William Truitt is a lifelong resident of Hyde Park and chairman of the Dutchess County Legislature, Will's focus is centered on enhancing the lives of all Dutchess County families, workers, and residents. Will is a graduate of Marist College, where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. As a dedicated Christian and attendee of Calvary Chapel of the Hudson Valley, Will believes that community service is essential to strong and prosperous leadership. Will works full-time as the Finance Officer for Metzger Construction Corp. based in Hopewell Junction and is back at Marist pursing his Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Management. 

 

Malachi Carmichael is a Master Sergeant U.S. Air Force Retired who is currently an Aerospace Science Junior Reserve Officer Training Course Instructor at Poughkeepsie High School. MSgt Carmichael entered active duty in 1994, spending time in traffic management and paralegal work for the Air Force. MSgt Carmichael was deployed twice to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, once to the United Arab Emirates, and once to Iraq in support of multinational combat operations and has supported numerous military operations in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, France and Hawaii. 

 

Karen Hochhauser is the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County. She and her family have a long history in Dutchess County as her maternal grandparents moved to Poughkeepsie from New York City in 1941. Karen’s career started in New York City at the Institute of International Education, working with the Fullbright Scholarship, while she also completed her Master’s Degree at NYU in Cross Cultural Management. She lived and worked in Asia for many years before returning to Dutchess County nine years ago where she was asked to take on her current role.

 

Jenna Viani Pascale was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York. She went to Our Lady of Lourdes High School. She attended Villanova University on a full scholarship for basketball and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She graduated in 2006 and went on to become a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse for 15 years, which became a true passion. Jenna is married to Matthew Pascale and is the mother to 4 very active boys: Lucus (14), Troy (12), Bryce (9) and Pierce (7). 

 

Yvonne Flowers is a lifelong resident and 4-term City of Poughkeepsie 5th Ward Councilwoman. Yvonne is a proud graduate of Poughkeepsie City School District and a graduate of Dutchess Community College (DCC) where she earned her A.A.S. degree in Accounting. Yvonne worked at DCC for over 33 years and is a landlord. Yvonne is dedicated and active in her community serving on many local boards and committees. Yvonne was elected as the first African American Mayor of the City of Poughkeepsie, taking office in January 2024.

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Donna Reyer is a seasoned professional with experience in the world of journalism and public service. As an evening news anchor for Cablevision News from 2005 to 2014 and then for the Hudson Valley News Network from 2014 to 2016, Donna brought forth a wealth of impactful stories and insightful reporting to audiences across the Hudson Valley. Transitioning into the realm of public service, Donna served as the Special Events Coordinator for Senator Sue Serino from 2015 to 2018, where she played a pivotal role in organizing and executing meaningful events that touched the lives of many.  She resides in East Fishkill with her husband and her family and is proud to call the Hudson Valley her home.

 

Coach Joe Kennedy, an eighteen-year Marine veteran, was an assistant coach for the Bremerton High School (BHS) varsity football team. Before he even coached his first game, the Marine-turned-football coach made a commitment to God that he would give thanks at the conclusion of each game for what the players had accomplished and for the opportunity to be part of their lives through football. This was met with disapproval from his school district and turned into a lengthy court battle. On June 27, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Coach Kennedy and his First Amendment right. Joe and his wife, Denise, are parents to four and reside currently in Pensacola. His memoir, Average Joe, is available wherever books are sold, and a film inspired by his life is in development. He continues to speak across the country promoting freedom of speech. 

 

Sue Serino started working at age 15 and never stopped. Sue began as a waitress in a small, local restaurant, quickly working her way up to become a manager. After the birth of her son Anthony, Sue started an in-home childcare business to ensure she could continue to financially support her family while caring for her own son.

Sue eventually began working in real estate where she specialized in helping first-time homebuyers make their Hudson Valley dreams a reality. Sue was elected to the Hyde Park Town Board in 2010, to the Dutchess County Legislature in 2011, the New York State Senate in 2014 and in 2024 she became the 9th Dutchess County Executive. Sue and her family have lived in Hyde Park for over 20 years.

 

Alex Hidalgo was born in Ecuador, South America and arrived in the United States at the age of twelve. He grew up in Yonkers and attended Saunders Trade High school where he met his wife Carmela. They have three kids, Alexis, Angela, and Anthony. They attend Full Gospel Church in LaGrange, NY, where they are involved in the One Accord Marriage Ministry. Alex is a co-founder of My Architecture Workshops, Inc., a Stamford based, non-profit organization dedicated to introducing local students to the architecture, design and construction field.  

 

Jose Lema, Joel Salve, and Josh Lucksinger are dedicated members of the worship team at Calvary Chapel of the Hudson Valley, passionate followers of Christ and are honored to provide the musical selections for this year’s breakfast.