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About Us - NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy Board of Directors and Advisors to the Board of Directors
Back Row: Stephen Cardi II, Robert Scaffardi, Frank Flynn, Michael Traficante,
Peter Nero, Joseph Balducci, Gail Macera, Raymond Votto
Front Row: Gayle Dzekevich, Eric Anderson, Michael Silvia, Anthony Leone,
Joseph Sabitoni, (not pictured, Paula McFarland, Gerald Ragosta)
Board of Directors
Advisors to the Board
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Michael J. Silvia
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Gayle Dzekevich
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Joseph Balducci
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Judith Lundsten
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Robert Scaffardi
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Gail Macera
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Raymond L. Votto Jr.
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Michael A. Traficante
Chairperson of Board of Directors, NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy
Director of Governmental Affairs, New England Laborers'
As Chairman of the Board of Directors for the NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy and Director of Governmental Affairs for the New England Laborers’, Michael Traficante has been instrumental in the development and on-going success of one of the most innovative charter schools in both Rhode Island and the nation. Under Mr. Traficante’s leadership, the Construction Career Academy has uniquely infused the Construction Craft Laborers’ Program into a thriving academic institution with Problem-Based Learning at its core.
Mr. Traficante continues to significantly contribute to the educational welfare of students across the City of Cranston, presently as Chairman of the Cranston School Committee and having served on it since 2004.
Prior to joining the New England Laborers’ in 1999 Mr. Traficante served over forty years of his professional career in public service. He first began his career in the educational arena where he served as a mathematics teacher, football and wrestling coach, and a high school administrator. For six years, he presided as the President of the Cranston City Council, for fourteen years he served as Mayor of the City of Cranston.
Since joining the New England Laborers’ staff, not only has Mr. Traficante been instrumental in developing the Construction Career Academy, but also implementing the Construction Craft Laborers’ Program in other vocational high schools including; Medford Vocational Technical High, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High and Providence Career and Technical School.
In his capacity as Director of Governmental Affairs, Mr. Traficante is responsible for fostering a positive and cooperative working relationship between the Laborers’ Union and governmental officials throughout the
New England region. He also serves as the point person for researching legislative and operational information throughout New England that potentially may impact upon the construction industry, the Union, signatory contractors, and
Union membership at large. During his tenure as Director of Governmental Affairs, Mr. Traficante has and continues to sit on many boards and committees throughout Rhode Island.
A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Rhode Island College with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Mike served in the United States Army Third Infantry Division in Korea, and was honorably discharged in 1966 at the rank of Captain. (Back to Top)
Eric F. Anderson
Executive Director
Rhode Island Chapter of Associated General Contractors of America
As a board member, Eric F. Anderson offers the NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry as well as other education-related community boards. As a representative of the Construction Industry, Mr. Anderson is a proponent of the school’s efforts to imbue life skills and work ethics into the curriculum that are in great demand by contractors and developers. Mr. Anderson has further been integral in securing grants from the RIAGC to help support the Construction Career Academy in carrying out its mission.
Mr. Anderson has served as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America since 1996. His responsibilities include promoting construction workforce development, positive labor-contractor relations, safety and professional education and the principles of skill, responsibility and integrity. Other focuses include government relations, market development and issues of interest to the commercial construction industry and the people of Rhode Island.
Among his many accomplishments and further involvement with education and training includes the RIAGC Industry Advancement Fund, YouthBuild and Building Futures Providence, and the RIAGC’s student chapter at Roger Williams University to assist students studying Construction Management. Mr. Anderson is also involved with the Associated Schools on Construction and also advises the RIAGC’s local Young Constructors Forum - part of a nationwide network of AGC chapter-sponsored organizations that facilitate professional development, networking, the building of social relationships and the exchange of ideas among early and mid-career construction professionals. In addition, Mr. Anderson has worked with other secondary schools, such as the Warwick, Cranston and Chariho Career and Technical Centers.
