Our Board
Michael Goldsmith, Esq., Chairman
Jack Law, Vice Chairman
Mort Fearey, Jr., Treasurer
Patti Young, Clerk
Allan Keith
Karen Kennedy
Ursula Kreskey
Joan Potter
Edie Radley
S. Christopher Scott
David Thompson
Robert Tonti, CEO
The Vineyard Nursing Association is pleased to announce that Dr. Karen A. Kennedy of New York and Vineyard Haven and Allan R. Keith of Chilmark have joined the board of directors.
Karen Kennedy brings a wealth of professional experience to the VNA, as a pediatrician who started her career as a nurse. Dr. Kennedy recently retired from a general pediatric practice in New York City. She and her husband, Kevin, have been seasonal residents of Vineyard Haven since the early 1970’s. They have family members who live on the Island year-round, bringing them here regularly in addition to spending the summer months. They are members of the West Chop Club and are actively involved with several arts organizations in New York.
Allan Keith retired to the Vineyard after a long career in investment management services. Mr. Keith has been a major contributor to the island community as a past board member of Polly Hill Arboretum, The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society and the West Tisbury Congregational Church. He is a noted ornithologist who has authored many books, with a focus on birds in the West Indies.
“Karen and Allan bring professional experience, a love for the Vineyard and vast non-profit board fundraising experience,” said David Thompson, Chairman of the VNA’s Development Committee. “We are delighted to have such dynamic people become part of the board at such a critical time of growth for the organization.”
In March, the VNA lost one of our most vital supporters, board member Hugh Schwarz.
Hugh was born on August 16, 1918 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y., spending summers in Vineyard Haven since 1923. In 1943, he married Mary (Mamise) Conners, his wife of 65 years. Hugh was a graduate of Tabor Academy, Dartmouth College, and MIT.
Hugh began his career in Boston with National Research Corporation, then moved on to joining a team of engineers that developed the frozen concentrate process and established Minute Maid Corporation. He was also an integral part of developing the Florida Orange Growers’ Association. Eventually, Hugh moved on to Atlanta and Coca Cola from which he retired in 1978.
Hugh’s love of Martha’s Vineyard was lifelong. His father was one of the founders of the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club and Hugh was an active
member for 82 years, serving three terms as commodore. He was an enthusiastic supporter and participant in Holmes Hole Racing, and even raced in the 2010 season. Additionally, Hugh was intensely involved in community affairs, especially the Vineyard Nursing Association.
Hugh and Mamise were dedicated to the VNA since the beginning, when the agency was located at Windemere. Hugh was a member of the board for over 20 years, bringing great insights, especially related to changes in Medicare and federal regulations. Mamise was invaluable as well,
volunteering in the home health aide department in the late 80’s and 90’s. The Schwarz’s participation and support of the Vineyard Nursing
Association has been critical to the success and growth of the organization.
The VNA is happy to announce that we will be naming the conference and training center at our future and permanent home in Vineyard Haven after Hugh and Mamise.
Donations in Hugh's memory can be made to either Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 399, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or Sail MV, P.O. Box 1998, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Jack Law, Vice Chairman
Mort Fearey, Jr., Treasurer
Patti Young, Clerk
Allan Keith
Karen Kennedy
Ursula Kreskey
Joan Potter
Edie Radley
S. Christopher Scott
David Thompson
Robert Tonti, CEO
The Vineyard Nursing Association is pleased to announce that Dr. Karen A. Kennedy of New York and Vineyard Haven and Allan R. Keith of Chilmark have joined the board of directors.
Karen Kennedy brings a wealth of professional experience to the VNA, as a pediatrician who started her career as a nurse. Dr. Kennedy recently retired from a general pediatric practice in New York City. She and her husband, Kevin, have been seasonal residents of Vineyard Haven since the early 1970’s. They have family members who live on the Island year-round, bringing them here regularly in addition to spending the summer months. They are members of the West Chop Club and are actively involved with several arts organizations in New York.
Allan Keith retired to the Vineyard after a long career in investment management services. Mr. Keith has been a major contributor to the island community as a past board member of Polly Hill Arboretum, The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society and the West Tisbury Congregational Church. He is a noted ornithologist who has authored many books, with a focus on birds in the West Indies.
“Karen and Allan bring professional experience, a love for the Vineyard and vast non-profit board fundraising experience,” said David Thompson, Chairman of the VNA’s Development Committee. “We are delighted to have such dynamic people become part of the board at such a critical time of growth for the organization.”
In March, the VNA lost one of our most vital supporters, board member Hugh Schwarz.
Hugh was born on August 16, 1918 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y., spending summers in Vineyard Haven since 1923. In 1943, he married Mary (Mamise) Conners, his wife of 65 years. Hugh was a graduate of Tabor Academy, Dartmouth College, and MIT.
Hugh began his career in Boston with National Research Corporation, then moved on to joining a team of engineers that developed the frozen concentrate process and established Minute Maid Corporation. He was also an integral part of developing the Florida Orange Growers’ Association. Eventually, Hugh moved on to Atlanta and Coca Cola from which he retired in 1978.
Hugh’s love of Martha’s Vineyard was lifelong. His father was one of the founders of the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club and Hugh was an active
member for 82 years, serving three terms as commodore. He was an enthusiastic supporter and participant in Holmes Hole Racing, and even raced in the 2010 season. Additionally, Hugh was intensely involved in community affairs, especially the Vineyard Nursing Association.
Hugh and Mamise were dedicated to the VNA since the beginning, when the agency was located at Windemere. Hugh was a member of the board for over 20 years, bringing great insights, especially related to changes in Medicare and federal regulations. Mamise was invaluable as well,
volunteering in the home health aide department in the late 80’s and 90’s. The Schwarz’s participation and support of the Vineyard Nursing
Association has been critical to the success and growth of the organization.
The VNA is happy to announce that we will be naming the conference and training center at our future and permanent home in Vineyard Haven after Hugh and Mamise.
Donations in Hugh's memory can be made to either Vineyard Nursing Association, P.O. Box 399, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or Sail MV, P.O. Box 1998, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Vineyard Nursing Association
A Community Based Non-Profit Medicare-Medicaid Certified Agency
A Community Based Non-Profit Medicare-Medicaid Certified Agency
