the team

Craig Palleschi

Chairman & CEO

Craig Palleschi, originally from Syracuse, NY, lives in Sparta with his wife, Jill, and their three sons. When looking for a new home 4 years ago, Sparta was at the top of their list, both for the superior school system and the small-town atmosphere they wanted for their family.

Craig is a Director of Product Supply at Suburban Propane, and has spent the last 7 years heavily involved in local youth athletics and community events. Craig brings his background in Operations and Supply Management and Trading from his professional work in the Energy industry,
and a deep drive to help support the
local community of Sparta. 

Justin Berkowitz

Vice Chair / VP

Justin, along with his wife Kim, lives in Sparta and owns Berk's Furniture and Mattress in Hackettstown.  A New Jersey native and a graduate of Rutgers University with his BS and MS in Economics, he has 3 school-aged children in the Sparta school system, and is actively involved in community events and sports. Justin brings his years of retail experience and entrepreneurial enthusiasm to the Sparta Benevolent Society.

Steve Papaganeres

Treasurer

Steve Papaganeres moved to Sparta in 2003 having grown up in neighboring Morris County.  He and his wife Jenn, looking to buy their first home, were drawn to Sparta because of its natural beauty and excellent school system. Seventeen years later they are still proud Sparta residents. Along with their two sons, they enjoy all the community has to offer including great public schools and sports programs. As hiking and ski enthusiasts you can often find Steve and his family at the Sparta Glen, or nearby Mountain Creek in the winter. Steve also enjoys running and loves to do so around the lower lake of his neighborhood. Steve brings a professional background in Fortune 40 Corporate and Non-Profit Finance, M&A, as well as Board Treasurer experience.

Rob Gleason

Secretary

Rob Gleason grew up in East Brunswick and is a graduate of Rowan University.  He and his wife Theresa have lived in Sparta for the last fifteen years. They have two school-aged children in the Sparta school system.  He has had the opportunity to coach in a variety of the different youth sports Sparta has to offer, such as softball, flag football, and baseball.  Rob brings a work background in project management and an eagerness to find new ways to support the community that his family lives in.

Justin Kanellis

Director

Justin Kanellis moved to Sparta in 2018 with his wife Jennifer and has three wonderful children (8, 3, and 2). As they migrated out from the city, they were looking for a small lake community with a strong school system to raise their family. Growing up on Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, NY, he felt at home the first time he saw Lake Mohawk, while walking down the boardwalk with Jenn, watching his daughter run around in the sand with melting ice cream.Justin graduated from Pace University with a BBA in Finance and Economics while playing on a Division I Baseball scholarship as a Pitcher. From there, he has spent 15 years in the Investment Banking Industry, focusing primarily on Client Relationship, Project Management, and Operational Efficiencies for Sales and Trading. In addition to jumping into the local charity scene with the Sparta Benevolent Society, he sits on the Sparta Township Planning Board in hopes of making a positive impact on Sparta’s future. When he is not working, you can usually find him with his family, traveling, skiing, golfing, or a paddle boarding on the lake.

Patrick McKernan

Director

Originally from Jefferson Township, Patrick McKernan moved to Sparta in 2016 with his wife, Francesca, and their two children.  Patrick earned his Bachelors degree in Economics from University of Delaware, and is a business owner and entrepreneur.  He coaches his son in three sports year round, is the President of a local golf league, is a board member of the PAL basketball league and is a previous member of the Sparta Board of Education.  Patrick brings experience in business development, project management, financial planning and volunteerism to SBS and is excited to be part of a great organization.

Joe Daly

Director