Chris Casey, Executive Director

Chris brings a wide spectrum of experience to his position as Executive Director of Worldʼs Window, Inc. Currently, he competes as a professional Ironman Triathlete –– which he began to pursue seriously in 2005 –– training and competing in races in Maine, Lake Placid, New Hampshire, Florida, Hawaii, and other places on the map in between.

Having always been an outdoor enthusiast with a concern for environmental issues, even his education reflects that. With a B. S. in Psychology and Environmental Science from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Chris proceeded to explore his passion for the outdoors through a variety of work experiences and recreational pursuits, including graduating from NOLS –– National Outdoor Leadership School in Wyoming. As well, he became certified through the National Ski Patrol in Outdoor Emergency Care and worked as a licensed New York State Wilderness Guide. Along the way –– somewhere between work that took him from Vermont, Pennsylvania and Colorado to a cross country bicycle trip with his best friend –– he developed with his brother, Mike Casey, a long-term goal for giving back and helping others somehow. But how?

For years, the two Casey brothers had conversations about how they might contribute to the preservation of a healthy planet. Conversations eventually morphed into an opportunity with Worldʼs Window, Inc. –– then centered in Zimbabwe. Working with Mike to reposition the organization in Belize, where Mike and his wife, Jill worked for Gallon Jug Community School, Chrisʼ involvement with the organizationʼs new direction began to take shape, if only from the periphery at that point. After the accident that took the lives of Mike, Jill, Makayla and Bryce, Chris stepped into the role of Executive Director of Worldʼs Window, Inc., formerly held by Mike. From here, he plans to work with the Board to further expand and develop Worldʼs Window, Inc., using education to benefit children and ensure a healthy planet.

Executive Board of Directors 

Bill Reilly, President

Bill Reilly has been with World’s Window since its beginnings.  Bill has been an educator for over 37 years,   He is the coordinator for “The Global Coalition for Peace Education and Cultural Awareness”, an internet-based project that connects schools and students around the world.   He also serves as an educational consultant for schools in Uganda.  He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, and certifications in School District Leadership. His goals are to bring humanitarian issues to focus for his students and to foster collaborative efforts for better education and a more peaceful planet.  He is also a professional DJ.

Dan Casey, Vice President 

As a pastry chef, Dan Casey is the co-owner of the coffee shop Perfect Blend.  He has been actively working with World's Window since it's inception playing a vital role in coordinating our annual golf tournament along with a variety of musical events.  As the brother of Michael Casey, Dan has a lifelong commitment to achieving Michael's dream of providing children with educational opportunities that will let them reach their life's ambitions.

Brendan McCann, Treasurer

Brendan was born and raised in Albany, NY and attended school locally at St. Catherine of Siena, Christian Brothers Academy (00’) and Siena College (‘04). Brendan's mother, Rita McCann, worked in the Albany School District with Penny Casey; his father Dennis McCann grew up next door to Penny and her family. The McCann’s and Casey’s have shared friendships for many decades. 

​While attending Siena College, Brendan studied in the Business Department and graduated with a BS in Marketing & Management. He currently resides in Delmar, NY with his wife Kerry and two children Aidan and Dylan. Dan Casey and Brendan co-owns a local Delmar business, Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery. 

​Brendan's experience as an entrepreneur combined with several years assisting with the Casey Family Memorial Golf Outing as co-chair of the Golf Committee, coupled with his love and friendships with all of the Casey Family had Brendan excited to accept the role of Treasurer for WW Inc in April of 2018.

Keep on Shining! 

 Courtney Olsen, Secretary

Courtney is currently the Practice Leader for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at NYSTEC where she is also one of the founding members and current chair of their Community Involvement Committee. NYSTEC’s Community Involvement Committee is committed to working collaboratively for the benefit of society through economic participation, volunteer work, and mentoring. Courtney also served for many years as the Secretary on the Board of Directors of The Homeless Action Committee prior to its merger with
Joseph’s House. Courtney has strong ties to Belize and has visited every year since she was introduced to Placencia by her aunt who retired down there. She has formed strong relationships with many local entrepreneurs and native Belizeans. Courtney’s long-term goal is further investment in the Placencia community, its economy and people. She and her husband, John, recently renovated a home in Placencia that they love to visit with their son, Matts.

Board Members 

Jesse Pafundi

Jesse is on the Worlds Window board to honor his friends Mike and Jill, helping and believing that education brings people greater opportunity.  He has a Bachelor's degree from Champlain College and works in technology sales.  His greatest accomplishment is being a father and loves the outdoors and spending time with his friends and family.  Jesse appreciates the effort and impact Mike and Jill made in Belize and looks forward to helping generations of Belizean children.  The collaboration between the Casey Scholarship Fund Committee, Worlds Window Board and all who come out and support the organizations events make this possible.    

Irene Maribel Rodriguez

Raised in Gallon Jug and now living in San Felipe, Belize, my journey is intertwined with the impact of the Casey Scholarship Fund. Attending high school and sixth form was only possible through their unwavering support and has now set me on a path of growth. Today, I'm pursuing an undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management at the University of the West Indies, merging academic learning with hands-on experience in inventory and accounts. I'm driven by two things. First, I volunteer to make changes such as supporting my community’s waterboard and fundraisers. Second, my journey pushes me to be part of the not-for-profit sector, making a lasting impact on the life of others. As I look ahead to a master's in non-profit management, I'm eager to continue learning, so I can make an even bigger difference and create lasting change. I am grateful to World's Window for the opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a difference in Belize.

Jim Hogan

Jim has over 17 years’ experience in financial counseling, planning and implementation. His expertise and experience is built around the needs of mid- to large-size private companies as well as planning for professional individuals and families. As an advisor, Jim thrives on building trusted relationships with each client and providing objective advice specific to their goals, objectives and philosophies. In return, this gives each client more of two highly valuable resources: time and money.

​Jim became involved with World’s Window, Inc. in early 2010 after the tragic and untimely deaths of his dear friend Michael Casey and his family. Jim felt the immediate need to help carry on and support Michael’s vision for World’s Window, Inc. Jim is honored to help support the Executive Director to further expand and develop Worldʼs Window, Inc., using education to benefit children and ensure a healthy planet.

Jim’s other community and volunteer involvement includes the Melanie Foundation, Saratoga Springs Chamber of Commerce and various coaching positions (CBA baseball, Siena Baseball, Wilton Baseball). Jim is a graduate of Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Business Administration.

Jim and his wife Kristen are the proud parents of three children and reside in Saratoga Springs, NY. As a family they enjoy the outdoors, attending sporting events and supporting their children in all their activities.

Renee Pettit

Currently an editor for the Communication Institute for Online Scholarship (CIOS) and Managing Editor for the CIOS’ COSMIC division, Renee also writes a monthly wine newsletter. Her main passion, however, is writing fiction. Having completed her first novel, she is pursuing publication while working on her second book.

Graduating from the University at Albany with a B. A. in English and French and a M. A. in 20th Century American and British Literature, Renee brings to Worldʼs Window her experience in fiction and non-fiction editing, grant-writing, proofreading, marketing and research. Having long sought involvement in some capacity outside of her day-to-day work, Worldʼs Window allows her to be a part of an organization that values the importance of education in peoples' lives, one of the things she is most grateful for in her own life.

Linnea Reigel

Linnea Riegel hails from Minnesota but has resided in New York State since graduating from Union College in 2008. She received her JD from Albany Law School in 2018 and currently works as a Court Attorney in Albany Family Court. Linnea and her wife live in Delmar, NY with their 2.5 year old twin girls.  In her spare time, Linnea enjoys running, reading and rewatching The West Wing.