NYG&B Team
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, President
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, is the President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B), an organization dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing family history and stories from across New York State. A nationally known and recognized genealogist, Joshua was named President of the NYG&B in 2016 and is an Officer, Trustee ex Officio, on NYG&B’s Board of Trustees.
Previously, Joshua held senior leadership positions with Findmypast and the New England Historic Genealogical Society and has volunteered in leadership positions for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and other organizations. A prolific author and popular speaker, Joshua has been a coordinator for courses at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) and is the recipient of RootsTech’s Distinguished Presenter Award. He has been a featured genealogist on Who Do You Think You Are? and was a host on the PBS series Genealogy Roadshow. Joshua holds a Master of Library Science degree in Archival Management and a Master of Arts degree in History from Simmons College. In 2017, Joshua was named as one of Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers, and in 2022, he was named as a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association (FUGA).
What's your New York story?
My second-great-grandfather was born in Cornwall, New York. While he made his way out west in search of gold, his family history can be traced back to New York in the early 1600s.
Jennifer Davis, Vice President, Advancement and Membership
While living in Richmond, VA , Jen Davis began volunteering at the Virginia Historical Society, which soon turned into a job and then a 20-year career in development and education. After moving back to New York she worked at a variety of nonprofit organizations and is excited to be able to combine her love of history and helping others by joining the team at the NYG&B. Jen was born on Long Island and is an avid Mets fan.
What's your New York story?
Both of my parents were born on Long Island to children of immigrants from Ireland and Germany. My father fought in World War II; after returning home he worked more than 30 years at Newsday, the Long Island newspaper.
Alisha Delisle, Manager, Grant Development
Alisha Delisle oversees the NYG&B’s grant-funding efforts. She researches, secures, and manages grant awards from foundations, corporations, and government agencies that support the NYG&B’s programming and special projects. Alisha has 20 years of experience as a grant writer and has worked for various nonprofits, ranging from museums to social service organizations, and religious congregations. Alisha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and Criticism from Stony Brook University and a Master of Arts Degree in Visual Arts Administration from New York University.
What’s your New York story?
I am a born and bred Long Islander and still reside there today. My father’s family on both sides were Italian immigrants, the first of whom arrived in New York City in 1888. The family lived in the Bronx for decades before moving to Suffolk County, Long Island.
Ryan Gleason, Vice President, Digital Services
Ryan Gleason oversees the NYG&B’s digital properties, including the digitization and maintenance of record collections and their corresponding search tools. Prior to the NYG&B, Ryan was the Director of Digital Strategy for New York Institute of Technology, one of the state’s premier STEM institutions. He specializes in front-end content development, search engine optimization and site redesigns, especially as pertains to education and ecommerce.
What's your New York story?
In all likelihood my parents' Irish ancestors began their immigrant journey through the ports of New York, en route to the Western Pennsylvania region where I grew up. The details of those New York passages remain a mystery to me, but I am beyond excited to dig further into their stories.
Kalyn P. Loewer, MA, Manager, Digital Collections
As the Manager of Digital Collections, Kalyn Loewer uses digital preservation and archival techniques to support the NYG&B’s mission to preserve, document, and share family history. She works to digitize documents from all over New York State and makes materials available to researchers via the online collections. She also educates communities about how to access and maximize the NYG&B’s online collections. Kalyn was the recipient of the John C. Gorman '38 Medal for Excellence in History from St. Francis College in 2021.
What’s your New York story?
I moved to NYC in 2011 to attend an arts conservatory and ballet school, and never turned back! While some of my favorite hobbies still include dancing and enjoying American Ballet Theatre's spring season at the Met, my favorite part of being a New Yorker has become exploring all of the fascinating historical sites and buildings across the state.
Michele McEvoy, MA, Director, Communications
Michele McEvoy leads the overall communications and marketing activities for the NYG&B. She oversees the development and implementation of strategies, both externally and internally, to advance NYG&B’s mission to preserve, document, and share family history and stories from across New York State. Michele has more than 15 years of communications experience helping nonprofits and foundations bring about change and share their impact. Prior to the NYG&B, she was a communications officer at the New York Health Foundation and communications manager at the Grace Institute. Michele holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology (archaeology concentration), Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from New York University.
What’s your New York story?
As a third-generation American, I’ve had the chance to pursue opportunities that were out of reach for my immigrant great-grandparents, including higher education. Now at the NYG&B, I’m just blocks away from where my Macedonian great-grandfather worked as a furrier in the Midtown West neighborhood to support his family. I know he and my other ancestors, particularly the women, would be proud of my educational and professional achievements.
Susan R. Miller, Director, Publications
An NYG&B member since 1993, Sue Miller oversees the NYG&B’s print and digital publications. She is the editor of the New York Researcher magazine and a managing editor of the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer and the NYG&B county guide series. Sue also presents genealogical lectures on a national, regional, and local basis. Prior to her genealogical career, Sue worked in the sailing industry and for Emigrant Savings Bank in New York City for 23 years. A graduate of Brown University, Sue is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and several other genealogical and historical societies. She is a lifelong sailor (racing and cruising) and Past Commodore of the Manhasset Bay and Frostbite Yacht Clubs.
What’s your New York story?
