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July 31, 2024Maria College Welcomes Four New Trustees
Maria College, a private, co-educational Catholic college founded by the Sisters of Mercy, announces the appointment of four new members to its board of trustees.
The new trustees — Sister Jude Kapp, RSM (Rensselaer); Helen Figge, Ph.D. (Slingerlands); Angela C. Dominelli, Ph.D. (Schenectady); and, Karen McKenna, RN, BSN — will each serve three three-year terms. They will guide the college’s direction, expand course offerings, build corporate partnerships, and enhance resources to strengthen the student experience.
“We purposefully sought specific skills for our new trustees,” said Maria College President Lynn Ortale, Ph.D. “Our board of 17 members includes leaders in various fields. We wanted to include Sisters of Mercy, like Sister Jude Kapp, RSM, who has dedicated her life to education. We also sought strong nursing and philanthropic representation, which Karen McKenna provides.
“Additionally, staying on the cutting edge of technology is crucial, and Helen Figge excels in addressing modern healthcare and tech challenges,” added Dr. Ortale. “Meanwhile, Dr. Dominelli brings extensive experience in higher education, including academic functions, accreditation, and budgeting — skills that will greatly benefit the college.”
Sister Jude Kapp, RSM — Since August 2011, Judith Kapp, RSM, has served as a pastoral associate at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Albany, N.Y., managing the food pantry, visiting the elderly and sick, and overseeing RCIA and Adult Confirmation Programs. Previously, she was math department chair at Catholic Central High School in Troy and Notre Dame High School in Elmira, where she supervised teachers and implemented the state curriculum. She also chaired the Mercy Mission Committee and advised the National Honor Society.
Helen Figge, Ph.D. — Helen Figge, BS, PharmD, MBA, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, FACHT, and Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, is a prominent healthcare leader and futurist. With experience in Fortune companies, non-profits, and start-ups, she specializes in strategic solutions and client engagement in healthcare and technology. Dr. Figge has held roles on various national healthcare IT boards, including the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and National Association of Health Data Organizations. She has received the FedHealthIT 100 Award and other accolades. Dr. Figge is currently the chief strategy officer at MedicaSoft and an executive in residence at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Angela C. Dominelli, Ph.D. — Dr. Dominelli had a notable career at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), serving as dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from 2013-2016, after being interim dean since 2012. She managed academic functions, accreditation, and budgets, achieving over a 25% increase in board exam pass rates, enhancing experiential learning, and establishing key collaborations. Previously, she was associate vice president of institutional effectiveness and associate dean for academic affairs at ACPHS. Her earlier roles included product development, pharmacy management, and clinical support.
“As board chair, I am thrilled to welcome these four talented individuals to the Maria College Board of Trustees,” said Chair Andrew Kaufman. “Their unique skills will enhance our school, making us a better educational destination. I am honored they have chosen to contribute their time and expertise to Maria College.”
“Welcoming new board members to Maria College is a sacred task,” continued Maria College Board Chair Emerita and Sister of Mercy Gail Waring. “Our mission is to impact students and build a better community. The four new board members, along with our current members, bring a passion for higher education and a commitment to advancing our mission within our college and beyond.”
Maria College is expanding its board after years of rising enrollment and growth. The Class of 2024 featured a diverse array of graduates, including those achieving bachelor’s degrees in nursing RN-BS completion, health and occupational sciences, healthcare management, psychology, and liberal arts. Additionally, students earned associate degrees in nursing, occupational therapy assistant, and general studies, along with practical nurse certificates.
