IHM PARISH COUNCIL ELECTION 2023 - ONLINE VOTING

• You may vote for up to four (4) candidates.
• All votes will be kept confidential. 
• You will be asked to provide your Family Parishioner/Envelope number in order to vote. If you do not know your number CLICK HERE to submit an online form, or call Frank at the Rectory from 10am to 6pm Mon – Fri at 914-723-0276.

Candidate 1: Brian Bandsma
Candidate 2: Vanessa Blood
Candidate 3: Joseph Brusco
Candidate 4: Joseph Comizio
Candidate 5: Rick Nicklas
Candidate 6: Karen Pelella
Candidate 7: Mary Rausch
Candidate 8: Mei Riccardulli
Candidate 9: George Stivala

Candidate 1: Brian Bandsma

 
I have been a parishioner at IHM for 18 years.  I have a graduate-level degree in finance and accounting. 25 years experience in asset management.  I have been involved with the parish boy scouts and my wife, Moira Crouch, has taught CCD for many years. I have a general desire to give back to the community. I believe I have a beneficial skillset, broad knowledge base, and extensive leadership experience that would be applicable to the parish council.


 

Candidate 2: Vanessa Blood

I have been a parishioner at IHM for about 6 years.  I have two masters degrees in science education and administration and I am a high school physics teacher. I currently teach a 6th grade religious education class.  Being part of the parish means contributing my time and energy. I feel closer to God if I can positively contribute to the IHM parish. This is my first year teaching CCD at IHM and I have several ideas that I think can help develop a stronger program. I would also love to discuss ways to bring people back to mass.


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Candidate 3: Joseph Brusco

I have been a parishioner of IHM for 29 years. I am currently on the board and finance committee of West Side Campaign Against Hunger in Manhattan.  I am also Chairman of the board of The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District I am also a third-degree Knight at our local John A. Keogh #2108 Knights of Columbus.  I coached baseball and basketball for over 20 years in both Scarsdale and Eastchester.  I am self-employed in Real Estate. My wife Mary Lou and I have been married for forty years and have five children and three grandchildren. Mary Lou and I helped years ago with organizing and setting up family bingo nights and other family get-togethers and I would like to be more involved now with future events. I believe being a business owner and serving on boards for not-for-profits for over 25 years, I can be an important addition to the council. I joined the West Side Campaign Against Hunger board because its main mission is to help those in need. Also being on the finance committee, I have been instrumental in making important and necessary decisions to benefit those in the community. I believe this is all relevant to our parish and I would like to help in any way that I can.

 Candidate 4: Joseph Comizio

I have been a parishioner at IHM for 24 years. I received my BS from Fordham College, and my DDS from Columbia University. I have been a Board-certified orthodontist in private practice in Eastchester, New York, since 1986. I also have my MBA in Marketing and Health Care from West Texas A&M University. I have been an Assistant Professor at Columbia University for over 25 years. I have served as a board and committee member and president in numerous professional, business and civic organizations, including Community Mutual Savings Bank 1887 Advisory Board, and the regional Dental Business Study Club. My older children attended IHM grade school. I worked on organizing and running many school events. I live in Eastchester with my wife, Carolyn, and our five children. As a previous two-term member of the parish council with Monsignor Ferry, I felt that we were able to work well on initiatives and events for our parish. This included acting as the liaison with the New York archdiocese for Flocknote, which I introduced to the IHM parish council, and headed the initial setup, training, and integration of Flocknote for communication with IHM parishioners. I also worked on our parish golf outing fundraiser. I am looking forward to working with Monsignor Luke Sweeney and the parish council to help contribute and guide the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, during these pivotal and important times for the Catholic Church’s relevance, and future.
 

Candidate 5: Rick Nicklas

I have been a parishioner at IHM for the past 23 years. I graduated from the University of Virginia with an M.S. in Commerce and a Finance concentration. I also received an MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania - again with a concentration in Finance. I have been employed for 30+ years as a Fixed Income Trader/Portfolio Manager focusing on Structured Products markets. My wife Alex and I have three children, all of whom have received their catechesis and sacraments at IHM. While much of my volunteer work has occurred outside of the parish coaching youth lacrosse and soccer within the Eastchester community, my family and I have supported IHM in various ways over the years. My wife was a classroom aide for the IHM religious education program; my wife and children cook for the Hope Soup Kitchen; we've participated in Operation Cornerstone as a family; and we've supported and attended various parish events, such as IHM wine tastings and the recent IHM Gala celebration. As my children have grown, I find myself with more time available and would like to get more involved/serve the Parish. I think my background/skillset in Finance lends itself to a position on the Parish Council and/or the Finance Committee. I'd be happy to serve on one or both if the Parish thinks I could be useful. Thank you for your consideration.
 

Candidate 6: Karen Pelella

I have been a parishioner at IHM for 7 years.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Architecture & Interior Design.  I am currently a Senior Associate & Studio Director and work in Project Management. My family attends Mass weekly and enjoys attending and participating in all the various parish and school activities. As an active parishioner, I believe in the importance of having IHM school parents as representatives on the parish council. The parish school serves an important function in the formation of good Christians and future parishioners and church leaders. I hope to serve and contribute to the parish community in a meaningful way

Candidate 7:  Mary Rausch

A Parishioner for 43 years, I have always wanted to be a Parish Council member but as a mother of 5 and as a full-time pediatrician, I didn’t feel able. I now can devote the time to help the parish to continue to be a living, helpful force to all its members. In the past, I was involved with Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Girl Scouts, and served as a Confirmation Leader. I was a Class Mother frequently as all 5 of my children attended IHM from K through 8th grade spanning a continuous 25 years. Now, I am in the St Veronica Guild. I am a committed adorer. I have taken a course to be a Lector and am waiting to hear about becoming a Eucharistic Minister. I participate in the Bible Study Group and at the Thursday morning House of Prayer group. I hope, with the Parish Council, to evaluate any unmet need in our parish family.

Candidate 8: Mei Riccardulli

Our family has been parishioners for over 8 years. I have a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and a Juris Doctor from Pace Law School. My children are in their 2nd year as students at IHM School and I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the school’s HSA this past year. My youngest was baptized in this Parish. My older two made their First Communion here and my youngest will this May. I recently completed the RCIA process and am thrilled to be a full Catholic member of this wonderful Parish. I believe joining the Parish Council is the perfect way to both serve the community and continue my journey in learning, living, and spreading the word of God
 

Candidate 9: George Stivala

I have been a parishioner for 22 years at IHM.  I attended Iona Prep, St. John’s University, and the University of Rome “La Sapienza.” I have been a Westchester physician since 1996.  I participate in Bible Study at IHM.  My kids all attended Religious Studies and were all confirmed at IHM. I would like to become a parish council member because I wish to dedicate more time to my parish if made possible.