Mr. Anderson also assists the RIAGC Labor Relations Division with collective bargaining on behalf of signatory members with unions representing the Laborers, bricklayers, carpenters, cement finishers, iron workers and operating engineers. Mr. Anderson also assists the RIAGC Labor Relations Division with collective bargaining on behalf of signatory members with unions representing the Laborers, bricklayers, carpenters, cement finishers, iron workers and operating engineers.Mr. Anderson also assists the RIAGC Labor Relations Division with collective bargaining on behalf of signatory members with unions representing the Laborers, bricklayers, carpenters, cement finishers, iron workers and operating engineers. (Back to Top)
Stephen A. Cardi, II
Executive Vice President
Cardi Construction Corporation
NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy Board Member, Stephen A. Cardi, has been a strong proponent and critical force in ensuring that seniors who graduate from the Construction Craft Laborers’ program are highly skilled and technologically advanced to meet the demanding and ever changing needs of building contractors. Mr. Cardi’s input has been invaluable in ensuring the skills and curriculum taught at the Construction Career Academy match Construction Technology standards that are implemented in the industry. Mr. Cardi’s philosophy that students who graduate from the Construction Career Academy be far more advanced than those just entering the industry, has allowed our students to immediately succeed in the industry upon graduation.
Mr. Cardi is currently Executive Vice President of Cardi Construction Corporation based in Warwick, Rhode Island. Cardi Construction is a renown leader in providing construction services in heavy/highway and bridge construction since 1900 with projects throughout New England. Some of them include the Capitol Center River Relocation Project in Providence, Route 95 Reconstruction from Westerly to Providence, the Central Artery Tunnel Project in Boston, the Intermodal Project new T.F. Green Airport in Warwick and the Reconstruction and Relocation of Route 195 in Providence. Cardi Corporation is also a major supplier of construction materials such as concrete, asphalt, sand and stone.
Mr. Cardi is also involved in numerous professional and civic organizations. He is President of the Construction Industries of Rhode Island. He has served as President of the Associated General Contractors of Rhode Island, a member of the Construction Industries of Rhode Island, a National Director of the National Asphalt Pavement Association, a voting member of American Road & Transportation Builders Association, a member of the Rhode Island Utility Contractors Association, and Chairman of the Rhode Island Building Scholarship Fund. (Back to Top)
Francis J. Flynn
President
Cranston Teachers' Alliance
With an extensive background in education in the City of Cranston, board member Francis Flynn has played a vital role in the success of the Construction Career Academy. Mr. Flynn is credited with fostering a mutually beneficial working relationship between the Laborer' Union and the Teachers' Union to create a unique educational setting for Construction Career Academy students to reach their goals. Attaining a Masters Degree in Education, Mr. Flynn began his professional career as a teacher at various schools throughout Cranston including May Westcott School, Park View Junior High School and Cranston High School East. He later joined the ranks of the Cranston Teacher's Alliance (CTA), the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers (RIFT) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). As a true union leader, he currently serves on the Rhode Island AFL-CIO Executive Board and is President of the Cranston Teachers' Alliance.
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Anthony R. Leone, Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor
Community College of Rhode Island
Board member, Anthony Leone, has advanced the NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy in many substantial and vital ways, most notably, serving as a link to higher education. Through his academic leadership and vision, Mr. Leone helped to negotiate an innovative Articulation Agreement between the Community College of Rhode Island and the Construction Career Academy. The agreement allows Construction Career Academy students who successfully complete their Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship to apply up to 20 credits toward an Associates Degree in Applied Science & Technical Studies.
Mr. Leone’s accomplished academic career began as a teacher of French at Johnston Jr. – Sr. High School. He then moved to higher education, working at the Community of College of Rhode Island in various capacities as Associate Professor of Foreign Languages and Psychology. He has also served as Director of Public Affairs at the University of Rhode Island. Subsequently he has served as Rhode Island’s Associate Commissioner of Higher Education and has served on the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education.
Currently Mr. Leone serves on several committees and boards including the Education Commission of the States and the State Education Policy Seminars (SEPS) as its Rhode Island State Coordinator. Mr. Leone also sits on the Executive Board of the Providence Boys and Girls Clubs. Among his many achievements, Mr. Leone has received the distinguished Community Leaders of America Award as well as the Education Commission of the States Service Recognition. (Back to Top)
Paula McFarland
Executive Director
Rhode Island Community Action Association
As an active community and board member, Paula McFarland continues her interest in creating opportunities to improve the lives of our youth through educational training programs that lay the groundwork for students to excel.
Mrs. McFarland also serves as a School Committee Member on the Cranston School Committee. She previously served for ten years on the Cranston City Council and has served the last four years as the Vice President.
Mrs. McFarland has built of a record of leadership and activism through her work with local community organizations and as the Executive Director of the RI Community Action Association. Under her leadership, RI Community Action Association has secured enhanced opportunities for low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient. Through an array of programs, RI Community Action continues to assist over 180,000 individuals annually.