To avoid polio during the summer months in Queens, New York, my father’s family leased a small plot on West Meadow Beach, Stony Brook, where the cottage survived both the 1938 and 1944 hurricanes. I’m still researching prior Miller generations from the early 1800s in New York State (Hudson Valley). I’ve also cracked several of my New York lines using land records.
Chriselle Tidrick, Coordinator, Programs and Events
Chriselle Tidrick plans logistics for and oversees the execution of NYG&B’s extensive in-person and online programming and events. She works with NYG&B staff, speakers, vendors, and event registrants to ensure a positive experience for all participants. Chriselle has had a varied professional life, working as a dancer and circus artist as well as a producer of performance work as director of her own company, and eventually taking on nonprofit coordination roles. Prior to the NYG&B, Chriselle managed Emanu-El Downtown’s events and programs and coordinated programs for field scholars who contributed indexing to the MLA International Bibliography. Chriselle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with special honors in English from George Washington University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University.
What’s your New York Story?
Though most of my ancestors came to the United States through New England and Philadelphia, my 2nd great-grandfather came from Scotland through Castle Garden at the Port of New York and lived, for a time, in Richmond Hill, Queens. My journey to New York City from Ohio was much less arduous and was driven by my dreams, now fulfilled, of pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Mitchell Toolan, MPhil, Chief of Staff
Mitchell Toolan is a key player in project and administrative management, ensuring strategic objectives and steps are met while daily operations run smoothly. He manages all aspects of the NYG&B's office, including overseeing product fulfillment, customer support, volunteer and internship programs, and other related activities. He engages with team members, monitors key metrics, and plays an active role in the budget processes and other operational activities. Prior to the NYG&B, Mitchell was a teacher of Latin and technology for three years. As an instructor, classicist, and lover of learning, he developed a passion for history and genealogy that he often incorporated into the classroom. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics and Anthropology from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and a Master of Philosophy degree in Classics from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. His work has primarily focused on the unique, nuanced connections between languages and cultures of ancient peoples, in particular the Greeks and Romans. He was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society in 2019.
What’s your New York Story?
I am from Westchester County and have lived in various places across New York State. My maternal grandparents were born in Dublin, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States in the 1960s so my grandfather could pursue a career in soccer and Gaelic football in New York. As an Irish American with dual citizenship, I am happy to call both New York and Ireland home.
Ian Watson, PhD, Editor of the NYG&B Record
Ian Watson oversees the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, the NYG&B's scholarly journal, which has appeared quarterly since 1870. He helps authors craft articles that preserve exciting New York stories and showcase the best in genealogical research and writing. Ian has been active in genealogy since his teens, but at first thought it wouldn't be possible to make a living from his passion. After an academic career and many summers working for travel personality Rick Steves, he now enjoys using his editing, writing, language, and design skills to serve the genealogical community. Ian has a bachelor's degree in Germanic linguistics from Harvard University and a PhD in sociology from Rutgers University.
What’s your New York Story?
I was born and raised in Rochester, where my parents were recent transplants from southern California. Part of my father's family had deep roots in New York and New England, stretching back to the seventeenth century. Together, my parents, my sister, and I rediscovered our family roots in the Finger Lakes, visiting cemeteries and courthouses and rekindling bonds with distant cousins.
Leadership
Board of Trustees
Members of the Board of Trustees provide guidance and oversight to the NYG&B. In certain cases members of the Board of Trustees are given the status of Trustees Emeritus, which honors long-standing service to the NYG&B.
Officers
- William C. Hallett, Pharm D., Chairman
- Adrienne Auerbach, Vice Chairman
- D. Joshua Taylor, President, Trustee ex Officio
- Sharon W. Vaino, JD, Secretary
- Lorraine D. Bell, Treasurer
Trustees
- Bruce W. Addison
- Jane Rosen Berenbeim
- Kenyatta D. Berry, JD
- Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD
- Iain H. Bruce
- Anne Sibert Buiter, PhD
- Elbrun Kimmelman
- James D. Laur, JD
- Stephen S. Madsen, JD
- William G. Pomeroy
- Patrick Smith
- Kathleen Hill Tesluk
- Missy Wolfe
Trustees Emeriti
- Robert F. Hendrickson
- Henry B. Hoff, CG, FASG
- Anita Anderson Lustenberger, CG, FGBS
- W. Francis Price, Jr.
- Waddell W. Stillman
- Walter Wilmerding, FGBS
Fellows of the NYG&B (FGBS)
The NYG&B honors noted New York scholars with the designation of Fellow of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (FGBS). At the present time, the NYG&B recognizes the following distinguished individuals with this esteemed recognition.
- Leslie Corn, CG
- John Blythe Dobson, CG
- Laura Murphy DeGrazia, CG
- James D. Folts, PhD
- Karen Mauer Jones, CG
- Frederick C. Hart, Jr., CG, FASG
- Charlotte Megill Hix, CG
- Henry B. Hoff, FASG
- Henry Z Jones, FASG
- Roger D. Joslyn, CG, FASG
- Arthur C. Kelly
- Nancy V. Kelly
- Anita Anderson Lustenberger, CG
- David Kendall Martin, FASG
- Suzanne McVetty, CG
- Meriwether C. Schmid
- Jane Wilcox, MS
- Walter Wilmerding