Welcome Back from the ChairmanGreetings, friends and colleagues. With another fall semester right around the corner, I am reminded of the incredible opportunity we have to make an impact, learn new ways to support our members, and grow our fraternity and sorority communities. If you are receiving this newsletter, it is because you, in some way, support the Association and the students we educate each year in the Northeast. Thank you for all you have done to start the school year, support a fraternity and sorority system, and continue to help the Association thrive. Our incredible volunteer teams are hard at work, creating educational experiences that will help advance your knowledge and abilities to move yourself, chapter, council, and community forward. Our signature educational experience, the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference, will be held this February in Pittsburgh. We hope to see you there!
As you grab your PSL, dust off your sweater, and notice the leaves changing, please keep NGLA in mind when you need resources, education for yourself or your students, or opportunities to expand your professional network. If you have ways that NGLA could better serve you or our community, please share those with me (chairman@ngla.org) or Tom (exec@ngla.org).
See you in Pittsburgh, friends!
Nicole Cronenwett Chairman | | Welcome from the Executive DirectorI hope you are energized for another year of leadership, learning, and community within NGLA. As Executive Director of the Northeast Greek Leadership Association, it’s my privilege to welcome you and to share some exciting updates about the year ahead and the many opportunities for you to engage with NGLA.
Mark Your Calendars: The 2026 NGLA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh!
We are thrilled that the 2026 Annual Conference will take place in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from February 26 - March 1, 2026. Known for its rich history, dynamic culture, and welcoming community, Pittsburgh will provide the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable experience. The conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, thought‑provoking educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities designed to empower you and your community. This is an event you will not want to miss as we continue to shape the future of fraternity and sorority life in the Northeast. Engage Year‑Round: Virtual Programs & Podcasts
NGLA is committed to being more than a once‑a‑year gathering. Throughout the year, we’re excited to bring impactful virtual programs and podcasts directly to your campuses. These offerings will connect you with experts, provide leadership development opportunities, and spark important conversations around topics that matter most to our communities. Whether you’re joining us online for a workshop, tuning in to a podcast on your commute, or engaging with peers across the region, we’re here to support your leadership journey every step of the way. Membership Matters
Our membership program continues to expand, offering exclusive benefits such as priority access to virtual events and unique leadership resources. You must be a NGLA Member to register for the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference in February. We are committed to ensuring that every community, large or small, has access to the tools and support needed to thrive. Strengthening Our Impact Together
As we look toward the future, our ambitious fundraising goals will focus on expanding scholarships, enhancing educational programming, and supporting new initiatives that advance our mission. Your support through donations, volunteering, and advocacy, makes these goals possible. Together, we can create lasting change and opportunity for students across the Northeast.
In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated volunteers and supporters, whose passion and commitment fuel the work of NGLA every day. NGLA is more than an association–it is a community of leaders, builders, and change‑makers. I’m honored to lead this organization as we embark on another impactful year together.
Thank you for being part of the NGLA family. I look forward to seeing you online throughout the year and in Pittsburgh in 2026!
Tom Murphy Executive Director | | | Save the Dates! Monday, September 1, 2025: Student Staff Team, including Student Staff Captain, application opens. Monday, September 18, 2025: Student Staff Captain application closes. Tuesday, October 14, 2025: Student Staff Team application closes. Monday, November 17, 2025: Registration, Hotel Room Block, NGLA Awards, and NGLA Scholarship applications open. Wednesday, January 21, 2026: NGLA Awards and NGLA Scholarship applications close. Thursday, February 5, 2026: Hotel Room Block closes for the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference. Monday, February 16, 2026: Registration closes for the 2026 NGLA Annual Conference. Thursday, February 26, 2026 - Sunday, March 1, 2026: 2026 NGLA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.
| | Student Staff Application Opens September 1The NGLA Student Staff Team, both undergraduates and graduates, volunteer on-site during the NGLA Annual Conference. Lodging, food, conference registration, and a $200 travel stipend will be provided by NGLA. Training is remote and therefore requires access to a stable internet connection and telephone. Expenses related to remote work are not reimbursed.
The Student Staff Captain participates in the selection of the NGLA Student Staff Team and supports Student Staff on-site in coordination with the Student Staff Chair. One year of experience volunteering for NGLA as a member of the Student Staff is strongly preferred. Full-time enrollment in any field of student for the 2025-2026 academic year is preferred.
For Student Staff Captain, the application {PLUS} two references are due September 18 @ 11:59pm ET.. Zoom interviews will be conducted September 29 - October 1.
Decisions will be sent by October 6 with response requested by October 14.
The Student Staff Team application {PLUS} two references are due October 14 @ 11:59pm ET. Zoom interviews will be conducted October 27 - 31.
Decisions will be sent by November 3 with response requested by November 10.
Please direct questions to studentstaff@ngla.org. | | | | | NGLA Board of Directors Updates
Welcome to Anna Baldasarre and Melissa KishNGLA welcomes Anna Baldasarre and Melissa Kish to the Board of Directors. They will serve a three-year term starting this July.
Chairman, Nicole Cronenwett states, “NGLA is very fortunate to have Anna and Melissa join our Board of Directors. Their wisdom, professional backgrounds, and enthusiasm for the fraternity and sorority experience will no doubt significantly transform our Association for years and years to come.” | | Anna is the Associate Director of Annual Giving Marketing at Franklin & Marshall College. She began volunteering with NGLA in 2017 and has previously supported communications, student staff, and educational programs. She earned her bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College and her master's degree from Penn State.
