Capitol Board

MARIA RICH

Now retired, Maria considers herself fortunate to have had two careers.  The first, brought her to Rome as one of the owners of radio station WRNY.  The second career, in IT, provided many interesting worksites and locations including Rome Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Corps of Engineers, Photonics Division of Corning Glass, Benton Park, PA. and the University of Rochester.  She currently is an officer of Rome Community Theater along with her responsibilities at the Capitol.  Previous volunteer work included Rome Art and Community Center, Rome Council on History and the Arts, Community Concert Association, Rome Family Y, Clean and Green, Rome Heart Committee and CNY Community Arts Council.

GAIL TUCKER

Gail retired from IBM where she was an executive secretary.  She also retired from the Rome City School District after serving as a teacher assistant for ten years. As a member of First Presbyterian Church of Rome, and past Deacon Moderator as well as Mission Committee Secretary; she helps cook for the Rescue Mission, pack backpacks for “Blessings in a Backpack” and supports the Relay for Life Team of “Rainbows and Hope”. Gail is a trustee and secretary for the Beneath the Sea organization. She is also a member of Wednesday Morning Club and serves as the organization’s program chair.  She is well known for her costume designs for on stage musical productions throughout the area. 

JOHN HERBOWY

John received a Bachelor of Arts from Utica College, a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and a Master of Laws Degree in Taxation from Boston University Law School.  He currently serves as a Court Attorney in the New York State Unified Court system for the Hon. Thaddeus J. Luke in Herkimer County Family Court.  John came to the Capitol board because of his passion for cinema, especially those moving pictures of the 1970’s.  John is also an active member of several Rome social clubs.  He can be seen periodically volunteering behind the bar at the Rome Polish Home as well as the American Ukrainian Veteran’s and Men’s Club where he has served as a board member for more than ten years.  He currently holds the office of club Treasurer.  He also enjoys cooking, playing darts and golf.  

RAY TUCKER 

Ray has been involved with live theater productions and particularly technical aspects of theater, since elementary school.  As a child, he produced a couple of shows in his basement with curtains, lights and sound.  He continued his theatrical involvement through high school and with his local church group, the Colonial Players.  He maintained his theater activities during his thirty-four years of electrical engineering at Rome Laboratory (AFRL).  Ray served for several years as president of the Capitol’s board.  He is also active as a Trustee and Session member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rome.  He is a lifelong member of a specialized professional society, the Automatic Radio Frequency Techniques Group (ARFTG) which is affiliated with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).  Ray is also a part-time electrician, a skier (in winter) and a year-round SCUBA diver.  He is a trustee and CFO of the Beneath the Sea Dive and Travel organization.

DOUGLAS SWARTHOUT

Doug was born in Freeport, NY.  He graduated from New Hartford High School and Utica College, summa cum laude with a BA in English.  He worked in the family business, the Berry Hill Book Shop in Deansboro, NY, where he became full-time manager/owner in 1978.  His interest in performing arts led to volunteering at numerous Capitol events, which led to him becoming a member of the Capitol Board in 2003.  He was elected Treasurer the following year, a position which he still holds.  Doug is one of the key organizers/operators for the theater’s annual Capitolfest, a 35mm rarely seen silent and early talking movies festival.

NORM LANDIS

Norm retired from the Daily Sentinel after more than thirty-eight years editing (including entertainment news), writing and taking photos.  He continues photography as a hobby and has displayed many of his works in local art exhibits.  He also continues to write news and feature articles for special interest magazines. Norm updated a trail guide for the Adirondack Mt. Club and chaired the Iroquois ADK Chapter for five years.  He was New York State Outdoor Guides’ Association board member for several years.  Norm holds the position of secretary for the Capitol.  He teaches Driver Safety classes for American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).  Norm graduated from SUNY Morrisville and SUNY Utica-Rome.  He serves as official doorman and welcoming committee for the Capitol.

JOSEPH PFEIFFER

Joe is a resident of Boonville, NY.  He has a long heritage with the Capitol as his Grandfather, J.S. Kallet was the first Managing Director of the theater.  Kallet also was involved in building the theater which had an estimated construction budget of five hundred thousand dollars.  The two-story movie house with a seating capacity of twenty-five hundred, opened in December, 1928.  Joe has many fond memories of being in the theater as a young child.  His career involved thirty years as a New York State Certified Codes Enforcement Officer.  Even though he is semi-retired, he continues his work as a part-time codes enforcement officer for four municipalities.  Joe has also served for three decades as a volunteer fire fighter. 

JENNIE THOMPSON

Jennie is a dedicated professional with a strong career history in leading quality and implementation development.  She brings years of experience driving effective processes and meaningful results to the Capitol Board.  Beyond her professional work, she has spent many years volunteering with the Capitol Theatre’s Rising Stars Youth Program.  Her help in supporting young performers as they grow in confidence and creativity is an integral part of this program.  Jennie is also certified through the Diocese of Syracuse’s Safe Environment Program, ensuring a safe positive space for every child served.

VICKY GAUCI STOCKTON ALLEN 

Vicky has filled various roles on and off stage at the Capitol since 1978 and is honored to currently serve as President pro tempore of the Board of Directors.  Embracing life as a Musician, Teacher of the Deaf, ASL Interpreter, Church Organist and Choir Director, World Wanderer, Busker, Union Leader, Family Chef & Baker, Researcher, Human Rights Activist, Instrumentalist, Mediator, Volunteer, Singer/Songwriter, Life Student, Dactylologist, Photographer, Grant Writer, Tuba Christmas Coordinator, Actor, Mentor, Plant-nurturer, Deaf Advocate, Friend, Wife, Mom, and more. Vicky encourages all to participate as a member of the audience and/or a volunteer at this “wonderful and amazing performing arts center”.