As a resident of the City of Cranston, Mrs. McFarland continues to be committed to her community. Mrs. McFarland has implemented a number of vital programs such a Cranston 2000 to revitalize Cranston Street, Community Policing and the Citizens Police Academy. In addition, Mrs. McFarland has created many new programs in the City that continue to assist working families, the disabled and senior homeowners today.
Throughout McFarland's professional and political career, she has received numerous awards recognizing her outstanding leadership and her many contributions to improving the quality of life for families, seniors and youth.
Peter L. Nero
Superintendent of Cranston Public Schools
As a NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy Board Member and Superintendent of Cranston Public Schools Peter Nero brings extensive knowledge, experience and support to the NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy. Mr. Nero’s proactive and forward thinking approach allows the Construction Career Academy to consistently be ahead of the academic curve.
Mr. Nero, a graduate of Cranston High School East, was hired to teach electronics and power mechanics at Cranston High School West in 1978. He later taught Drafting at Bain Middle School and Technology at Western Hills Middle School. In 1997, he became an assistant principal at Cranston High School East, working with colleagues to help the school secure its accreditation. In 1999, he was appointed principal at Western Hills Middle School, where he presided over a climb to high-performing status, as measured by state tests. He became assistant superintendent in 2006, and ultimately superintendent in 2009.
Among his many honors and achievements, Mr. Nero’s extensive committee work includes membership in the Rhode Island School Superintendent’s Association (RISSA) and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). He is also an active member of the Rhode Island and the Massachusetts Chapters of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and a former Co-Chairperson of The Children of Hope Gala. In 2008 he was inducted into the City of Cranston Hall of Fame.
Mr. Nero has a B.S. in Industrial Arts and a Masters in Education, specializing in Middle School /Secondary Education from Rhode Island College. (Back to Top)
Gerald Ragosta
Parent
Mr. Gerald Ragosta acts as a vital and supportive parent representative on the NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy’s Board of Directors. He has been integral in parent initiatives at the school since his son Jerry entered the school as a Freshman four years ago. Mr. Ragosta is a 1976 graduate of Cranston High School East. His accomplishments include the successful operation of a family run food business and employment at Fleet National Bank. With a background in paramilitary training, he is recently retired as a Rhode Island Correctional Officer from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections after ten years of service. As a proud, single father, he has raised his son, Jerry, who graduates this year from Construction Career Academy. (Back to Top)
Joseph M. Sabitoni
Executive Director, New England Laborers’ Training Academy
Joseph (Jay) M. Sabitoni is credited as one of the original task force members to assist in developing the NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy. As a board member, Mr. Sabitoni’s certification and educational background as a teacher, coupled with his experience and leadership in the Construction Technology Industry, has allowed him to contribute significantly to the Construction Career Academy’s growth and success. Mr. Sabitoni was integral in developing the Construction Craft Laborers’ Program at the Academy in which students interested in the Construction Technology field have a direct career pathway into the Construction Craft Laborers’ Apprenticeship program upon graduation. Mr. Sabitoni currently serves as Executive Director of the New England Laborers' Training Academy in Pomfret, Connecticut. Mr. Sabitoni began his career as a Construction Craft Laborer in 1983. Upon graduation from Providence College in 1987 with a B.S. in Health Services Administration, he continued his career with Laborers’ Local Union 271 and rose through the ranks holding the position of steward, foreman, and general foreman on numerous projects in the Rhode Island area. He was then hired as a NELTA Instructor and later became its Training Director. Prior to his position with the Laborers’ Training Academy, Mr. Sabitoni taught science in the Johnston Public School District. Mr. Sabitoni holds numerous seats on various boards and committees, which promote the safety and health for workers in the construction industry. His role on the NIEHS Hazardous Waste Advisory Board has gained him national recognition for his work in the areas of nuclear power plant demolition and anthrax remediation. In October 2009, Jay was recognized by the Connecticut Association of General Contractors as the “Educator of the Year” for his work in construction safety training. He has also been instrumental in developing numerous Construction Craft Laborers’ programs in various vocational and technical high schools and junior colleges throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York. (Back to Top)
Advisors to the Board of Directors
Michael J. Silvia, LICSW, Psy. D.
