This year’s Sachem Hall of Honor induction class was recognized on May 17, 2025, at the Sachem Board of Education Annex:
This year’s induction class …
- Chris Baur, Class of ‘79: CEO Hughes Aerospace; Military Veteran & Aviator
- Michele M. Chetuck Bishop, Class of ‘00: Deputy Sheriff Investigator, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office & Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force
- Dayna Ghiraldi, Class of ‘98: Founder/CEO, Big Picture Media
- Dr. Jason Hanley, Class of ‘88: VP, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Denise Lindsay-Sullivan, Class of ‘88: Superintendent of Schools
- Jonathan S. Kuttin, Class of ‘90: CEO, Kuttin Wealth Management
- Christopher Macchio, Class of ‘96: America’s Presidential Tenor & International Classical Cross-Over Vocalist
- Anthony Piccirillo, Class of ‘01: Suffolk County Legislator
- Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, Class of ‘90: Chief of Medical Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine
- Michael Villalta, Class of ‘93: Labor Organizer and Leader
Chris Baur, Class of ‘79: CEO Hughes Aerospace; Military Veteran & Aviator
Chris Baur is the CEO of Hughes Aerospace Corporation, one of the largest and most experienced, globally credentialed Air Navigation Services Providers, the Industry Co-Chairman for the US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) and a member of the VAI Board of Directors. He is a pioneer in Performance Based Navigation. Chris has over 45 years of diverse contributions to aviation and is a dual rated Airline Transport Pilot with thirteen type ratings in airliners, business, and rotary-wing aircraft, as well as Unmanned Aerial Systems. Additionally, he is an FAA-certified flight instructor, dispatcher, and Instrument Flight Inspection & Procedure Evaluation Pilot.
As a retired military aviator, Chris is uniquely rated as a pilot in the US Army, US Coast Guard, and US Air Force, for both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. He has operational experience in Search and rescue, Special Operations, and Law Enforcement. His helicopter background includes flying the longest oceanic rescue mission in history. During his tenure as a pilot with the US Treasury Department, Chris received the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Medal of Valor for Heroism from Attorney General Janet Reno.
Michele M. Chetuck Bishop, Class of ‘00: Deputy Sheriff Investigator, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office & Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force
After high school Michele attended Stony Brook for a degree in sociology. In 2015, she earned an Associate of Applied Science in Transportation from the Community College of the Air Force. In 2016, she received a degree from Capella University with a Master of Science in Psychology, specializing in Sport Psychology. In 2019, Michele completed the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) Lactation Counselor Training Course, certifying her to provide breastfeeding counseling and management support to families.
In 2002, Michele enlisted into the United Stated Air Force as a Reservist. She graduated from Basic Military Training as an Honor Graduate in August 2003. She graduated from the Air Transportation Apprentice Technical Training Course and was assigned to the 58th Aerial Port Squadron at Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts. During this assignment she served five combat tours, in Qatar (2004), Iraq (2005), Afghanistan (2008, 2012), and Kuwait (2008), in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
Upon completing her service obligation with the Air Force Reserves in December 2012, Michele joined the Air National Guard, assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in New York. During this assignment, she served as the Superintendent of the
106th Small Air Terminal, where she was responsible for all Air Terminal operations that supported over 1,000 base personnel and combat assets. In January 2020, she was promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and assumed responsibility as the Superintendent of the 106th Logistics Readiness Squadron. In this role she acted as the commander’s key enlisted advisor on operational effectiveness and she was responsible for the organization, training, equipping, and readiness of the one hundred eighteen members assigned to the Squadron. In March 2020, Michele was activated in support of COVID operations, where she served as the Joint Task Force 1 – Long Island A4 Director.
Throughout her career, Michele was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. She retired from the United States Air Force in December 2022.
In 2010, Bishop became a Deputy Sheriff for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in New York. Upon her graduation from the Suffolk County Police Academy in June 2011, she was assigned to the Enforcement Bureau Highway Patrol Unit. In this capacity, she enforced traffic and criminal laws on roadways, responded to emergencies, and assisted motorists. While in the rank of Deputy Sheriff, Michele was also certified as a Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T) Instructor and assisted with training recruits at the Academy, with a focus on defensive tactics. In September 2015, Michele was promoted to the rank of Deputy Sheriff Investigator. She was transferred to the Office of Professional Standards, where she investigated incidents of administrative misconduct.
