Events

History of Goshen EMS (formerly GOVAC)

Molly O’Donnell Biography

Molly was born and raised right here in the Village of Goshen. A 2004 graduate of Goshen High School, she went on to Dominican College graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. 

Molly was recently appointed to the position of Commissioner of Jurors for the Orange County court system.

Prior to that, she was employed by Orange County Government for eighteen years working as Director of Workforce Development in the Human Resources Department. 

Molly’s public service began in the Village in April of 2024 where she served on the Zoning Board of Appeals until she filled a vacancy to serve on the Planning Board from June 2016 until she was appointed to the position of Village Trustee/Deputy Mayor by then Mayor Scott Wohl in September 2021. Molly served on the Village Board in thar role from September 2021 until she was elected as Mayor in March 2023. Molly is currently serving a two-year term and plans to run for re-election in March 2025 for another two-year term.

In 2015, Molly co-founded Illuminate Goshen, and currently serves on the board of directors for the nonprofit organization with a goal of providing engaging community events for all to enjoy. Illuminate Goshen has successfully hosted and co-hosted various programs and events in the Village of Goshen: Goshen Art Walks, Summer Concert Series, NYE Event, Painted Piano Project and the Painted Trotters Project.

In addition to her work with Illuminate Goshen, Molly is an active member of Goshen in Bloom and the Auxiliary of Goshen Historic Track.  Molly also works closely with the Goshen Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Great American Weekend Committee.

Molly was named Person of the Year in 2015 by the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, a 2015 Orange County Rising Star by the Junior League of Orange County, a graduate of Leadership Orange’s 2015 Class, inducted in 2019 to the Goshen Central School District Hall of Distinction and was named a 2019 Woman of Distinction by Assemblyman Colin Schmitt.

Molly can be contacted at (845) 283-5803 or mol.odonnell@gmail.com.

Mo J served on the board since 2023 and then took over the role of Interim Camp Director in 2024. As of 2025, she is the Camp Director.

 Braeside Camp Staff: In 1987, Mo J started working in the kitchen and worked her way up to counselor.  She stayed for 10 years, taking a break in 1996 to work for the Middletown Parks Dept.  She then returned for 1 more year in 1998 to help in the kitchen and with the laundry. 

After leaving camp, she joined the staff at the Chester Public Library as the Children’s Librarian and in 2010 she became the Director. 

Maureen.Jagos@BraesideCamp.net

Bill Fioravanti became CEO of the Orange County IDA in November 2021 after serving as interim director. He has a strong background in economic development, having worked with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and as the County’s Director of Economic Development. Bill's community involvement includes chairing Newburgh’s SEDAC and serving as a Trustee for Mount Saint Mary College. He was honored as the 2024 Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Hudson Valley Boy Scouts. Bill lives in Newburgh with his wife and three daughters.

Orange County IDA

Gary Thomas Bell is a Master Diver with Shaggy’s Diving on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. A true adventurer, Gary and his now wife Melissa made a deal, she would hike the Appalachian Trail if they could live in the Caribbean for a year, and so they did and stayed! Over the past nine years, Gary Thomas became a Master Diver, the highest rating one can achieve in scuba diving, requiring extensive in water experience and advanced training. He will talk about his experiences diving in the brilliant turquoise waters of unspoiled and dramatic dive locations in the islands. Gary Thomas and Melissa are still enjoying adventures together, sailing catamarans, diving and exploring Sting Ray City, Starfish Point and beyond. Gary Thomas Bell is the grandson of long time members of the club, Ken and Doris Obremski. For more information about diving in the Cayman Islands go to www.shaggysdiving.com. 

Recently, Amanda had been named Hudson Valley Magazine’s 2022 Women in Business Award Winner. In 2020, Amanda Dana was selected by the Board of Directors of Hudson Valley Tourism Inc to be the President of the 10- County regional destination marketing organization. In 2018, she became an integral part of the County of Orange’s Leadership team as she enthusiastically assumed the role of Tourism & Film Director. According to County Executive Stephen Neuhaus, “Amanda brings a strong and diverse background to this important position…” “The tourism industry is growing in Orange County and I know that she will work hard to continue that growth. Amanda has developed working relationships with key stakeholders throughout the Hudson Valley which will serve her well as she steers the County’s tourism department forward” claimed Neuhaus. In this leadership role, Amanda is responsible for overseeing over a Billion-dollar visitor economy and managing a marketing and advertising budget of over $2.5 million. Amanda has over 25 years sales and marketing experience in the Hudson Valley region with 18 years in executive recruiting/talent management and 10 years focused on real estate and economic development.  During that time, she has grown and cultivated many working relationships with individuals and organizations and has immersed herself with being tremendously involved with her community. In 2019, the Orange County Tourism department expanded and acquired the Orange County Film Office, Amanda then assumed the role as Executive Director. Amanda joined the team of the highly recognized Orange County Partnership in 2013, heading up their Business Retention & Expansion division where she was responsible for fostering the growth of Orange County companies. Prior to joining the Partnership team, Amanda ran a successful real estate practice in Orange County, New York.

Personal

• Resident of Goshen since 2007
• Over two decades as an educator in the Goshen Central School District (Social Studies teacher 2005-2019 and Technology Coordinator 2013-Present)
• Bachelors of Arts in Social Studies Education from Ithaca College 
• Masters of Science in Instructional Technology from New York State Institute of Technology
• Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education
• Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz 

Business/Government Experience

• Former, Social Media Manager for the New York State Computers and Technology in Education (NYSCATE)
• Action Research Coach in Instructional Technology guiding research teams in the best practices in instructional technology with SUNY New Paltz and the Mid Hudson Teachers Center Virtual Trainer with Sullivan County BOCES teaching courses on education, technology, and innovative classroom experiences  
• Guest Speaker on topics such as "Building Empathy in the Age of Acceleration," "Using 'Fake News" to Build Empathy," & "Technology and Leadership" at conferences across New York , New Jersey and Canada   

Community Involvement (Civic Boards, Veterans Associations)

• Local Advocate to Town of Goshen for best practices in local policy
• Co-Founder, TEDxGoshen

Political Affiliation

• Democratic Party
• Working Families Party Endorsed 2025

Important Issues

• Clean, protect, and ensure clean municipal drinking water 
• Future-proof Orange County against over-development and guide appropriate growth
• Update the County to be an agile, active body with increased accountably and transparency 
• Invest in programs and support for our diverse seniors

County Roles (Chairs, Committees, Subcommittees, County Boards, Agencies)

• Chairman, Rules, Enactments and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, 2026
• Health and Mental Health Committee, 2026
• Human Services Committee, 2026
• Education and Economic Development Committee, 2026