The Board of Commissioners is the governing Board of the New York State Bridge Authority.  The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the NYS Senate.  They serve five-year terms and receive no compensation.

James P. Sproat; Chairman

Mr. Sproat has served as a Commissioner of the New York State Bridge Authority since June of 1999. A resident of Dutchess County, he has a long history of community service and civic involvement. Mr. Sproat is a licensed real estate broker specializing in commercial real estate and is a certified CCIM. James Sproat was elected Chairman of the Board of Commissioners in July 2004.

Francis Vecellio; Vice Chairman

Mr. Vecellio was appointed to the Board of Commissioners in 2009 and elected as Vice Chairman by its members.  He resides in Kinderhook, Columbia County and is active in a number of community and civic organizations.  Francis Vecellio brings a wealth of experience in financial management and holds a Summa Cum Laude degree in Business Administration from Ohio University.

Roderick O. Dressel

Mr. Dressel has served as a Commissioner of the New York State Bridge Authority since June of 1997. A resident of Ulster County, Mr. Dressel has more than 30 years of experience in financial matters, fiscal planning and is active in the Hudson Valley Agricultural industry.

Richard A. Gerentine

Mr. Gerentine has served as a Commissioner of the New York State Bridge Authority since 2006.  A resident of Ulster County, he has a distinguished career in private business and community involvement in communities on both sides of the Hudson River.  Mr. Gerentine has served as Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature and has expertise in public finance.  Richard Gerentine received a degree in Business Administration from Marist College.

C. Vane Lashua

Mr. Lashua was appointed to the Board of Commissioners in 2009.  He resides in Dutchess County and is active in a number of environmental and civic groups active in the Mid-Hudson region.  Vane Lashua brings a distinguished career in information management and utilizing technology to increase productivity and reduce costs to the Authority.  Mr. Lashua holds a Bachelors Degree in English from Indiana University and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Western Kentucky University.

Joseph Ramaglia

Mr. Ramaglia was appointed to the board in 2009 and is a resident of Orange County.  He is a long time advocate for safety and training in the work place and has an extensive background in structural steel and bridge painting operations.  Joe Ramaglia is the Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of District Council 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades representing over 10,000 members throughout New York State.

Roger P. Higgins

Mr. Higgins was appointed as a Commissioner of the New York State Bridge Authority in 2010. A resident of Dutchess County, Roger Higgins has an accomplished career as an educator and public servant. Mr. Higgins also served as a county legislator, rising to the position of Chairman, and brings wealth of experience in governmental management. Mr. Higgins holds a Master of Education degree from Springfield College.