In 2024, Michele was reassigned to her current assignment at Special Investigations, where she conducts criminal investigations. During her time as an investigator, Michele has received training and certifications on basic criminal investigations, internal investigations, conducting sexual abuse investigations in confinement, investigative interviewing and advanced interrogation, evidence collection and processing, and use of force investigations. She has also been a proud member of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard since 2012.
Dayna Ghiraldi, Class of ‘98: Founder/CEO, Big Picture Media
Dayna, Big Picture Media Founder and CEO, started her education at Hiawatha Elementary in 1985 while living in Ronkonkoma. She has vivid memories of her 1st grade teacher Mrs. Tubito who would let her choose posters of puppies to take home. At the end of 2nd grade her family moved and she recalls how important it was to her Mother to have her and her siblings stay within the “Sachem School District.” The family purchased a new home in Farmingville and Dayna started Chippewa Elementary where she met one of her best friends, Tracy Heppeler, and had some of her favorite teachers, Mr. Knapp and Mrs. Toto. From there she attended Sagamore for Junior High, where she met her other childhood best friend, Dawn Derleth, who is currently a teacher in Sachem. Dayna loved chorus and was chosen to represent Sachem in SCMEA. She also joined cheerleading in 8th grade for both the football and basketball seasons, and continued to cheer throughout 11th grade. Her Mother Jill Ghiraldi worked for Sachem and Dayna loved commuting with her and getting mid-day hallway hugs in High School. Dayna participated in every talent show, was in the marketing club DECA, was on the yearbook committee, and was nominated for Homecoming Duchess.
After graduating with the class of 1998, Dayna attended Suffolk County Community College for her Associates Degree and spent two summers as a Walt Disney World College Program participant in Orlando, Florida. Taking full advantage of Disney University, she received her “Mousters” and “Ducktorate” in Entertainment Management.
She then transferred to C.W. Post, currently known as Long Island University, and received her Bachelors Degree in Communications. While at LIU she interned at various Record Labels and Music Management Companies in Manhattan, commuting on the LIRR each day. After graduation Dayna began working at a few prestigious Entertainment Public Relations agencies before moving to NYC and launching her own company in 2007 called Big Picture Media. BPM is a full-service entertainment PR firm founded with Dayna’s own vision at the forefront: passion over everything. Now in its 18th year, the boutique agency boasts an all female staff of publicists that continue to be trailblazers in the industry.
Her award-winning firm has proudly represented a wide range of artists, from legendary names like The Offspring, Moby, Papa Roach, and Sum 41 to hitmakers like American Authors, Naughty by Nature, Taking Back Sunday, The Eagles, and X Ambassadors. She’s also handled publicity for iconic film composers John Williams and Hans Zimmer, film soundtracks for Deadpool, ParaNorman, as well as notable events and organizations including Long Island’s Great South Bay Music Festival, New York City’s SummerStage series, and The Village Voice. Dayna handled all the publicity for the Long Island Music Hall of Fame—working with none other than Billy Joel. At the heart of it all is Dayna’s core vision: a dedication to representing clients with passion, creativity, and care in every capacity.
Additionally, Dayna has spoken on panels and participated in the mentorship program at South By South West, Sundance Film Festival, and the New York Independent Film Festival. She has also held speaking engagements at NYU, Belmont University, Waterbearer College of London, Drexel University, and more in hopes of inspiring the next generation of entertainment industry hopefuls.
Dayna also produced an award-winning horror film and several music videos, and she and her husband are in pre-production on their next feature film project.
She is a proud mother of two amazing kids, Zoe who is 12 and Bodhi who is 5, loves her family and thanks them all for coming today. Dayna’s energy is contagious, her ideas are boundless and she never stops pushing herself while supporting and encouraging all of those around her.
Dr. Jason Hanley, Class of ‘88: VP, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Jason Hanley is the Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. It is his responsibility to make sure that every guest who engages with the Museum learns about the history of rock and roll, and leaves inspired by its stories. Jason works to develop the Museum’s award-winning programs at the preK-12, university, and adult learning levels. These programs take place both on-site and online and include the Rock Hall EDU educational platform. Jason helps plan and implement all the Museum’s family and community events and partnerships, and live concerts – including the summer concert series Rock Hall Live.
Jason also oversees the Museum’s daily operations and visitor experience in several related departments. He is executive producer of the Museum’s Rock Hall Honors series, the annual Rock the Ryman event, and is often the face of the Rock Hall in interviews with artists, producers, and industry professionals. Jason has interviewed hundreds of artists including Les Paul, Roger Daltrey, Nile Rogers, YES, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Chuck D, and Sue Foley – helping them tell their stories and record their history for the Rock Hall archives.
