Timothy Backus

Executive Director

tbackus@casdany.org

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Timothy Backus joins CASDA as Executive Director following a 35-year career in the South Colonie Central School District, where he most recently served as the Deputy Superintendent. He first joined the district as a social studies teacher and throughout his career held various positions including Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Department Chair of Social Studies, Assistant Principal at Colonie Central High School and Curriculum Supervisor.

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Backus has previously served on CASDA’s Greater Capital Region Principal Center’s Board. Additionally, he served on the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center Policy Board and chaired the University at Albany’s Academy for the Advancement of Teaching, Learning and Schools Advisory Board.

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Backus has an M.S., an M.A., and a B.A. from the University at Albany.

Marian Chrisman

Business Manager

mchrisman@casdany.org

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Ciara Hassenpflug

Director of Marketing and Communications 

chassenpflug@casdany.org

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Ciara brings a keen eye for design, a creative approach and a collaborative mindset to her role as the Director of Communications for CASDA. She oversees the creation and design of all communications and marketing materials, maintenance of CASDA’s website, social media channels and more.

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Ciara previously worked as the Communications Coordinator for the New York State Association of REALTORS. She earned a BA in Public Communications from The College of Saint Rose in 2008.

Jerome A. Steele

Assistant Director of Research and Program Development 

jasteele@casdany.org

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Jerome brings an interdisciplinary approach to identifying and integrating peer-reviewed research into CASDA's programming. He develops or supports many of CASDA's professional development offerings in collaboration with both CASDA faculty members and partners from other organizations.

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Jerome collaborates to produce CASDA's podcasts and frequently contributes to the monthly newsletter.