Sciarabba Walker & Co., LLP recently hired DYLAN WRIGHT as a staff accountant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public accountancy from SUNY Fredonia.

DIANA CARPENTER, RN, a family nurse practitioner, has returned to Boonville Family Care, where she previously was on staff from 2001 to 2007. She joins CORRINE E. REED, RN in caring for patients of all ages. Carpenter received her associate degree in applied science from Jefferson Community College in Watertown. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, where she also completed her training as a family nurse practitioner.

Reed became a volunteer firefighter at the age of 14, following in a family tradition. She received her associate degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, Utica. Reed later earned bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in nursing and a certification as a family nurse practitioner through the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at SUNYIT, Marcy.

SHARON PALMER has been named VP of support services at MVHS. She previously was assistant VP of facilities services at MVHS, director of facilities planning and support services, and director of project management and support services at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH). Palmer received an MBA with a concentration in health services administration and a bachelor’s degree in health services management from SUNYIT in Utica.

KRISTIN BROWN has been named human resource (HR) operations/compliance manager at MVHS. She previously worked for ConMed in Utica. Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Le Moyne College in Syracuse and her MBA from the University at Albany.

ANDREW BUSHNELL, M.D. has been named chief medical officer (CMO) at Rome Memorial Hospital. He had served as interim CMO since April, following the departure of Frank Ehrlich, M.D. In addition to his role as CMO, Bushnell will continue as medical director of the hospital’s Emergency Department. Bushnell, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, completed his residency at SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. He also earned an MBA from the University of Vermont. 

Harris Beach has elected BRENDAN PALFREYMAN, attorney in the firm’s Syracuse office, to partnership, effective Jan. 1. He focuses on intellectual-property matters and litigation, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade dress infringement actions. Palfreyman has created a niche practice counseling breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries in New York state and beyond on how to protect their intellectual property. He received his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and his bachelor’s degree from Haverford College.

RENEE G. BENDA has joined Hancock Estabrook LLP as marketing director in the firm’s Syracuse office. She has more than a decade of experience in the development and execution of digital branding, advertising, business development, events, public relations, marketing strategy, and analytics for various international, regional, and mid-market companies. Benda was previously marketing manager at Barclay Damon LLP. She holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego.

Radio veteran JOHN SUMMERS has joined Cayuga Radio Group – Ithaca (Saga Broadcasting) and WHCU AM/FM as brand manager and news director. He was most rezxdirector and news director for the Northwest News Radio Network and the Washington Ag Network. In addition to his experience at the Northwest News Network, Summers has worked in News at WIBW–Topeka, KOH–Reno, and KHTS–Los Angeles.

WCNY has made the following staff appointments.

CAROLINE BASSO was named VP, development and engagement. She was previously director, development and marketing at WSKG in Binghamton. Brasso brings 16 years of advancement, fundraising, major and planning giving, membership, grants, and community engagement to WCNY.

MARY JO BARNELLO was appointed director of leadership giving. She previously served in development positions at Everson Art Museum, Loretto Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse. Barnello brings more than 20 years of fundraising experience to WCNY.

SHANNON HANRAHAN was named director of individual giving. She was previously major gifts officer for WSKG Public Media, and manager of membership operations. Before working in public media, Hanrahan oversaw art appraisals and clientele for a private art services company in New York City. She brings more than10 years of experience to WCNY.

MEGHAN KANE has joined as development coordinator. She was previously a development associate at Presbyterian Homes & Services in New Hartford. Kane is an experienced professional in a variety of fundraising disciplines, social media marketing, and communications.

LEE PRZYTULA has come aboard as editor and videographer, 415 Productions. He was previously a video editor at CardRunners.com. Przytula has a background in producing for educational content, entertainment, and marketing communications along with editing and motion graphics. He brings 18 years of experience to WCNY.

MICHAEL F. MELARA has been appointed CEO of Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Charities, Inc. effective Jan. 5. He has served as the interim CEO for the past year while maintaining his role as executive director of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. Melara will continue to serve in both roles. As CEO, he serves as the diocesan director of Catholic Charities — directly reporting to the bishop of Syracuse and working collaboratively with the corporate board of trustees. Melara has served as executive director of Catholic Charities Onondaga County since 2008 and has extensive experience in social-service leadership roles serving as the past executive director of Huntington Family Center in Syracuse, director of Child and Family Services at Liberty Resources, Inc., as well as social-service positions within Catholic Charities and the Department of Mental Health. He has a master’s degree from Chapman University and a bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College.