CVMS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The CVMS Board of Trustees is a volunteer group responsible for the long-term health and direction of the school. The Board sets policy, approves the annual budget, and hires and supports the Head of School, while day-to-day operations and educational decisions remain with the school's administration and staff. Trustees serve on committees covering areas like finance, governance, and development, and bring a range of professional backgrounds and personal connections to CVMS, from current and alumni parents to community members who believe in our mission. Please reach out to the CVMS Board of Trustees via email: board_dist@cvms.org.

2026-2027 Board Members

  • President

    Dave Murray

    Dave Murray serves as President of the Chemung Valley Montessori School Board of Trustees and is currently in his second year in the role. He joined the Board in 2023 and became involved early in facilities and campus planning before later serving as Vice President.

    Professionally, Dave is a District Sales Manager with Nucor Insulated Panel Group. His background in the building and construction industry has been especially valuable in supporting facilities planning, capital projects, and the long-term needs of the CVMS campus.

    Dave and his family have been part of the CVMS community since 2021. He and his wife have three children, one currently attending CVMS and two future CVMS students. As both a parent and Board President, Dave is committed to helping strengthen the school and support its future.

  • Vice President

    Anthony Curren

    Anthony Curren is the day-to-day manager for the Rick Curren Companies, where he is currently focused on helping young families with life insurance through his agency. His daughter began attending CVMS in January 2026, and his family has enjoyed becoming part of the school community and making new connections.

    Outside of work and Board service, Anthony enjoys writing speculative fiction, learning new languages, and exercising.

  • Treasurer / Finance Committee Chair

    Daniel Ricketts

    Daniel Ricketts has served on the CVMS Board of Trustees for several years and currently serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. Now in his second term on the Board, Daniel has been an important part of the school’s financial planning and oversight through several years of growth and change.

    Professionally, Daniel works at Corning Incorporated. His experience and thoughtful, detail-oriented approach have made him a valuable resource for the Board, particularly when it comes to budgeting, financial planning, and responsible long-term decision-making.

    Daniel is also a CVMS parent, with two children currently attending the school. His connection as both a parent and trustee gives him a strong appreciation for the community and a continued commitment to supporting the long-term health of CVMS.

  • Secretary

    Hirofumi “Hiro” Motegi

    Hirofumi “Hiro” Motegi holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry, with a focus in inorganic chemistry and chemical crystallography, from Virginia Tech. He brings a background in engineering, research, and product development, along with many years of experience working with teams to solve complex problems and develop practical solutions.

    Hiro values education, community, and creating a supportive environment where children, families, teachers, and staff can thrive. He enjoys bringing people together, listening to different perspectives, and helping organizations move forward thoughtfully.

    Outside of work and Board service, Hiro enjoys spending time with his family, photography, and Japanese calligraphy. He is grateful for the opportunity to contribute his time, experience, and perspective to CVMS.

  • Trustee / Fund Development Chair

    Jennifer Fortier

    Jennifer Fortier is a former NICU nurse who traded in her scrubs for the busy and rewarding role of stay-at-home mom to four children. Her family has a strong connection to CVMS, and she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the school community through her work on the Board.

    When she is not volunteering, chauffeuring kids, or tackling the adventures of everyday family life, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at Keuka Lake, watching sports (Go Sox! Go Bills!), and, perhaps most importantly, going “squishy hunting” for the latest NeeDoh finds.

  • Trustee

    Tim Hayden

    A former lawyer turned occupational therapist, Tim Hayden works with autistic students from across the region. He is also an alumnus of the early years of CVMS and has a special interest in the connection between disability, education, and holistic, child-centered learning.

    Tim credits his own Montessori experience with helping foster the caring nature that continues to guide him both professionally and personally.

  • Trustee

    Chris Fortier

    Chris Fortier and his wife, Cathy, have been married for 41 years and have been part of the local community throughout that time. They have three married children living in upstate New York and six grandchildren. Their family has strong ties to Montessori education, with two of their children and three of their grandchildren having attended Montessori schools.

    Professionally, Chris is a retired finance professional who spent the majority of his career at Corning Incorporated. He and Cathy remain active in the community through volunteer work, including Cathy’s nonprofit, Tender Grace Miniature Horse Therapy.