement & Development Services, where she leads the award-winning communications and grants teams. Adrienne empowers the over 80 professionals in this highly strategic division to implement communications plans, share best practices, build brands and maximize funding opportunities for school districts, BOCES and municipalities across the state. In her role, she collaborates daily with school districts and BOCES leaders across New York to navigate emerging issues that affect school communities, students, families, and staff.
With 20 years of experience, Adrienne has expertise in community engagement, public relations, crisis communications, consent building, public speaking, website planning and development, social media, media relations, and grant writing. She holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and is currently enrolled in the Education Policy and Leadership program at the University at Albany.
Kevin Sharpe, Director of Facilities
As Director of Facilities Kevin Sharpe is responsible for coordinating with contractors to expeditiously address maintenance and infrastructure needs at all Capital Region BOCES facilities. With over 25 years of construction and engineering expertise, and a background as Clerk of The Works overseeing major capital projects across multiple K-12 school districts, Kevin is committed to delivering exceptional results while prioritizing customer satisfaction. His approach fuses teamwork and open communication to drive success.
Kevin’s professional journey underscores his strong work ethic and natural leadership abilities, evident in his former roles as both project manager and facilities manager. His meticulous attention to detail ensures projects are executed to the highest standards. In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Kevin also earned prestigious certifications including a Six Sigma Green Belt, OSHA 30, and an Allied Trades Restricted Asbestos Handler Certificate.
Karen Swain, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Karen Swain brings extensive experience in educational administration and teaching to the BOCES team as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. In this role she leads the instructional and operational departments, overseeing special education, career and technical education programs, and educational support services.
Before joining BOCES, Swain held the same position at the Scotia-Glenville Central School District for a decade. While there she made significant contributions to the district’s educational programs, fostering continuous improvement and student-centered learning with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Prior to her tenure in Scotia-Glenville, Swain worked at the Schenectady City School District, initially as a classroom teacher and later becoming the Assistant Director for Planning and Accountability. During this time, she developed a passion for utilizing data analysis and monitoring to empower educators, support students, and enhance teaching and learning experiences.
While she appreciates the value of gathering and analyzing data to enhance teaching and learning experiences, Swain recognizes that education is ultimately about people. She believes in elevating the strengths of educators by providing them with what’s necessary to create conditions where a school community can thrive.
David Versocki, Chief Technology Officer
David Versocki serves as Chief Technology Officer, bringing over three decades of experience in teaching, educational technology and administration to the role. In this position, he oversees the development and implementation of innovative and operational technology strategies that enhance the educational experiences of students and streamline operations across multiple school districts.
David is known for his forward-thinking approach to integrating technology in education, ensuring that schools are equipped with the latest tools and resources to support both teaching and learning. His expertise spans across various facets of technology management, including IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital learning platforms, and data analytics.
Before joining Capital Region BOCES, David held several positions at Scotia-Glenville Central School District where he led major technology initiatives and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. His leadership has been instrumental in driving digital transformation, improving student outcomes, and increasing operational efficiencies.
David holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and is a certified SchoolDistrict Administrator. His commitment to excellence and passion for leveraging technology to enhance education make him a valuable asset to Capital Region BOCES and the broader educational community.