Children enjoy the Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo Memorial Spray Park in Elwood. Photo by Kyle Barr
In anticipation of the forecasted heat dome covering much of Long Island and the northeast this week, the Town of Huntington will put the following services and schedules for Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17:
Cooling centers
The Dix Hills Ice Rink will be open from noon to 8 p.m.
The Town of Huntington Senior Center (Flanagan Center) will be open until 4 p.m.
Beaches: Crab Meadow, West Neck, Hobart, and Centerport Beaches will be open with stationed lifeguards until 8 p.m.
Pools: The Dix Hills pool will be open to Town Residents with ID from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission will be free for residents during heat wave.
Spray Parks: Elwood and Manor Field Spray Parks will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Spray Parks open at 10 a.m. for children with special needs)
With a heat advisory [weather.gov] in effect for most of Long Island and the Rockaways through Wednesday night, PSEG Long Island is activating its voluntary Smart Savers thermostat program today, July 16.
While PSEG Long Island expects to have the power required to meet customer demand during this potential heatwave, activating the voluntary Smart Savers thermostat program will reduce loading on the system. It will also help save money next year by reducing the amount of required capacity purchased in advance.
“Our Smart Savers thermostat program is a voluntary program available to residential customers with smart thermostats,” said Michael Voltz, director of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for PSEG Long Island. “Customers enrolled in this program save money, and are also helping everyone in the service area by allowing us to reduce the overall peak demand on some of the hottest days.”
Here’s how it works:
On Tuesday, July 16, at 3:30 PM, which is 30 minutes prior to the activation, enrolled customers’ homes will be pre-cooled by 3 degrees for 30 minutes, then their thermostats will be raised by 4 degrees from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. In exchange, these customers receive a discount on their electric bills.
The Smart Savers program is dispatched for economic and load reduction purposes. Each year, PSEG Long Island must pre-purchase the electricity it will need to provide power to its customers for the following year, especially in the more demanding summer months. That capacity is estimated based on the previous year’s usage. When Smart Savers is implemented, it reduces the amount of overall energy being used, which reduces the amount of electricity needed to be purchased for the following summer period. That translates into future savings for all customers.
Activating the Smart Savers Thermostat program also allows PSEG Long Island to maintain an up-to-date assessment of the program’s capability to reduce demand on the hottest days of the year, or “peak load” days.
Be safe and energy-conscious
PSEG Long Island is providing suggestions for its customers to stay healthy, safe and energy-efficient during the extreme heat.
Set home thermostats or air conditioner units to 78 degrees.
Run major appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and pool pumps, in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 PM to 8 PM.
Set refrigerators and freezers at most-efficient temperatures.
Do not cool an empty house. Set your thermostat higher when you are away, or use a smart thermostat to control the temperature in your home.
Close blinds and window coverings facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. (In hot weather, set ceiling fans to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward.)
Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping.
Replace old appliances with new energy efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances.
Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.
Prepared for potential outages:
High temperatures, thunderstorms and high electric demand can sometimes cause scattered outages. PSEG Long Island has personnel available around the clock to address potential outages during this forecasted heatwave safely and as quickly as possible.
Stay connected:
Download the PSEG Long Island mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454). You can also report your outage through our app or our website at psegliny.com/outages.
To report an outage or downed wire, you can also call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number at 800-490-0075.
Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm.
Visit PSEG Long Island’s MyPower map for the latest in outage info, restoration times and crew locations across Long Island and the Rockaways at mypowermap.psegliny.com/.
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PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company.
Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) has been recognized as a 2024-25 Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, ranking in the top 15 in the state. SBUH climbed to a No. 12 ranking overall in New York State out of more than 153 hospitals statewide, up from No. 13 in the state last year. In addition to ranking in the top 8% overall in New York State, SBUH also rated high performing in 5 adult specialties nationwide, including Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Urology and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The announcement was made in a press release on July 16.
“We are immensely proud to be recognized by U.S. News for our commitment to excellence in patient care,” said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Officer in Charge, Stony Brook University and Executive Vice President, Stony Brook Medicine. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, skill, and compassion of our entire Stony Brook Medicine team and reflects our unwavering focus on providing patients the highest quality of care.”
“This honor highlights Stony Brook University Hospital’s continued efforts to deliver the highest quality care to our patients,” said Carol Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ, Chief Executive Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. “I am grateful to our entire team for their tireless efforts ensuring that our patients receive the comprehensive treatment and support they deserve.”
