NYSARA Actions
April 02, 2017
NYSARA Appoints New Executive Director
On the recommendation of NYSARA President Barry Kaufmann and the action of the NYSARA Board of Directors, Stephen Madarasz has been appointed the NYS Alliance for Retired Americans new Executive Director as of April 1st. He replaces former Executive Director John Costello. Stephen has been one of the most visible communications professionals in New York’s capital and beyond for more than 35 years.
Madarasz began his career as a broadcast journalist with WAMC – Northeast Public Radio and helped establish a news operation that has grown into a regional powerhouse, reaching listeners in five states.
For more than 30 years – 22 of them as Director of Communications – he served as a public face for CSEA. In this capacity he supervised a statewide staff and was responsible for all internal and external communications, marketing, and media relations on behalf of the CSEA, doing every kind of work in every part of New York.
The CSEA experience regularly demonstrated the ability to deliver focused, problem- solving know-how under dynamic circumstances.
Madarasz serves on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross of Eastern NY, Capital Repertory Theater and as Board President of the Mental Health Foundation. He is past Board President of the NYS Labor-Religion Coalition.
Teaching has also been prominent professional activity. In addition to presenting numerous training programs and workshops for CSEA members in a variety of settings, Madarasz has taught marketing communication and public speaking at the graduate and undergraduate level at the University at Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the College of St. Rose.
Madarasz holds a BA in English and Speech Communication from Boston College and a Master’s degree in Political Communication from the University at Albany.
NYSARA President Kaufmann has asked Stephen to develop a plan of action for NYSARA’s external communication that focuses on maximizing our message our credibility and our influence. The new Executive Director will also be setting up meetings between NYS Legislative leaders and NYSARA leadership to discuss the NYSARA 2017 Legislative agenda. He will also be the point person on a June NYSARA statewide conference on ongoing issues of importance.
NYSARA President Barry A. Kaufmann said “We are EXTREMELY lucky to have a man the caliber of Stephen Madarasz join us as our Executive Director. He is the best choice to help NYSARA continue in its positive path to effectively representing our membership and all senior’s in New York. His longstanding successes translate to a win – win situation for all of us. I am very happy to welcome Stephen on board and will be working closely with him to further our objectives.”