Angela Z. VanDerhoof and Lisa A. della Santina, Utica Enthusiasts and Accomplished Women, Serving as an Example for All 
By Mallory Moyer Empowered women rock. And that is why I was drawn to Angela Z. VanDerhoof, retired Executive Director of the Oneida-Lewis Chapter of the NYSARC (or “The Arc” as everyone knows it), and Lisa A. della Santina, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Utica Comets. Not because they are, or were, bona-fide career women, but because something in their demeanor has always come off to me as very real. They are smart, knowledgeable, strong, beautiful women who know their stuff but are very down to Earth; a winning combination in every sense. I met both these women at Maria Tucci’s salon on Genesee Street. Angela was there every time I went, and she immediately struck me as so knowledgeable, so informed, so in-the-know – about everything! If it was happening in the community, Angela knew about it. If ever there were a local event going on, or a national issue at large, Angela disseminated the info or had a strong, informed opinion on it. When Lisa walked in I was literally taken aback by her beauty. Lisa is the kind of woman you would easily think must be a celebrity. You just don’t see women as gorgeous as her on a daily basis, at least not in Central New York. More so, while I sort of shrank back into my shell upon seeing her, assuming she must be too cool for a ‘simpleton’ like me (“Mean Girls” syndrome runs rampant, for some reason we often equate beauty with unapproachable), I was still drawn to her, and wanted desperately to get to know more about her. I regretted not asking her for her info when she left the salon, I was so intrigued by this woman, who shared with us that she worked for the Utica Comets, and spoke Italian, and is originally from San Francisco.
Luckily, the “luck of the Irish” St. Patrick’s Day parade (or the fact that we’re both in Utica, and it ain’t too big a city here! haha) brought her back in my presence and this time I acted my open, perhaps cheesy self. I told her I wanted to write an article on her, that she struck me as such a strong woman, and she happily gave me her card. And here we are. Two amazing women, Angela and Lisa:
Lisa A. della Santina (from the Utica Comets website – http://www.uticacomets.com/)
As Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Utica Comets, Lisa A. della Santina is responsible for retention and service of current partners, acquiring new business through team sponsorships and overseeing all activation. Her progressive career in the business side of sports and entertainment highlights her strengths and passion in serving both fans and business partners alike.
Lisa with hockey players
Lisa A. della Santina in Florence, Italy with friends
Lenny Kravitz in Lisa A. della Santina’s Mom’s Car
Prior to joining the Comets during its inaugural season, Lisa was with the San Francisco Bulls Hockey Club of the ECHL. There she worked managing grand-fathered investments, securing new sponsorship business, and the valuation of team, suite and arena assets. Lisa began her career in the music business working for HK Management (Frontline) out of Los Angeles for artists such as Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger and Lenny Kravitz overseeing day-to-day management and tour marketing/sponsorship. Following her early years in music, she spent ten years in auto-racing securing sponsorships by tracking emerging technology, and market and consumer trends for both teams and drivers in the Le Mans, F1 and NASCAR Nationwide series.
If you hear someone around town saying, “hockey brought me to Utica, but it’s the community that made me want to stay”, stop and say hello to this San Francisco native.
When I first learned of her career I thought, “Wow, it must take a lot to hold your own against an entirely male hockey team!” But there is something so assertive in her personality that it actually seems more plausible that the hockey players might be intimidated by her! J Same goes for Angela, there’s a certain “don’t mess” vibe you get with her too – only in that you want to be on your best behavior around her, because she is clearly a smart, no-nonsense, get-it-done kind of gal. Both are hometown enthusiasts (even if this isn’t their born-and-bred hometown). Lisa boasting about the great food and local beverage, history and sense of community in Utica, Angela involved in more civic and philanthropic activities in retirement than most people in a lifetime.