The evaluation of SBUH includes data from Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, which make up the Stony Brook Medicine healthcare system.
U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.
“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A ‘Best Hospital’ recognition empowers patients to seek out medical care from the best of the best to treat their illness or condition.”
To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodologymeasure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.
Join Biologist-Ranger Eric Powers for a Hike on the Vanderbilt Estate
Join CEED wildlife biologist-ranger Eric Powers from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for an interpretive Nature Walk on the grounds of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
“I enjoy taking a slow easy walk through the woods as I look for tracks and listen to bird calls,” Powers said. “I feel that animals often get a little closer when we are appreciating the beauty in nature.”
Please bring water and wear sturdy footwear. Bring binoculars if you have them, and your sense of adventure!
Other Nature Walks are scheduled for August 21 and September 18.
This is an advanced hiking trail with many steep climbs and descents along a variety of mixed terrain with an elevation gain of nearly 300 feet. There will be two opportunities to cut your hike short and head back to the parking lot if you feel you or your party cannot finish the entire loop. The signs will show you the way out.
Ticks are active in the woods all year long when temperatures are above freezing. To avoid ticks, please stay on the trail. Hikers assume all risks.
Tickets are $12 per person. To reserve your spot, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org or click here.
Kicking off a summer road trip? Remember, it all starts before you hit the gas. Ensuring your vehicle is in peak condition isn’t just smart; it’s the law. From tire pressure to oil levels, brakes to lights, and that ever-essential air conditioning system—every detail matters. States have their own safety requirements and ignoring them can lead to fines. So, whether you’re leaving from Setauket, NY, or anywhere else, make sure your vehicle meets the legal standards to keep your trip running smoothly.
Emergency kit essentials
Emergencies are the uninvited guests of road trips. A well-stocked emergency kit isn’t just good planning; it’s also about staying legal. Your kit should include basics like a first-aid kit, flashlight, spare tire, and jumper cables. But don’t stop there—some places require reflective triangles, fire extinguishers, and even blankets. Knowing what’s legally required where you’re headed can keep you safe and compliant.
Interstate driving regulations
Think traffic laws are the same everywhere? Think again. Each state has its quirks—different speed limits, seat belt rules, and cell phone use regulations. What’s allowed in one state might get you a ticket in the next. To avoid surprises, arm yourself with the knowledge of the rules of every state you’ll pass through. This isn’t just about power; it’s about taking control of your journey and ensuring a hassle-free trip.
DUI prevention and legal consequences
Driving under the influence: a surefire way to ruin your road trip. While blood alcohol content (BAC) limits vary slightly from state to state, the zero-tolerance message is clear. DUI penalties can be severe, from hefty fines to jail time, and can haunt you long after the trip ends.
In New York, the legal threshold is .08% alcohol content in your blood, and it is the same in most states. The blood alcohol content is the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream, measured by blowing into a breath machine or by blood taken by the police.
However, at Glynn Mercep and Purcell LLP, we emphasize the importance of planning with sobriety in mind. It’s not just about staying out of legal trouble; it’s about keeping everyone safe.
It is crucial to bear in mind that while the recreational use of marijuana is permitted in New York, the legality of marijuana may vary in the states through which you travel en route to your destination or in the state of your ultimate visitation. Engaging in the possession or use of marijuana in non-compliant states could result in the need to retain an out-of-state lawyer and potentially necessitate your presence for subsequent court proceedings, which may entail multiple appearances.
Safe and legal rest stop usage
Rest stops are essential for a comfortable journey, but they come with their own set of rules. Stick to parking regulations to avoid fines and protect your vehicle from theft. Pay attention to posted signs and local laws—some places limit how long you can stay. Respecting these rules ensures a safe, legal break before you hit the road again.
TIP: In some states, such as New Jersey, it is illegal to pump your own gas. A gas station attendant must assist you with refueling.
Driving in summer weather hazards
Summer road trips can bring weather surprises. From heatwaves to sudden storms, staying safe means knowing the legal requirements for your vehicle in different conditions. Some states require headlights in rain or specific tires for wet roads. Prepping your car for weather hazards keeps you safe and on the right side of the law. If you are not sure of a particular state’s rules in this regard, and you don’t have running lights, you should keep your headlights on all of the time.
