Keynote Speaker:
Elinor R. Ford, Ph.D., International Speaker, Consultant and Teacher, Author, Former Superintendent of the Archdiocese of New York, and CEO of Sadlier Inc.

Elinor R. Ford has long been a friend, supporter, champion and challenger of those who so valiantly serve and lead the various ministries with catholic education. Ford received her doctorate from Columbia University, N.Y. She served as superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York. She was the first woman appointed to this system. Following this, she chaired the New York Archdiocesan Council for Religious Studies and established the first national Catholic parent organization. While working as a professor at Fordham University, she directed the non-public program for administrators. She later became publisher, president, and chief executive officer of the William H. Sadlier Publishing Company.

Ford has received many honors and honorary degrees, including the Catholic Education Executive Leadership Award from Fordham and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Presidential Award from NCEA.

She is an author and renowned international speaker, and has spoken in almost all of the dioceses of the United States, Canada, and Europe. She is presently a consultant and speaker for national and international catechetical, educational, parish, stewardship, clergy and health care programs.

Keynote Speaker:
William Clifford, CSC, Associate Superintendent for Instruction and Technology, Diocese of Brooklyn Schools

Brother William has been a member of the Brothers of Holy Cross for 29 years. He has been involved in Catholic education as a teacher, academic vice-principal, and principal. He holds a bachelor's degree in special education from Southern Connecticut State University, a master's degree in pastoral counseling from Boston College, and a professional diploma in administration and educational leadership from St. John’s University. Brother William is currently the associate superintendent for instruction and technology for the Diocese of Brooklyn Schools.

He has served as an adjunct instructor in education at Fordham University, St. John’s University, St. Edward’s University in Austin, and Columbia University. He was named as a semi-finalist for the 2004 Technology and Learning’s Ed Tech Leader of the Year award, and in 2005, was named an Outstanding On-Line Educator.

Rev. Stephen Denig, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Education, Niagara University

Steve Denig is an associate professor at Niagara University's School of Education where he has taught Education courses, including administrative theory, data analysis for school administrators, research and methods, curriculum development and organization. Father Steve earned a bachelor's degree from Niagara University with a major in Philosophy, a master's in education administration from Rider College, a theology master's and Master's of Divinity degree in scripture and theology from Mary Immaculate Seminary, and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Rutgers University.

His numerous essays and research have appeared in the Journal of Teacher Education, Journal of Empirical Theology, Catholic Education: A Journal of Inquiry and Practice, The High School Journal, Today’s Catholic Teacher, and Journal of Research on Christian Education. He has given presentations at national and international conferences, including the American Educational Research Association in San Francisco and Chicago, Education and Ethos Network in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and the Educational Research Association in Seattle.

Most Rev. Robert H. Aucoin, Principal and Vicar of Education, Diocese of Ogdensburg

Msgr. Robert H. Aucoin presently serves as principal of Seton Catholic Academy, Seton Catholic Central High School in Plattsburgh, N.Y. and is the Vicar of Education in the Diocese of Ogdensburg and president of Wadhams Hall, a retreat and conference center. He is a graduate of Laval University, Quebec City with a major in philosophy and a minor in classics; Gregorian University, Rome, Italy with STB and STL degrees in theology; Ottawa University, Ottawa, Canada with a major in school counseling; and completed Ph.D. coursework in theology at Ottawa University and St. Paul University. He has additional graduate coursework from SUNY at Oswego and Potsdam, College of St. Rose, Regents External Degree Program, Loyola of Montréal, St. Lawrence University, LaVerne College, Manhattan College and St. Paul University. He holds New York State Certificates in French, Guidance, School Administration and Supervision, and School District Administration. He speaks and writes Spanish, French and Italian and relates Latin.

Msgr. is a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. He was ordained a priest in Rome and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve as a Catholic Chaplain with rank of Major. His home was Malden, Mass. where he attended Catholic schools throughout his elementary and secondary years.

Samuel C. McQuade III, MPA, Ph.D., Professional Studies Graduate Program Coordinator for the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, Rochester Institute of Technology

Sam McQuade currently serves as the professional studies graduate program coordinator at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He is a former Air National Guard security officer, deputy sheriff and police officer, police organizational change consultant, National Institute of justice program manager for the U.S. Department of Justice, and study director for the Committee on Law and Justice at the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences.

Professor McQuade holds a doctorate in public policy from George Mason University and a master's in public administration from the University of Washington. He teaches and conducts research at RIT in many areas, including computer crime, security technology administration, and career options in technology-oriented societies. McQuade also oversees a professional concentration of graduate courses pertaining to security technology, which are now offered through RIT’s Master's of Science degree in Professional Studies. His new textbook titled, Understanding and Managing Cybercrime, was published by Allyn & Bacon/Pearson Education in 2006.

Carol J. Geddis, Executive Director, Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State

Carol J. Geddis is presently the executive director of Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State. In this role, she supports the needs of the Catholic school administration in New York State in the areas of legislation, curriculum, standards, professional development, and advocacy. She has given presentations on topics such as communications, Internet safety and cyberbullying, strategic planning, and data analysis to improve student learning.

Geddis is a member of the New York State Commissioners’ Advisory Council for non-public schools. She served as principal of St. Mary’s Academy in Hoosick, N.Y. and was a fifth-grade and secondary math teacher. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from The College of St. Rose, a master's in elementary education from Sage Graduate School, and holds a certificate in educational administration form the College of St. Rose.