The election of Officers and Directors will be held at the election meeting on August 22nd, 2026 at 10 am at the CLIA building.
This year’s election is uncontested, meaning the number of candidates is the same as or fewer than the number of positions available for election, so that all candidates are guaranteed to be elected. Per Article VI of the By-Laws, “In the event the election for Officers and Directors is uncontested, the Secretary will cast a single ballot to confirm the election of the slate of candidates. If the Secretary is not present, the Chair of the Nominating Committee will cast the ballot. Any Absentee ballots received will not be recorded or archived.”
Slate of Candidates
Officer Positions – Officers serve a one-year term
President Lynn Wilbur (running election)
Vice President OPEN
Secretary Kathy Gaughran (running for re-election)
Treasurer Rick Ryan (running for re-election)
Director Positions
There are four (4) candidates running for four (4) open, three-year term positions and one (1) candidate running to fill an open, one-year term position.
JoAnne Bonacker – running for re-election (3-year term)
Lynn LeCours – running for election (3-year term)
Mark Samu – running for election (3-year term)
Lisa Zibella – running for re-election (3-year term)
A brief bio is included for each Officer and all Board Member candidates.
Additional members of the board whose terms have not expired include Cathy Cavanagh, Christine Cooke, Marie Dumas, Gene Henry, Susan Holbritter, Lynn Jackson, Sheila Rappazzo and Karen Ryan.
Officer / Candidate Bios:
Lynn Wilbur – President
I have lived on the lake since 1985. I am a retired teacher. I have served the Association almost all the years that I have lived on the lake in many capacities, i.e.; President, Secretary, and Director. My passion is the health of the lake.
Rick Ryan – Treasurer
Rick has been a lifelong seasonal resident and has a place in the Oaks. Rick and his wife Joan are planning on becoming fulltime in a few years. Rick retired from NYS working in the IT field for 37 years. He served on the board back in 1989 to 1993 as a director, and again the last several years as Treasurer. He volunteered for three years working on the Saturday harvesting crew. He also produced the newsletter for several years.
Kathy Gaughran – Secretary
My family has been coming to Cossayuna Lake for over 60 years. When I married, my husband and I purchased a trailer in Lakeside Trailer Park. As our family grew, we moved to a camp at the Oaks and now that we are retired and have grandchildren, we own a year round home on Tall Pines. Cossayuna is our “Happy Place”. We love the sense of community that CLIA brings to our lake. It would be an honor to serve on the board and help our community.
JoAnne Bonacker – Director
My family has been enjoying Cossayuna Lake for 36 years. I retired from the NYS Office of Mental Health as an Assistant Director of Personnel. Cossayuna became our permanent summer residence shortly thereafter. I have served on the Board for the past six years and wish to continue another term to help in any way that I can.
Lynn LeCours – Director
My husband Tom and I moved to Cossayuna Lake in 2016, when we bought a small camp on East Lake Road. We have since renovated the camp and it has become our primary residence. I’m happy to have volunteered my time as Director, Social Chair, Vice President, and President with the terrific group of people that serve on the board. Unfortunately, due to family obligations I’m sorry to have to step down as President. I love our Lake and will continue to volunteer my time where needed.
Mark Samu – Director
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Lisa Zibella – Director
I feel lucky to have found Cossayuna Lake and am able to call it home year-round. Moving here towards the end of 2021 from Guilderland, NY, my husband Bill and I have met some wonderful people we feel fortunate to call friends. The lake association is a great way to connect people and create a fun-filled community, while also working to protect our lake environment. I am proud to be a part of it. While my husband is retired, I keep busy working in real estate and as a part-time hair stylist.
CossayunaLake.com 