Environmental protection and legal compliance
On your road trip, don’t just enjoy the scenery—protect it. Littering can lead to hefty fines and harm the environment. Many areas have strict environmental laws to follow. Respecting these rules preserves natural beauty and keeps you from legal trouble, especially in those states where such regulations are actually enforced.
As you plan your summer road trip, remember that preparation is key. We know the importance of safe, legal travel at Glynn Mercep and Purcell LLP in Setauket. If you need guidance or legal help, our experienced team is here to assist. Make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.
Safe travels!
Shannon L. Malone, Esq. is an Associate Attorney at Glynn Mercep Purcell and Morrison LLP in Setauket. She graduated from Touro Law, where she wrote and served as an editor of the Touro Law Review. Ms. Malone is a proud Stony Brook University alumna.
Physical inactivity is the greatest risk factor for women over 30
By David Dunaief, M.D.
Dr. David Dunaief
Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in the U.S., responsible for one in five deaths (1).
Many risk factors are obvious, but others are not. Family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and smoking are among the more obvious ones. In addition, age can a role in your risk: men at least 45 years old and women at least 55 years old are at greater risk. Less obvious risks include atrial fibrillation, gout and osteoarthritis.
In practice, we have more control than we think. You can significantly reduce your risk by making some simple lifestyle changes. How much does lifestyle really affect heart disease risk? Here’s one indicator.
In the Nurses’ Health Study, which followed 120,000 women for 20 years, those who routinely exercised, ate a quality diet, did not smoke and were a healthy weight demonstrated a whopping 84 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks (2). Inspired? Let’s take a closer look at different factors.
Does your weight really affect your heart disease risk?
Obesity is always a part of the heart disease risk discussion. How important is it, really?
Results from the Copenhagen General Population Study showed an increased heart attack risk in those who were overweight and in those who were obese – with or without metabolic syndrome, which includes a trifecta of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high sugar levels (3). “Obese” was defined as a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m², while “overweight” included those with a BMI over 25 kg/m².
Heart attack risk increased in direct proportion to weight. heart attack risk increased 26 percent for those who were overweight and 88 percent for those who were obese without metabolic syndrome.
What does this suggest? Obesity, by itself, without blood pressure, cholesterol or sugar level issues, increases your risk. Of course, those with metabolic syndrome and obesity together were at greatest risk, but without these, your risk is still higher if you’re carrying extra pounds.
How important is physical activity to heart disease risk?
Let’s consider another lifestyle factor, activity levels. An observational study found that these had a surprisingly high impact on women’s heart disease risk (4). Of four key factors — weight, blood pressure, smoking and physical inactivity — lack of exercise was the most dominant risk factor for heart disease, including heart attacks, for those over age 30.
For women over age 70, the study found that increasing physical activity may actually have a greater positive impact on heart disease risk than addressing high blood pressure, losing weight, or even quitting smoking. The researchers noted that women should exercise on a regular basis to most significantly reduce their heart disease risk.
What effect does increasing your fiber have?
Studies show that dietary fiber decreases the risks of heart attack and death after a heart attack. In an analysis using data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, results showed that higher fiber plays an important role in reducing the risk of death after a heart attack (6).
Those who consumed the most fiber had a 25 percent reduction in post-heart attack mortality when compared to those who consumed the least. Even more impressive is that those who increased their fiber intake after a cardiovascular event experienced a 31 percent mortality risk reduction.
The most intriguing part of the study was the dose response. For every 10-gram increase in fiber consumption, there was a 15 percent reduction in the risk of post-heart attack mortality. For perspective, 10 grams of fiber is just over eight ounces of raspberries or six ounces of cooked black beans or lentils.
You can substantially reduce your risk of heart attacks and even potentially the risk of death after sustaining a heart attack with simple lifestyle modifications. Managing your weight, increasing your physical activity and making some updates to your diet can lead to tremendous improvements.
How long do you suffer with osteoarthritis?
Traditional advice for those who suffer from osteoarthritis is that it is best to live with hip or knee pain as long as possible before having surgery. But when do we cross the line and consider joint replacement?
In a study, those with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee joints that caused difficulty walking on a flat surface were at substantially greater risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack (5). Those who had surgery for the affected joint saw substantially reduced heart attack risk. If you have osteoarthritis, it is important to improve your mobility, either with surgery or other treatments.
Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.
