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Dannible & McKee names new managing partner to start in mid-2026
Also announced new leadership posts starting this July SYRACUSE — Victor Vaccaro, Jr. is scheduled to assume the role of managing partner at Dannible & McKee, LLP, effective July 1, 2026, succeeding Christopher Didio who has led the firm since 2022. Didio will remain active in the firm by continuing to serve as a consulting […]
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SYRACUSE — Victor Vaccaro, Jr. is scheduled to assume the role of managing partner at Dannible & McKee, LLP, effective July 1, 2026, succeeding Christopher Didio who has led the firm since 2022.
Didio will remain active in the firm by continuing to serve as a consulting audit partner.
It was among the leadership changes that the Syracuse–based accounting firm announced April 22, calling them “key leadership transitions as part of its strategic succession plan and continued growth.”
Dannible & McKee used the same announcement to highlight created CFO and COO positions, which are effective July 1 of this year.
The firm has named Joseph Chemotti, an audit partner, as CFO who will oversee financial operations, including banking, payroll, financial reporting, and cash-flow management, as well as billing and collections. He’ll work with the managing partner over the next year to transition these responsibilities and “ensure a seamless financial strategy for the firm’s future,” per the announcement.
Chemotti has more than 34 years of experience and is a certified public accountant (CPA) in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. He maintains the following professional certifications: certified construction industry financial professional (CCIFP); certified advanced health and welfare plans audit; certified advanced defined contributions plans audit; certified advanced defined benefit plans audit.
Dannible & McKee has also appointed Brian Potter, a tax partner, to the role of COO. As COO, he’ll oversee daily operations, office management, external offices, administrative functions, and human resources. Potter will also work alongside the managing partner during the transition period to “ensure operational efficiency and support the firm’s growth initiatives,” the firm said.
Potter is a CPA in New York who has more than 18 years of experience in taxation and planning for individuals and closely held companies. He is also the partner-in-charge of the firm’s internal technology department.
In addition to the new CFO and COO roles, Benjamin Sumner has been elected as the firm’s partner-in-charge of assurance services, succeeding Vaccaro, who has led the division since 2022, Dannible & McKee said. Sumner will continue in the role of quality control partner while leading the assurance-services team.
Sumner is a CPA in New York and has more than 15 years of experience providing auditing, accounting, and consulting services to a variety of businesses. He also specializes in providing audits of employee-benefit plans.
“These leadership transitions reflect our firm’s strong commitment to succession planning, operational excellence and long-term sustainability,” Christopher Didio, managing partner at Dannible & McKee, said in the announcement. “Joe, Brian and Ben’s dedication, expertise and vision have been instrumental in our success, and I am confident they will help lead us to even greater achievements in the future.”
Established as a partnership in 1978, Dannible & McKee provides professional services in the areas of audit, tax, accounting, and financial-management consulting for clients nationwide. The firm focuses on major industry lines and specializes in multi-state taxation review, business valuation, litigation support and fraud prevention and detection. With New York offices in Syracuse, Auburn, Binghamton and Schenectady, along with a location in Tampa, Florida, the firm employs more than 120 professional and support personnel, including 23 partners, per its announcement.
Madison County celebrates completion of park project
NEW WOODSTOCK — On June 5, the Madison County government celebrated the completion of a project at Delphi Falls County Park that provides access to both the upper and lower waterfalls at the park, located at 2006 Cardner Road. The two-phase project began after the county purchased the park and included an ADA (Americans with
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NEW WOODSTOCK — On June 5, the Madison County government celebrated the completion of a project at Delphi Falls County Park that provides access to both the upper and lower waterfalls at the park, located at 2006 Cardner Road.
The two-phase project began after the county purchased the park and included an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible trail, new bathrooms, and a new multi-use building named Cascades Hall.
“The completion of this project and the full opening of Delphi Falls has been a long time coming,” Madison County Board Chairman James J. Cunningham said in an announcement about the opening. “I am proud of the Madison County Planning Department, facilities department, IT department, and the many more who have worked tirelessly over the years to make this day a reality. We also thank all of those who worked to build this beautiful facility and maintain the natural beauty of the park.”