Jason started his Sachem journey in Kindergarten at Grundy Ave. Elementary School in Holbrook and can vividly remember picking up a copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit in the school library sparking a lifetime of interest in Fantasy and Science Fiction. He then attended Senneca Jr. High School where the Science and computer clubs sparked his interest in technology and the world around us. Finally, he attended both Sachem “South and North” as the High School was called at the time and took advantage of the many opportunities provided from new computer classes, art club, creative writing for the school publication Dimensions, and making friends who were interested in music, creativity, and having fun.
After High School Hanley went on to earn a Ph.D. in Musicology from Stony Brook University and has been with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2004. Before coming to the Museum he worked in New York as a performing musician, songwriter, record label owner, scholar, and author – his book, Music Lab, We Rock!: A Fun Family Guide for Exploring Rock Music History, was released in 2014, and his is currently working on a book about the history of Industrial Rock.
Music has always been a central focus of his life, from seeing Elvis Presley when he was only five, performing live at CBGBs in the early 1990s, and his current work at the Rock Hall. Hanley has spent time at the lectern in several schools teaching classes in music history, electronic music, and popular music studies at Hofstra University, Stony Brook University, Cleveland State, Case Western, and Cuyahoga Community College.
Denise Lindsay-Sullivan, Class of ‘88: Superintendent of Schools
Denise Lindsay-Sullivan has served as the Superintendent of the Remsenburg-Speonk School District in Remsenburg, New York, since 2019. She is the first Sachem female alumnus to serve in a superintendent position on Long Island … and one of two currently, along with our Superintendent Patti Trombetta!
With over 30 years of experience in public education, she has dedicated her career to fostering academic excellence and student success on Long Island’s East End. Her professional journey has encompassed a variety of roles, including teacher, Assistant Principal, Director of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and now Superintendent.
Beyond her leadership in K-12 education, Mrs. Lindsay-Sullivan is deeply committed to developing the next generation of educational leaders. She has taught leadership theory and curriculum courses to aspiring administrators at St. Joseph’s University and has conducted various workshops through the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association, for educators with an interest in leadership. From 2014 to 2019, she served on the Board of Trustees at Suffolk County Community College, further contributing to the academic community, emphasizing making a college education attainable for people of all walks of life.
Currently, she is Vice President of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association.
Her academic foundation includes an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Suffolk County Community College, a Baccalaureate in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s University, and a Master’s Degree from SUNY Stony Brook. She obtained an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Long Island University at C.W. Post.
A steadfast advocate of servant leadership, Mrs. Lindsay-Sullivan ensures that every decision she makes prioritizes students’ well-being and academic growth. She aspires to leave a legacy of kindness and meaningful impact, shaping lives far beyond the classroom. Reflecting on her own educational journey, she credits her sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Norman Oakes of Tamarac Elementary School, as a pivotal influence who instilled in her the importance of connection and relationship-building—values that continue to guide her both personally and professionally today.
Jonathan S. Kuttin, Class of ‘90: CEO, Kuttin Wealth Management
Jonathan Kuttin is a nationally recognized financial advisor, entrepreneur, author, and business strategist, serving as the CEO of Kuttin Wealth Management (KWM). With three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Jonathan has built KWM into a premier wealth management firm with over 250
employees and more than $13 billion in assets under management.
A Barron’s Hall of Fame Advisor and a Forbes Top Advisor, Jonathan has consistently been ranked among the country’s top financial professionals. Beyond his professional achievements, Jonathan is deeply committed to giving back. He founded Kuttin Kares, a philanthropic initiative that donated over $100,000 last year and contributed over 6,000 hours of employee volunteer time to communities nationwide.
Christopher Macchio, Class of ‘96: America’s Presidential Tenor & International Classical Cross-Over Vocalist
Known as America’s Tenor, Christopher Macchio is an international classical-crossover vocalist known globally for his commanding performances on LIVE international television from the White House, Madison Square Garden, a memorial tribute at the return rally for President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and his performance of the U.S. National Anthem at the 60th Presidential Inauguration.