“As a longtime NGLA volunteer, I'm excited and honored to step into this new role. I look forward to working with the rest of the Board and volunteers to continue serving the association and advancing NGLA's mission.” -Anna Baldasarre | | Melissa Kish currently serves as Executive Director for Sigma Delta Tau. Prior to this, Melissa worked in higher education for more than 18 years. As Associate Director of Student Life and Learning at Indiana University, she oversaw the fraternity and sorority life community and leadership development. She then joined the North American Interfraternity Conference as Director of Education and Leadership Development before moving into the headquarters spaces to serve as Chief Operating Officer for Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. Mellisa is a two-time graduate of Ball State University, with her bachelor’s in Sports Administration and Marketing and an MS in Sport Administration. She is a member of Pi Beta Phi.
“Watching the impact that NGLA continues to have on students and professionals in the Northeast continues to be incredibly impressive. I am honored to serve NGLA on the Board of Directors to enhance the mission along with the many amazing volunteers, staff, and students.” -Melissa Kish | | Welcome to Our New Executive Committee | | Nicole Cronenwett serves as the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Old Dominion University and is a proud member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Nicole earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University. She enjoys volunteering with the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach and spending time with her husband Craig and adorable dachshund Hayley.
“I am thankful for the continued opportunity to serve NGLA and to do so in a new role. I absolutely love NGLA and very much believe in its mission to educate fraternal leaders to transform their communities and align actions with values. As we start a new academic year, I look forward to supporting our Executive Director, Board of Directors, and the many wonderful volunteers who give countless hours to make sure we are providing the very best to those we serve.” -Nicole Cronenwett | | Tori Succi serves as Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Development at the University of Connecticut. She earned her bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Dance and her master’s degree in Higher Education and Leadership Policy from Hofstra University. She is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Tori joined the NGLA Board of Directors in 2023 and is passionate about advancing the fraternal experience in the Northeast and beyond. A proud member of Phi Sigma Sigma, she also volunteers her time with Phi Sigma Sigma, Beta Theta Pi, and Phi Gamma Delta.
"I'm excited to witness the continued growth of our community and to see how NGLA helps shape the future of fraternity and sorority life—especially in the Northeast, the best region in my opinion!" -Tori Succi | | Tommy Severin serves as the Alumnae Engagement Manager at Gamma Phi Beta International Headquarters, where he manages the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training for the organization’s volunteers. He is currently an Ed.D. student at the University of Oklahoma and holds degrees from Binghamton University, Hunter College, and Iona University. While at Iona, Tommy became a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Tommy joined the Board of Directors in 2024. He began serving on NGLA’s conference committee in 2021, holding roles in technology and registrations. In addition to volunteering with NGLA, he serves on Pi Kappa Phi's Individual and Chapter Conduct Committee and is an Area Advisor with the National Panhellenic Conference.
“As we enter this new academic year, I am excited to see the impact the Association can have on fraternal communities throughout the Northeast. I am thankful to work with our incredible team of staff, volunteers, and supporters to continue bringing relevant, timely, and impactful programming to our students and professionals.” -Tommy Severin | | Avery Moses serves as the Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at Quinnipiac University. Avery is a proud member of Pi Beta Phi. She actively volunteers for several fraternal organizations and has been an NGLA volunteer since 2016. Avery joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and serves as the Personnel Chair for the Association. Avery earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Spanish from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University.
“NGLA has provided a space for me to grow as both a student and professional, and I can’t wait to continue supporting an organization that prioritizes the development of its members in this new capacity as secretary. I am honored to join the executive committee and look forward to furthering the mission of the association through strategic thinking and relationship building.” -Avery Moses | | Thank You to the Outgoing Board MembersThe Northeast Greek Leadership Association offers great appreciation for outgoing board members Dr. John DiSarro, Michael Davis, Maya McDonald, Candy Rivera Evans, and Dr. Eric Simeon.Chairman Nicole Cronenwett says, “NGLA has this magical way of drawing in some of the absolute best from a variety of industries. I am so thankful to John, Michael, Maya, Candy, and Eric for the years they gave and the talent they provided to grow and advance this Association. We are stronger because of their dedication and work, and each one of them will be deeply missed.”
Reflecting upon their time serving the Association,
John shares, “For 15 years, NGLA has been my home within the fraternal world. From my first conference as a sleep-deprived student staff volunteer, NGLA invested in me personally and professionally. While I won’t miss the eggplant rollatini or storing 20 NGLA projectors in my attic, I’ll always value the friendships and the important work of this organization.”
Michael says, “Serving as a volunteer and as a member of the Board of Directors for the past 10 years has been one of the most pivotal experiences for me both personally and professionally. Being surrounded by thought-provoking leaders who care deeply about fraternities, sororities, and their place in today’s society has been immensely impactful; the relationships and memories created through NGLA are some of my most cherished. I am deeply proud of the growth and success NGLA has seen.”
Maya says, “When I was first introduced to NGLA as a new FSL volunteer and conference attendee in 2017, I could never have anticipated that a few days away from home would turn into several years of incredible work and even more incredible friendships. I will fondly remember my years of Board service as a time of learning, of growth, and of challenging both myself and the Association to move forward, boldly, even when the destination is not yet known. While this marks the end of my five years of service on the NGLA Board of Directors, I am immensely grateful for the leaders who saw a little light in me in 2020, and for all the little lights across the Northeast who get a chance to shine because of the work that the Association has done and will continue to do in the future.”
NGLA is grateful for John, Michael, Maya, Candy, and Eric’s service to advance the Association. | | | NGLA educates leaders from a variety of fraternal experiences to transform and empower their community and align actions with values. | |
|
|