Two Stony Brook Heart Institute (SBHI) cardiothoracic surgeons have been inducted into the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). Member inductions are reserved for a limited number of select physicians each year and SBHI has the distinction of having two cardiothoracic surgeons as AATS members. Henry Tannous, MD, Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Co-Director, SBHI, was inducted during AATS’s 104th annual meeting on April 29th and Allison McLarty, MD, Director, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program and Co-Director, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Program, was selected by the AATS for induction in 2020. The membership recognizes expertise, innovation and outstanding reputation for clinical excellence in both adult cardiac and thoracic surgery.
“It is an honor to have been inducted into the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and to be acknowledged among so many esteemed researchers, clinicians and clinical leaders,” says Dr. Tannous. “I am immeasurably grateful to join this noteworthy group of individuals, including my accomplished colleague Dr. McLarty. Our entire cardiothoracic team is focused on one goal — to deliver the best in surgical outcomes to our patients.”
From Dr. McLarty, Stony Brook’s first AATS inductee: “Being a part of the elite AATS community is humbling and inspires me daily to be even more resolute and unwavering in my pursuit of cardiothoracic excellence. It is a pleasure to extend my congratulations to Dr. Tannous.”
Stony Brook’s Chair of the Department of Surgery, Apostolos Tassiopoulos, MD, shared his congratulations, “Drs. Tannous and McLarty have truly set a benchmark in their striving for quality cardiothoracic care — their hard work and dedication are always evident, and this honor is well deserved. Placing Stony Brook among the most advanced facilities in the U.S., our skilled and dedicated heart and lung surgeons and our growing cardiothoracic program continues to raise the bar for cardiac and thoracic care here on Long Island.”
Founded in 1917, the prestigious AATS is composed of more than 1,500 of the world’s foremost cardiothoracic surgeons from 46 countries and recognizes the height of professional achievement and significant contributions of those at the top of their field.
Pictured here with four of the scholarship winners are (l-r): FCA supporter Rob Greenberger, Key Bridge Smiles; FCA President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey L. Reynolds, PhD, FCA Vice President of Strategic Advancement and Chief Development Officer Paige O’Brien, and Anthony Robles. Photo courtesy of FCA
Keynote features NCAA Champion wrestler Anthony Robles
Family and Children’s Association (FCA), a leading health and human services nonprofit organization on Long Island, held its 39th Annual Scholarship Breakfast last month at Nassau County Community College in Garden City. The event celebrated the shared accomplishments of its 46 scholarship recipients, who drew inspiration from two guest speakers; past scholarship winner Andrea Gomez and motivational speaker Anthony Robles, the 2011 NCAA individual wrestling national champion in the 125-pound weight class and 3-time All-America wrestler. Born with only one leg, Robles is the author of the book, Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.
Nassau County Community College student Andrea Gomez opened the program, speaking of her journey to college; the challenges she faced immigrating from Honduras, her time in foster care and especially her determination to succeed. “Unstoppable” Anthony Robles gave the keynote address, holding the audience in rapt attention as he chronicled his astounding journey to achieve his wrestling titles and life goals. Both speakers touched upon their successes and their setbacks, stressing the importance of persistence, accepting help, guidance, and belief in oneself.As Robles put it, “Never let your challenges be your excuse.”
New for this year, all attendees were invited to interact with and contribute inspirational, positive quotes or words of wisdom and share them on FCA’s “Wisdom Wall.” In addition, through a collaboration with Little Words Project, which creates inspirational bracelets popularized by Taylor Swift and other celebrities, FCA customized its own “Unstoppable” bracelet.Guests who made a $35 donation received a bracelet specially designed to honor FCA’s 2024 Scholarship recipients and remind us ALL that there are no limits to what we can do.One hundred percent of the profits go directly to FCA and benefit the more than 35,000 Long Islanders they help every year. Bracelets are still available. Make a donation and receive your bracelet by clicking HERE.
The scholarship breakfast celebrates the generosity of scholarship donors, the extraordinary achievements of the scholarship winners, and the dedicated staff who administer the program. As part of the breakfast program, scholarship recipients are encouraged to meet the FCA donors who help make their education journey possible, gaining further opportunity for career insights and guidance.
Over three decades, FCA has gifted more than 1,500 scholarships collectively worth over $2,000,000 to students engaged with FCA’s programs and services, enabling at-risk teens to pursue higher education and improve their lives. In 2023 35 students received scholarship support and this year, 46 students will be receiving scholarships.
