Griffiss Institute Welcomes New Board Members and Advisors

Rome, NY – Griffiss Institute is honored to introduce a cadre of accomplished new board members and advisors to its Board of Directors. Their expertise and passion for community impact promise to elevate our mission of developing the next generation of STEM talent and disruptive technologies to advance national security and economic competitiveness for our region, state, and nation. 

New Board Members  

• Jeffrey Dunbar recently retired from University of Buffalo’s Office of Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships and serves as Secretary to the Board of the Empire Discovery Institute. Jeff brings decades of experience in technology transfer and fostering partnerships that fuel innovation and economic growth.  

• Kevin Martin, Esq., is owner of the Law Office of Kevin G. Martin in Utica and offers extensive legal expertise and a strong commitment to advancing economic development in the Mohawk Valley. 

New Advisors to the Board 

• Elizabeth Garvey, Esq. is a Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP in Albany and a seasoned leader in government relations and regulatory matters with expertise in real estate, gaming, health care, procurement, and economic development.  

• Dr. Nancy Pattarini, President and CEO of The Paige Group, is a strategic communications expert and leads a global consulting and brand development firm. Dr. Pattarini also serves as an esteemed member of the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council.  

“We are pleased to welcome these leaders’ and their collective experience to augment our strengths and diversify strategic oversight for the Griffiss Institute,” said Patricia Baskinger, Chair of the Griffiss Institute Board of Directors and CEO of AX Enterprize. “Their broad expertise and perspective will be useful to inform our strategic agenda as we deliver meaningful results for the defense innovation ecosystem and the communities we serve, in Oneida County and beyond.”