Madison County purchased the 66-acre property in 2018 and developed the project so that portions of the park would remain open while work took place in other parts. The county worked on phase one with EDR, a landscape architect from Syracuse, to design a parking lot, trail system, and falls overlooks. Phase one construction began in 2020 and included a new parking lot, a rim trail, a pedestrian bridge, bathrooms, and the accessible overlook of the lower falls.
The second phase included a new gated entrance, public patio area, and Cascades Hall. Work began in the summer of 2023.
Funding for the projects came from the county, grants from New York State Parks and State Senator Rachel May, and a $50,000 donation from the Allen family for the pedestrian bridge.
Cascades Hall, built where a house once stood on the property, can be rented for a small fee by both public and private entities to host small events. The building holds about 50 people and includes a catering kitchenette, large-screen televisions, tables and chairs, and views of the falls.
“Madison County is proud to finally fully share this park with the public after years of work,” Madison County Planning Director Scott Ingmire said. “We transformed what was a private residence for over 60 years into what we hope is a welcoming and natural setting through which to view two amazing waterfalls. The addition of Cascades Hall and many public amenities have opened a variety of uses for the public, and we are excited about what the future holds. One of our main goals was to maintain ADA access to the lower falls, and we’ve managed to do that in a wonderful fashion. Thank you to all of the contractors and county departments that worked so hard to make this a reality, and thank you to the Madison County Board of Supervisors for their support over the past seven years.”
Longtime Onondaga County CFO retires, successor begins duties
SYRACUSE — Steve Morgan, who served as Onondaga County’s chief fiscal officer (CFO) for 13 years, retired at the end of May and his successor, Kristi Smiley, has started in the role. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced that Morgan planned to retire back on April 17. He had worked for Onondaga County for more
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SYRACUSE — Steve Morgan, who served as Onondaga County’s chief fiscal officer (CFO) for 13 years, retired at the end of May and his successor, Kristi Smiley, has started in the role.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced that Morgan planned to retire back on April 17. He had worked for Onondaga County for more than 30 years, having started in 1994 as an auditor in the comptroller’s office.
Morgan eventually moved to the county’s department of social services where he eventually became deputy commissioner prior to his role as the county’s CFO.
Under Morgan’s leadership, the county’s financial operations were “centralized and streamlined which produced significant efficiencies,” McMahon’s office said in the April 17 announcement. Onondaga County also maintained and improved its strong bond ratings during Morgan’s tenure, it added.
“I am incredibly grateful for Steve’s leadership as CFO and for the tremendous team he has built in Management and Budget. He has helped guide the county’s finances through good times and bad, including the pandemic, with the utmost professionalism and respect for the taxpayers of Onondaga County,” McMahon said. “I wish him all the best in his much-deserved retirement.”
McMahon nominated Smiley to serve as the next CFO of Onondaga County. The Onondaga County Legislature unanimously approved the nomination at its May meeting, Justin Sayles, executive communications director for Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, told CNYBJ in a June 10 email.
Smiley had been serving as deputy director of financial operations since 2020 and has been working for Onondaga County since 2007. She earned both her MBA degree and bachelor’s degree from Binghamton University, according to Smiley’s LinkedIn profile.
MVHS announces 2025 residency graduates
UTICA — Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) recently celebrated the graduation of its 2025 residency class across multiple programs, honoring more than 30 health-care professionals who have completed training. MVHS recognized graduates from the transitional year residency program, general surgery residency and preliminary year program, general practice residency program (dental), family medicine residency program, and
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UTICA — Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) recently celebrated the graduation of its 2025 residency class across multiple programs, honoring more than 30 health-care professionals who have completed training.
MVHS recognized graduates from the transitional year residency program, general surgery residency and preliminary year program, general practice residency program (dental), family medicine residency program, and pharmacy residency program.