Angela Z. VanDerhoof
A woman who was so productive throughout her career that Senator Joe Griffo himself honored her upon her retirement, heralding, deservedly so: LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Angela Z. VanDerhoof upon the occasion of her retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to the Oneida-Lewis Chapter of the New York State ARC on October 7, 2010 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their community and the needs of its residents; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Angela Z. VanDerhoof upon the occasion of her retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to the Oneida-Lewis Chapter of the New York State ARC to be celebrated on Thursday, October 7, 2010; and WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Angela Z. VanDerhoof has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in her unwavering service to both her community and profession; and WHEREAS, Angela Z. VanDerhoof has been the Executive Director of the Oneida-Lewis ARC since 1979; during her esteemed tenure the agency has grown into one of the largest human service organizations in the region, with 750 employees serving 1,700 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; prior to the ARC, she taught in the Utica school system and was the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation in Utica; and
Angela’s farewell message in The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC, News & Views Newsletter
WHEREAS, Angela Z. VanDerhoof advocated for many new programs during her years as Executive Director including Saturday Friends, StageWorks and CollegeWorks; she was also responsible for the numerous ARC facilities throughout Oneida and Lewis counties including the administration building located in the heart of Utica, New York, and the Angela Z. VanDerhoof building in Kirkland, New York; and WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Angela Z. VanDerhoof served the Oneida-Lewis ARC with intelligence and caring dedication, continuously striving to effectively fulfill the duties of her position; and WHEREAS, Despite her busy professional life, Angela Z. VanDerhoof has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Angela Z. VanDerhoof, cut the ribbon to open a handicapped-accessible nature trail at the Arc’s facility in Knoxboro. (from uticaod.com)
WHEREAS, Angela Z. VanDerhoof is a founding member of the Oneida County Aging and MRDD Coalition; she was also a member of the Oneida County Office for the Aging Advisory Board, and the Oneida County Community Services Board; she has served as Chair of the Senior Citizens Committee and Centennial Committee of the Utica Rotary and was a member of its Board of Directors; in 2009, she became a member of the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was elected to the Board of Directors of the Utica Symphony; and WHEREAS, In recognition of her efforts of in-depth magnitude, Angela Z. VanDerhoof has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Athena Award; Woman of the Year, Beta Sigma Phi; Human Services Woman of the Year, YWCA; and Woman of Merit Human Services, the Mohawk Valley Women’s History Project; and
David Mathis, President of the MVCC Alumni Association and Angela Z. VanDerhoof, Executive Director of The Arc, sign the Memorandum of Understanding at MVCC’s Payne Hall. (from wktv.com)
WHEREAS, In addition, Angela Z. VanDerhoof was recently inducted into in the East Utica Optimist Club’s Hall of Fame; received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow from the Utica Rotary and the 2007 Eagle Award from “It’s a Zoo” project; she was also a recipient of the Friend of Education Award 2010 from Phi Delta Kappa and was nominated for the 2010 Senior Volunteer Award from the Oneida County Office for the Aging; and WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all those with whom she worked, Angela Z. VanDerhoof will be remembered for her honesty, integrity, keen sense of duty and ability to show a unique grasp of human problems in her official acts; and
Angela VanDerhoof enjoys some good laughs as she is treated to a fun collection of stories about her life as an Executive Director. (from wktv.com)
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her three children, as well as her two grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Angela Z. VanDerhoof upon the occasion of her retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to the Oneida-Lewis Chapter of the New York State ARC on October 7, 2010, and to wish her continued success in all of her future endeavors; and be it further
Friends bid Angela an emotional goodbye at The Arc
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Angela Z. VanDerhoof.
And while my first impressions of these fantastic women were pretty spot on, leave it to the people who know us best – our hair stylists – to hit the nail on the head when it comes to accurate impressions. The first time I met Lisa, after she left I thought aloud, “It must be tough working with all those men on the hockey team!” to which Maria replied, “She seems like the kind of woman who knows what she’s doing, she can handle her own.” And in the process of a heated discussion/debate in the salon, Gina Burke, the toughest woman I know, deferred to the knowledge of Angela as a voice of logic, reason and answers, and seeking words of wisdom stated, “Alright, let’s get an educated opinion – Angela, what do you think?” Maria and Gina’s opinions of these women say it all. Empowered women empower us all. They serve as examples, as role models, as catalysts for change, and as inspiration to us all that yes, we can do it, because they do it every day, and we can too.