Executive Director, NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy
Dr. Michael J. Silvia has served as the Construction Career Academy’s Executive Director since 2003. Recognized as a motivational leader, role model and academic change agent of the 21st century, Dr. Silvia has been instrumental in cultivating a nurturing and positive personal learning environment where students are highly regarded and embraced. His vision of education encompasses academic achievement and a unique experiential learning environment that combines compassion, communication, creativity and teamwork. Dr. Silvia encourages students to reach beyond their grasp and challenges them to realize their full potential. He is fair, consistent and values the participation of faculty, administrators and parents in creating an innovative curriculum that serves the needs of each individual student. Dr Silvia brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position with his vast educational and human services background. With a B.S. in Human Services, a Masters in Social Work and a Doctorate of Psychology Degree, he has also been recognized with the 2002 NASW-RI School Social Worker of the Year Award. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker and Psychotherapist, School Social Worker and Forensic Psychopathologist. Dr. Silvia has served as Assistant to the Principal of Gladstone Elementary School in Cranston and School Social Worker at Western Hills Middle School among many other schools. He has further worked as the Violence Prevention Facilitator for Cranston Public Schools, an Assessment Clinician/DAS Evaluator for the State of Rhode Island, and Executive Director of the Federal Hill House Association and SER – Jobs for Progress, Inc. He has acted as Vice President for the Women’s Development Corporation and President of the Providence Executive Directors Association. Dr. Silvia served in the US Navy from 1966 to 1970 during the Vietnam Era in which he was honorably discharged. Dr. Silvia is a published author and runs his own private practice. (Back to Top)
Gayle Dzekevich
Executive Director, Cranston Alternate Education
As a Construction Career Academy Board Member Advisor and Director of Cranston Alternate Education, Mrs. Gayle Dzekevich has been committed to student advancement and adult learning for the past 30 years. She began her career in 1978 as a teacher in high school preparation (GED) classes for Cranston Public Schools. Several years later she was appointed Adult Basic Education (ABE) Coordinator, encompassing English as a Second Language (ESL) and High School Equivalency (GED). All of the aforementioned programs have been incorporated into the NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy and continue to successfully operate and expand under Mrs. Dzekevich’s leadership today.
In 1997, Mrs. Dzekevich assisted in creating and developing the Alternate Education Program (AEP) for high school students in Cranston who did not find success in a traditional high school setting. The following year, she assisted in starting the highly successful AEP Credit Recovery Program which ran in the evenings for those students who needed to make up credits to meet graduation requirements. Both of these thriving programs, as well as the Vocational Training Programs for Adults (VTA), continue to broaden and assist students throughout the Cranton School District and beyond.
Her dedication in developing, enriching and broadening these programs, so all students involved – whether enrolled high schools students who need to recoup credits – or adults who wish to obtain their GED or learn new skills for employment - can enrich their futures and prosper in their lifelong goals. (Back to Top)
Joseph Balducci
Chief Financial Officer, Cranston Public Schools
As Chief Financial Officer for Cranston Public Schools since 1999, The NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy has relied on his fiduciary expertise regarding issues associated with the Academy’s budgetary process, including cost effectiveness, conservative expenditures and total budget development.
Prior to joining Cranston Public Schools, Mr. Baldacci served as Business Manager for the Coventry School System. The remainder of his career was primarily focused in public accounting and banking where he served as an Internal Auditor/Commercial Finance Officer for Hospital Trust and Fleet Banks. He further worked for the accounting firms Barmelee & Sheehan as well as Bacon, Edge & Associates.
Mr. Baldacci graduated from Bryant College with a B.S. and a Masters in Business Administration. (Back to Top)
Judith Lundsten
Assistant Superintendent of Cranston Public Schools
Gail Macera
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Gail Macera's official title is Personal and Confidential Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools . To the New England Laborers'/Cranston Public Schools Construction Career Academy,
Gail is a powerhouse of energy, keeper of the records and the chief organizer of our Board.
As Executive Assistant to the late Superintendent Catherine Ciarlo, one of the school's co-founders, Gail has been instrumental in every aspect of the school's development since day one.
Mrs. Macera has a degree in Business from The Community College of Rhode Island. Although originally born in Somerset, Massachusetts she has been a true Cranstonian for 29 years. Both Gail and her husband Joseph Macera take part in many of Cranston's community events. They are members of the Oaklawn Grange, a group that raises thousands of dollars for less fortunate Rhode Islanders. In her rare spare time, Mrs. Macera is a quilt artist having studied under several master craftsmen and she is now considered a master quilter herself. The Maceras are also proud parents
of Caylen Macera and Nicholas Macera, both accomplished graduates of Cranston Public Schools.
Robert Scaffardi
NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy
Raymond L. Votto Jr.
Chief Operating Officer, Human Resources, Cranston Public Schools
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