Maxime Berube, chief academic officer and physician director of medication education at MVHS, presented the welcome address at graduation. MVHS President/CEO Darlene Stromstad, state Senator Joseph A. Griffo, and state Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon presented additional remarks.
“This event not only celebrates academic achievement but also the commitment these physicians, dentists, and pharmacists have made to improving health outcomes,” Berube said in an announcement. “We are honored to be part of their professional journey.”
Jefferson County hotels register double-digit declines in key business indicators in April
WATERTOWN — Jefferson County hotels saw declines of more than 10 percent each in a trio of benchmarks of business performance in April. The hotel-occupancy
M&T Bank Corp. to pay Q2 dividend of $1.35 a share on June 30
M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE: MTB) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.35 per share of its common stock for the second quarter of 2025. The dividend will be payable on June 30, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 2, M&T recently announced. At its current stock price, the
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M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE: MTB) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.35 per share of its common stock for the second quarter of 2025.
The dividend will be payable on June 30, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 2, M&T recently announced. At its current stock price, the dividend yields just under 3 percent on an annual basis.
M&T Bank Corp. is a financial-holding company headquartered in Buffalo. Its main banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services with a branch and ATM network spanning the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.
The bank ranks number one in deposit market share in the 16-county Central New York area. M&T Bank’s Syracuse regional headquarters office is located at 250 South Clinton St. in downtown Syracuse.
Broome County hotels post drop in occupancy in April
BINGHAMTON — Broome County hotels registered a decline in overnight guests in April, as two other key indicators of business performance rose in the month. The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county fell 4.2 percent to 59.3 percent in the fourth month of 2025, compared to April 2024,
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BINGHAMTON — Broome County hotels registered a decline in overnight guests in April, as two other key indicators of business performance rose in the month.
The hotel-occupancy rate (rooms sold as a percentage of rooms available) in the county fell 4.2 percent to 59.3 percent in the fourth month of 2025, compared to April 2024, according to a report from STR, a Tennessee–based hotel market data and analytics company. Year to date through April, occupancy was down 0.3 percent to 52.8 percent.
Revenue per available room (RevPar), an industry gauge that measures how much money hotels are bringing in per available room, edged up 0.3 percent to $70.54 in April versus the year-ago month. In the first one-third of this year, RevPar was higher by 6.4 percent to $59.37.
The average daily rate (ADR), which represents the average rental rate for a sold room, rose 4.7 percent in Broome County to $118.91 this April, compared to the same month a year prior. Through the first four months of 2025, ADR increased 6.8 percent to $112.35.
Midstate Mutual Insurance names two new board members
AUBURN — Midstate Mutual Insurance Company recently announced the appointment of Frances M. (Frank) Fetsko and Mark J. Modzeleski to the company’s board of directors. Fetsko has spent his career in the financial-services industry and recently retired from Tompkins Financial Corp., where he served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer. He currently serves
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AUBURN — Midstate Mutual Insurance Company recently announced the appointment of Frances M. (Frank) Fetsko and Mark J. Modzeleski to the company’s board of directors.
Fetsko has spent his career in the financial-services industry and recently retired from Tompkins Financial Corp., where he served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer. He currently serves on the Central New York board of directors of Tompkins Community Bank.
Modzeleski founded Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY and has spent the past 25 years helping families, farms, and small businesses make confident financial decisions. He offers a multitude of services, with a strong focus on agriculture and rural communities. Modzeleski is actively involved in leadership and mentorship, serving on several boards and working closely with organizations throughout New York state.
“We are excited to welcome Frank Fetsko and Mark Modzeleski to our board,” Matthew A. Benedict, president and CEO of Midstate Mutual, said in the announcement. “Their diverse backgrounds and skill sets will enhance our board’s capabilities. As a mutual insurance company, it is essential that our directors represent the interests of our policyholders. We appreciate their commitment to serving, and their appointments reflect Midstate Mutual’s ongoing commitment to strong company governance.”
Founded in 1879, Midstate Mutual Insurance is headquartered in Auburn and markets its products through independent insurance agencies.