He has performed 10 consecutive sold-out concerts as one of the three New York Tenors at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, made solo guest appearances with legendary producer David Foster (producer of Andrea Bocelli), and recently performed duets with Grammy-Winners Peabo Bryson, Al Jardine of the Beach Boys, and American Idol Finalist Haley Reinhart. After making his professional debut in a PBS-TV concert special, Bell’Aria: Live from Las Vegas, he recently made his acting debut, being featured singing in two major Hollywood films, Cabrini (2024) (from Oscar-contender director Alejandro Monteverde, director of blockbuster hit Sound of Freedom), and DON Q (2024) starring Armand Assante (Mambo Kings).
Macchio credits Sachem with his foundation and is grateful for the guidance of music teacher Robert Gerstenberg, who pointed him on the path to becoming a professional singer.
Anthony Piccirillo, Class of ‘01: Suffolk County Legislator
Suffolk County Legislator Anthony A. Piccirillo is a lifelong resident of the 8th Legislative District.
Anthony was first elected to office on November 5, 2019, and took his oath on January 2, 2020.
Anthony currently serves on the Environment, Parks, and Agriculture Committee and the Veterans and Consumer Affairs Committee. His top legislative priorities are finding a solution to Suffolk County’s debt crisis, protecting our drinking water, and halting the overdevelopment of our suburbs while promoting smart growth.
Before being elected to office, Anthony attended Suffolk County Community College and Dowling College, where he studied history. He spent over 20 years in the private sector working various service industry jobs. More recently, he was a Legislative Aide for Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron.
He worked on the Reduce County Spending Task Force and drafted a bill allowing the Legislature to record and live stream video of committee meetings. He also helped write legislation for the County to recognize Italian History Appreciation Month and Irish History Appreciation Month.
Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, Class of ‘90: Chief of Medical Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine
Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes joined the Duke Department of Medicine as chief of the Division of Medical Oncology in 2025. In addition to her role with DOM, Dr. Reidy-Lagunes will also be appointed Associate Vice President for Oncology Services for Duke University Health System.
Dr. Reidy-Lagunes came to Duke from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where she served as the vice chair of Medicine focused on the coordination of care in MSKCC Regional Care Network. Her previous roles included president of MSKCC’s Medical Staff, associate deputy physician-in-chief for clinical operations in the Regional Care Network, physician liaison for the Patient and Family Advisory Council on Quality, clinical director for the GI oncology service, and co-director of the Medical Oncology/Hematology Fellowship Program in the Department of Medicine.
During the COVID-19 crisis in New York City, she served as chief of clinical care as part of the Hospital Incident Command System at MSKCC. Additionally, she is the creator and host of an award-winning monthly podcast called “Cancer Straight Talk” from MSKCC which connects patients to cancer experts to have evidence-based conversations on a variety of topics in cancer care.
As a researcher, Dr. Reidy-Lagunes focuses on developing methods to integrate molecular-based therapies into treating neuroendocrine and adrenal tumors. She is a member of the National Cancer Institute Task Force on Neuroendocrine Tumors and the National Cancer Care Network Guidelines, and she is a former board member of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the Paul Sherlock Resident Housestaff Teaching Award and recognition as one of Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors.
At Sachem, she was Class VP all 4 years and ran winter and spring track and cross country. Se was all-county in the 4×100, 4×400 and 100 yard dash. Diane grew up less than a mile from the school with one sister, a proud alum. Her mom – Barbara Reidy – was a math teacher at North for almost 30 years and retired in 2006. She joins her sister Maureen as an inductee of the Hall of Honor!
Michael Villalta, Class of ‘93: Labor Organizer and Leader
In high school, he was a dedicated member of the orchestra and science club, but during his sophomore year, a group of friends introduced him to a sport that would profoundly shape his character—wrestling. Though new to the sport, he embraced the challenge with determination and heart. By senior year, he earned the “Most Improved” award and went on to place in both the league tournament and the Suffolk County Championships in the heavyweight division.
Coach Davidson stands out in his memory among the many teachers who influenced his path. His belief in hard work, discipline, and personal growth left an indelible mark—not just on him but on countless students. Through this mentorship, he came to understand the dignity of hard work, a principle that continues to guide him every day.
Today, he channels those values into his role as a labor organizer and union leader for one of the largest and influential unions in New York City, the Cement & Concrete Local 6A. He is a relentless advocate – fighting for fair wages, safer conditions, and the respect every concrete worker deserves. His leadership is defined not just by his strategic acumen, but by his unwavering commitment to communication, representation and solidarity.
His journey from high school wrestler to champion of the working class is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and principle.