Wilkinson Elected 1st Vice President of New Empire State USBC Bowling Association

Jun/01/09 Filed in: USBC News | Empire State USBC BA

UTICA, N.Y. - Bowlers in New York state now have a new state association and leadership. United States Bowling Congress delegates from across the state met Saturday in Utica, N.Y., and formed the new Empire State Bowling Association.

Michael Pettinella of Batavia, N.Y., who has been involved in bowling on various levels for 35 years, received a majority of votes to be elected president of the association.

"I am both honored and humbled to be elected as president of the Empire State Bowling Association," Pettinella said. "We are committed to turning the page and moving forward to promote the sport of bowling with honesty and integrity for all bowlers in New York state."

The formation of the Empire State Bowling Association comes as result of the decision by USBC to revoke the charter of the New York State Bowling Association after Stephen Donahue of Weedsport, N.Y., the former manager of the NYSBA, embezzled approximately $274,000 from the NYSBA.

"We finally have the outcome bowlers in New York deserve," USBC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger said. "The Empire State Bowling Association has the ability to be a model for the nation led by a group of volunteers committed to fiscal responsibility and partnering with USBC to provide quality service for members."

Joining Pettinella on the new board will be Vice Presidents Frank Wilkinson of Staten Island and James Maguire of Massapequa.

The newly-elected Jurisdictional directors are as follows:
Jurisdiction 1 - Fran Bax, Niagara Falls; Robert Kaverman, Jamestown.
Jurisdiction 2 - Joseph Fischer, Cheektowaga; Nancy Walczyk, Boston.
Jurisdiction 3 - Barry Vee Sr., Rochester; Roger Buckman, Honeoye Falls.
Jurisdiction 4 - Martin Fichera, Liverpool; Dennis O'Donnell, Auburn.
Jurisdiction 5 - Gerry Angel, Ithaca; Mark Ames Sr., Cortland.
Jurisdiction 6 - Paul Kupelian, Constantia; Scott McLaughlin, Malone.
Jurisdiction 7 - Karl Bieber, Albany; Willard Nethaway, Schenectady.
Jurisdiction 8 - Bill Collins, Nanuet; Robert Tyler, Highland.
Jurisdiction 9 - Corinthia Ward, Bronx; Daniel Solimine, New Rochelle.
Jurisdiction 10 - Peter Resvanis, Lake Ronkonkoma; Ronald Bevilacqua, Lawrence.

"It is imperative that we are accountable in every aspect of governance and leadership, especially in the area of finances," Pettinella said. "The checks and balances that are in place must be followed each and every step of the way. Just as important is establishing a system of regular communication with all of our members."

The new Empire State USBC Bowling Association represents approximately 80,000 members and is separate from the New York State USBC Women's Bowling Association and the New York State USBC Youth Association.

(Pictured, from left to right): Newly Elected, Jim Maguire, ESUSBCBA 2nd Vice President; Mike Pettinella, ESUSBCBA President; and Frank Wilkinson, ESUSBCBA 1st Vice President.