Angela Z. VanDerhoof
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A letter noting her prior position on the St. Elizabeth Medical Hospital Board of Directors[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_a-list-of-some-of-angelas-many-accomplishments.jpg]110
A list of some of Angela's many accomplishments
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Angela VanDerhoof enjoys some good laughs as she is treated to a fun collection of stories about her life as an Executive Director. (from wktv.com)
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Angela Z. VanDerhoof[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_angelas-farewell-message-in-the-arc-oneida-lewis-chapter-nysarc-news-views-newsletter.jpg]70
Angela's farewell message in The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC, News & Views Newsletter[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_angelas-utica-college-induction-into-the-healthcare-hall-of-distinction-class-of-2011.jpg]70
Angela's Utica College Induction into the Healthcare Hall of Distinction, Class of 2011[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_david-mathis-president-of-the-mvcc-alumni-association-and-angela-z-vanderhoof-executive-director-of-the-arc-sign-the-memora.jpg]60
David Mathis, President of the MVCC Alumni Association and Angela Z. VanDerhoof, Executive Director of The Arc, sign the Memorandum of Understanding at MVCC’s Payne Hall. (from wktv.com)[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_friends-bid-angela-an-emotional-goodbye-at-the-arc.jpg]60
Friends bid Angela an emotional goodbye at The Arc
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Lenny Kravitz in Lisa A. della Santina's Mom's Car[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_medical-societies-emblem-to-which-angela-belonged.jpg]50
Medical Societies Emblem to which Angela Belonged
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New York State Association of Community & Residential Agencies Annual Excellence Award to "The Pioneers of the Field" Proclamation Letter to Angela[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_oneida-county-executive-anthony-picente-and-angela-z-vanderhoof-cut-the-ribbon-to-open-a-handicapped-accessible-nature-trail.jpg]70
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente and Angela Z. VanDerhoof, cut the ribbon to open a handicapped-accessible nature trail at the Arc's facility in Knoxboro. (from uticaod.com)[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_the-arc-venture-day-habilitation-program-building-that-was-dedicated-to-mrs-angela-z-vanderhoof.jpg]50
The Arc Venture Day Habilitation Program building that was dedicated to Mrs. Angela Z. VanDerhoof[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_angela-and-beloved-grandchildren-emma-jo-and-matthew-fonner-jpg-2.jpg]60
Angela and beloved grandchildren, Emma Jo and Matthew Fonner at Emma's Sweet 16[img src=http://uticaphoenix.net/wp-content/flagallery/angela-z-vanderhoof/thumbs/thumbs_lisa-a-della-santina-in-florence-italy-with-friends.jpg]40
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Angela's Outstanding Supporter Award for Proctor High School's Best Buddies Club
Q&A with Angela Z. Van Derhoof By Mallory Moyer Angela notes, Interesting to tell you about myself, doing so brought back many good memories. Bottom line – I had a wonderful childhood, wonderful parents, married my college sweetheart and now have a lovely family – 3 children, 2 grandchildren, one daughter in law and one son in law (both great). All this and many good friends make it a blessed life.
1. First off, let’s start with the beginning – Where are you from? If you don’t mind my asking – when were you born? Where were you born? Tell me about your family, your parents, siblings? And upbringing, your beginning, your roots, your childhood please!
Born and bred in Utica – East Utica to be exact. I was an only child born to Josephine Arcuri and Vincent Zigarelli – but hardly lonely as my mother had 6 sisters and 7 brothers – and Dad had 8 siblings. All of whom lived in Utica with their large families – so cousins were like siblings. I was the 1st college graduate of many, many grandchildren. Having been born in 1935, I remember the year of WWII and my Dad being in the army – fighting in the Pacific theater – as were many of my uncles. Both sets of grandparents were alive for the years of my youth into young adulthood. Like many Italian families, we celebrated holidays and important times with them – “big affairs”. In these “pre-TV and high tech” days, life was simple = school, movies (local theatre the Rialto), picnics, swimming, ball games, etc.
2. Tell me about your education.
Elementary – Albany St. School Secondary – Proctor High School, graduated 1953 I was always a joiner – very active at Proctor – many clubs, etc. – an honor student. College – Alfred University – Alfred, NY on a full 4-year Presidents Scholarship. Worked in the library. Worked summers in Utica. History and Political Science major. Spent a semester in Washington (the Washington Program) at American University – involved in politics. Graduated 1957. Married in 1959.
3. Tell me about your career, what was your first job?
Began to teach at Proctor High School. I taught English and History and earned 30 graduate hours to be certified permanently as a secondary education teacher in NY State. My husband Tom (Thomas Edmond VanDerhoof) was in the army reserves 414 unit at Root Center and we were “called up” during the Berlin Crisis in 1960 and moved to Georgia for one year – with a whole group of Uticans obviously. When we returned I subbed and stayed home and had children. Decided to return to work when my youngest started school but by then the schools and students had changed and do had I, so I decided to make a career change.