SALINA — Lockheed Martin Corp.’s (NYSE: LMT) facility in the town of Salina, north of Syracuse, was recently awarded a $25 million U.S. Army contract for Sentinel A4 Radar System engineering services. Work will be performed at Lockheed’s Salina plant, with an estimated completion date of June 3, 2026, according to a June 4 contract
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SALINA — Lockheed Martin Corp.’s (NYSE: LMT) facility in the town of Salina, north of Syracuse, was recently awarded a $25 million U.S. Army contract for Sentinel A4 Radar System engineering services.
Work will be performed at Lockheed’s Salina plant, with an estimated completion date of June 3, 2026, according to a June 4 contract announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Fiscal 2025 other procurement, Army funds; and 2025 research, development, test, and evaluation, Army funds, totaling about $17.5 million were obligated at the time of the award. The Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama is the contracting authority.
Withrow joins Syracuse office of Harris Beach Murtha
SYRACUSE — Harris Beach Murtha says senior counsel Maria Zumpano Withrow has joined its Syracuse office in the firm’s corporate, tax and trusts, and estates practice groups. Withrow also works with Harris Beach Murtha’s tax-exempt organizations & nonprofits industry team, the firm said in its June 2 announcement. With the corporate, tax and trusts and
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SYRACUSE — Harris Beach Murtha says senior counsel Maria Zumpano Withrow has joined its Syracuse office in the firm’s corporate, tax and trusts, and estates practice groups.
Withrow also works with Harris Beach Murtha’s tax-exempt organizations & nonprofits industry team, the firm said in its June 2 announcement.
With the corporate, tax and trusts and estates practice groups, Withrow will provide strategic counsel to business owners, “guiding them through the complexities they face on a regular basis,” Harris Beach Murtha said.
In addition to her legal background, Withrow is also a certified public accountant (CPA) who holds an MBA degree.
Withrow has experience with estate planning for high-net worth individuals and families along with experience in other corporate matters. They include mergers and acquisitions, advising on entity organizational matters and structuring, contract drafting and negotiation, joint ventures, corporate-governance matters, corporate restructuring, officer and director transition planning, and other general corporate matters, Harris Beach Murtha said.
“Maria brings a unique background to her work, with her tax and accounting education and experience, that will be very appealing to many of our clients — in the Corporate Practice Group and the Syracuse area,” Jeremy Speich, the partner who leads the corporate practice group, said in the announcement. “This speaks to what Harris Beach Murtha is — we are much more than a law firm, we are a strategic business partner.”
Withrow previously worked for Bousquet Holstein PLLC in Syracuse, per its Facebook page; as well as a law firm in Washington, D.C.; and for a large insurance organization in London. She also previously worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young, LLP and as director of process improvement for a management-service organization in the legal industry, per the announcement.
Corporate practice group
Withrow joins a corporate practice group that has experience with complex corporate work that regularly includes merger and acquisition activity, capital-market transactions, debt transactions, equity offerings, venture capital, mezzanine finance, private equity, and entrepreneurial-business planning.
The team represents and supports domestic and international businesses of all sizes, stages of growth and industries throughout New York, New Jersey, New England and nationally. The attorneys involved work on matters related to corporate governance, employee benefits, asset and equity acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures, change of control, antitrust, domestic and cross‐border transactional tax, environmental, social and governance (ESG), inbound investment, funds formation, and securities, Harris Beach Murtha said.
Additional practice groups
Withrow will also work with the firm’s trusts and estates practice group, which focuses on the preservation, management, and transfer of wealth. The attorneys assist with lifetime and testamentary planning, estate and gift tax planning, and advises fiduciaries with respect to the administration of estates and trusts, among other trusts and estates issues.
In addition, Withrow will also join the firm’s tax practice group, which provides a range of services to help clients navigate complex tax laws and regulations. The group offers tax planning and advice for businesses across various industries both in the U.S. and globally.
As a member of the tax-exempt organizations & nonprofits industry team, Withrow will provide legal services tailored to the specific needs of organizations with tax-exempt status, Harris Beach Murtha noted.
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