Board of Directors

Claire Ackerman was born and raised in Columbia County, leaving to attend Cornell University where she graduated with a degree in Applied Economics and Management. She later added a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Albany. Relocating to the Washington, DC, area, she worked for the Federal Government for 10 years before returning to Columbia County to deal with family and personal health challenges. Always interested and involved in politics, she currently holds executive committee positions with the Claverack and Columbia County Democratic Committees. She also remains involved with Cornell through multiple alumni organizations. Claire resides in Claverack, enjoys reading and crafting, and looks forward to adopting a furry family member soon.

Teresa (Terry) Ackerman moved to Hudson in the late 1960’s and found employment at an accounting firm following a secretarial career that included positions with IBM, New York State Police, and Dallas Fort Worth Regional Airport Board. She met David when he joined the accounting firm. They were married in 1975 and their daughter, Claire, was born in 1979. Terry later went on to serve as office manager of the Special Needs Program, serving the autistic population of Columbia County. She is a past president of the Hudson Jayncees, former board member and treasurer of the Claverack Free Library, and a life member of the Columbia Memorial Health Auxiliary. She currently volunteers at the Second Show thrift shop in Hudson, where she also served as secretary of the board for 22 years. Terry enjoys golf and is a member of Columbia Golf & Country Club as well as Seagate Country Club in Delray Beach, FL.

Kathleen (Kathy) Phillips is a retired Senior Rate/Regulatory Compliance Analyst, working for over 20 years for two Connecticut power utilities. She graduated from The University of Syracuse with a B.S. in Business Administration and Finance. Kathy has extensive experience in bookkeeping and accounting and has assisted her husband with his Property Management business for over 15 years. She also serves as the Programs Co-Chair and Communications and Treasurer Backup for the Grand Harbor Audubon Society and is on the Audit Committee of the Vero Beach Power Squadron. Kathy is the sister-in-law to David Ackerman’s widow. She splits her time between Connecticut and Florida, is an avid gardener, and loves plants, trees, birds, and the outdoors.

Matthew (Matt) Mackerer is a Certified Public Accountant and was a partner to the Foundation’s founder, David Ackerman. A graduate of Cornell University and Ithaca College, Matt has called Columbia County home for most of his life and lives with his family in Claverack. He volunteers on various charitable boards and has worked towards long term solutions in housing, childcare, and education in the greater Columbia County community. When out and about, you may find Matt on the golf course, hiking, or biking. Matt believes the Ackerman Foundation is a force for driving positive outcomes in our community.

Tony Jones is a retired magazine editor and newspaper publisher who left NYC with his young family to settle in Columbia County 40-odd years ago. Recently, he completed a five-year term as chair of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation. As a board member of Hudson River Bank & Trust Company, he was an originator of the HRBT Foundation, where he has served as vice-president ever since. He is a meditator, hiker, golfer, and general outdoor enthusiast. He is married to Hudson cookie artist Pooky Amsterdam.

Samuel (Sam) Hodge is an attorney who worked for nearly seven years as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx. He prosecuted domestic violence, child abuse, and sex crimes. He now works in higher education. Sam attended Truman State University, studying History and Political Science, and received his law degree from Drake University Law School. Sam moved to Claverack and immediately got involved with the Claverack and Columbia County Democratic Committees. In 2021, Sam was elected Chair of the Columbia County Democrats and was re-elected in 2023. Sam enjoys science fiction, history, and exploring the Hudson Valley. He is married to Ted Galperin, a designer and artist.