4. How did you become involved with The Arc?
Answered a blind ad for organizer in human service field – in 1975 as I remember and was hired as director of a new nonprofit, the Epilepsy Foundation. It was created from a NY State grant (also one in Syracuse and one in Albany). We provided services, did education in schools, training for teachers etc. We were small and new but found a niche. Syracuse couldn’t make a go of it and for a while I led them also. In 1979 I was recruited by Ron Cuccaro, President of the Board of the ARC (Association for Retarded Children) Oneida Chapter of New York State ARC. It was a floundering, small not for profit financially strapped and very much a challenge to join. I decided to – and spent over 31 years there – very productive and rewarding ones.
5. What did you learn from my years at the Arc?
What did I learn from my years at the Arc? My belief in the goodness of people in the community was reaffirmed because without great support of time, effort, and understanding in addition to money, the ARC would have gone under. A dedicated Board, a group of committed staff and the families of the program participants worked tirelessly to save, improve and grow services. I learned by using our hearts, hands and heads we could accomplish all the things we needed and wanted to make life as good as it could be for the people we served. I learned that such accomplishments are never due to one person but to a team of people with a common goal. I learned that more times than not when you ask for help you get a yes rather than a no. I learned that people should be treated with respect and understanding and that sometimes such respect and understanding has to be fought for. I learned to give back to the community for what was given to the Arc by having the members to the Arc Family involved in community affairs and events.
6. What were your proudest accomplishments with The Arc?
I/We started with one building for admin & program (Arnold Ave), 2 residences (Genesee Street in Utica and a motel type, Lawrence and Lamphear (Rt. 5) in Rome), a workshop in Rome (closed immediately) and a camp on Hacadam Rd in Frankfort and much debt. Today we have – all of which I’m proud:
College Works – 2 year program with MVCC – vocational training, more independence with 2 residences (1 male, 1 female) and a satellite radio in Rome.
Establishment of a foundation, Friends of the Arc (Ron Cuccaro, 1st President).
Saturday Friends – 1 day a week program for kids entering school (to have fun) and for their parents (support group).
Building of a total landscaped free playground (at our own building in Marcy).
Annual educational conference in collaboration with other area ARCs.
New building at camp.
Art/cultural programs in conjunction with Players Theatre group and Sculpture Space.
Respite Care Home – in Utica. In addition to,
Assuming responsibility for Lewis County Arc – the Arc, Oneida Lewis Chapter of NYS ARC otherwise services in Lewis County would have been gone. The assumed debt and paid it off.
Today: 30 million plus budget Serves hundreds plus people Employs over 500 people Has 30 plus properties (all of which we work hard to keep in mint condition) So I am proud of growth, financial stability, high place in not for profit sphere here and in Lewis County. But more proud that we never veered from our mission and always, through hard and good times, knew the program participants and their welfare was our responsibility – a responsibility we never lost sight of and implemented to the best of our ability.
7. You are very involved in the community – tell me about your other involvements please!
Community Involvement – see attached (view Angela’s many community involvements in the following photo gallery)
8. What is your passion? Passion – Living a good life of kindness and love of family, friends and community.
9. Today you are a grandmother extraordinaire; tell me about your role as a grandmother today and about your grandchildren if you don’t mind. Grandmother 2 grandchildren – Matthew, 19 years old Emma Jo, 16 years old Being a good role model for them Sharing my life experiences to help them live good, rewarding lives I am proud of their kindness, respect for all people, love of family, interest in what is happening in our area and the world, working to the best of their abilities in school, and their compassion. ( This would be my advice for young people today)
10. What advice do you have for adults looking for the right career, since you are such an accomplished career woman yourself?
Advice for career: Never work a job from which you can’t wait to retire!!! “Love” your work, whatever it is, and you will do your best – will be a good employee.
11. And finally – tell us what you like to do in your (hypothetical) “free time”? My free time: Playing bridge (a return after 30 years) Being with family & friends Reading Theatre Movies Playing Mah Jong Shopping *Advocating for people with developmental disabilities by being involved with Best Buddies at Proctor High School Doing some volunteer work through Utica Rotary.
Thank you very much, Angela. The Utica Phoenix is lucky to have gained the insights and life story of a pillar to our community.
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