Fugan Sam Gordon
President
Sam began practicing meditation in 1995 while a student at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. As a certified urban planner with over 25 years of experience shaping sustainable and inclusive communities, he sees planning as an extension of his practice, guiding the creation of communities that foster harmony and connection.
Doshin David Schubert
Vice President
David, retired Senior Naturalist, began Zen practice in 1990, was ordained in 1994, and trained in the U.S. and Japan. He is now a Dharma Teacher and head monk at HoenJi.
Reijitsu Paul Batkin
Treasurer
Paul is a Marriage and Family Therapist whose Zen practice since 2000 informs his mindfulness-based approach to healing. He previously led the Zen Center’s children’s program, which his two sons attended.
ChoEn Carol Biesemeyer
Secretary
Carol, retired from IT and business management, now volunteers extensively. She serves on boards for the Zen Center and Habitat Gardening in CNY, advocating for native plants and healthy communities.
Jika-shi Lauren Melnikow
Lauren is a music and senior meditation instructor who began Zen practice in 1997 and became a Dharma Teacher in 2015. She teaches in the Zen Center’s programs and enjoys family life with her husband, three children, and four grandchildren.
Dairin Shawn McGuire
Shawn is a ceramic artist and educator who integrates Zen into his creative practice. He runs Great Wheel Studio in Cazenovia, NY, using art as a way to share presence and embodied awareness with his students and community.
ChoKei Hilary McManus
Hilary is a leadership coach and professor at Le Moyne College with 30 years in education and nearly a decade in leadership development. Her mindfulness-based work connects people with nature through teaching, coaching, and outdoor experiences.
Chedy Hampson
Chedy founded TCGplayer, growing it to 700 employees and helping build Syracuse’s Tech Corridor. Through his nonprofit, South Side Community Growth Foundation, he supports initiatives that foster inclusion and connectedness.
Dr. Ednita M. Wright
Dr. Wright has over 25 years of experience consulting on bias and inclusion for agencies and institutions. She champions environments rooted in care, love, and authentic inclusion.