About FCA
FCA is a not-for-profit agency helping more than 35,000 Long Islanders each year. For 140 years, the organization has worked to protect and strengthen vulnerable children, seniors, families, and communities on Long Island.
FCA believes in the potential of Long Island – a place where no child, senior, family or community is left to struggle alone with barriers to health care, education, employment, or economic prosperity. Long Island continues to be one of the greatest places in the world to live and raise a family for many; FCA exists to ensure that be the case for all.
Teachers Federal Credit Union, has announced the upcoming opening of its newest branch in The Shops at SunVet in Holbrook. Set to open in 2025 as part of the highly anticipated redevelopment of the existing SunVet Mall shopping center, this will be the newest branch Teachers Federal Credit Union will open since expanding its branch presence to Florida last year.
The SunVet Mall, once a landmark in the Holbrook community, is being transformed into a vibrant 168,000-square-foot open-air shopping center, The Shops at SunVet. This major revitalization project will feature an array of retail and dining options anchored by a new Whole Foods Market. The modernized center aims to provide a dynamic and enjoyable shopping experience for the local community and visitors alike.
“We are thrilled to expand our presence on Long Island and be a part of this exciting new development aimed at revitalizing the Holbrook area,” said Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. “Selecting The Shops at SunVet for our next branch location underscores our commitment to strategic growth and providing our members with increased convenience and flexibility as they partner with Teachers Federal Credit Union on their financialjourneys.”
The new Teachers branch will feature a welcoming and innovative design and provide a full suite of financial services, including personal and business banking, mortgages, auto loans, and financial planning. Members will continue to benefit from the credit union’s commitment to exceptional service, competitive rates, as well as tools and resources needed to make informed financial decisions.
“Opening our next branch at The Shops at SunVet aligns with our commitment to enhancing the financial well-being of our members and supporting the communities we serve,” added Calhoun. “We are excited to continue to share the value of a Teachers Federal Credit Union membership with more people in New York and across the country.”
ABOUT TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Teachers Federal Credit Union (Teachers) is one of the country’s largest credit unions, with more than $9.8 billion in assets and more than 460,000 members across all 50 states. Founded in New York in 1952, Teachers is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution with an open charter offering membership to anyone in the U.S. through its 30 full-service branches and best-in-class digital solutions. Teachers is a key supporter of the communities it serves and is proud to offer a range of member-focused products with competitive rates and low fees. What started as a smart solution for teachers is now smart for all. For more information, visit www.teachersfcu.org.
Stony Brook University Director of People & Culture, Rachael Redhead, has been awarded the State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.
Working in a shared services model, which includes Finance & Administration (F&A), the Executive Office, as well as Marketing & Communications, Rachael’s responsibilities include oversight of human resource services for over 1,200 staff members across several diverse University areas including Budget, Financial Planning & Analysis; Enterprise Risk Management; Facilities & Services; Finance; HR; Marketing & Communications, Government & Community Relations, Athletics, and the Executive Office. During her tenure at Stony Brook, Rachael has implemented successful models for HR functions such as employee engagement, retention and training as well as provided organizational development and support from Central HR to various Divisions and Departments. She is also a leader of the F&A Alliance for Culture, Diversity & Inclusion at Stony Brook University.
The Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence are System-level honors conferred to acknowledge and provide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. Individuals nominated for these awards must meet all prescribed eligibility criteria and must be individuals of achievement, committed to the State University and its students, respected by the campus community and worthy of emulation by colleagues and students on the home campus and across SUNY.
“I congratulate Rachael on this well-deserved achievement,” said Jed Shivers, Senior Vice President, F&A. “She is an integral member of our F&A team, serving each of our VP areas and their unique goals, nuances and functions. Rachael consistently remains committed to treating each request, from each area, with her total focus, utmost attention and an enthusiastic attitude. She is always willing to help, and is someone who treats all members of our faculty, staff and student populations with respect, diplomacy and dignity.”
Rachael joined Stony Brook University in 2014 as an HR Coordinator in Finance & Administration. After working in F&A for three years, Rachael was recognized for her achievements and appointed to Senior Human Resources Business Partner of DoIT in 2017. In this position, she continued to assume additional responsibilities, routinely going above and beyond the scope of her role and was appointed in 2021 to her current position.