Peg Ellsworth
Executive Director, Director of the Inn at Kirkside Project

“When something is impossible, I won’t say no.”

Under Peg’s guidance, the MARK Project has solicited more than $15 M for community projects, programs, flood and COVID-19 relief, homeowner assistance, small business development, and main street revitalization. These funds have leveraged an additional $50M in private and public investment that has translated to $64M invested in the region. In addition, MARK has assisted income-eligible homeowners with over $2M in funds for repairs addressing health and safety issues. Peg serves on the Executive Committee of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, which directs state aid in the region. 

Her 25-year career administering federal, state, and locally funded projects has had a powerful impact, bringing hope and help to community members in need and support and resources to a growing small business community. She is a tireless championship for good ideas and ventures across the central Catskills.

Sally Harkin

Director of Operations

Sally Harkin is a graduate of CUNY Hunter College’s class of 2020 with a degree in English and minor in Sociology and German. She has been working at Mark since April of 2021. Her responsibilities include the administration and oversight of all grant programs offered by Mark as well as managing day to day office responsibilities and communications.

Jonathan E. Andrews
Program Administrator

“The Mark Project is an organization committed to service — service of community. It’s the kind of fulfilling, useful work much needed here and everywhere.”

Jonathan is of local birth and upbringing and a life-long resident of Andes. From there he obtained his schooling before going on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Civics and Politics from Clark University of Worcester, Massachusetts. Jonathan’s roots in the area give him a keen interest in the well-being and prosperity of local communities.

Jonathan currently assists in the facilitation of our Access to Home program, an initiative undertaken to aid in home modification to achieve greater accessibility for people with disabilities.

Alice Haroldson
Program Administrator

“Every effort counts, even the little bits”

Alice moved to Roxbury at the age of 3 and took up residence in an apartment located in what is now the Roxbury Community Kitchen. There she made many memories in the Kirkside Estate House, its park, barns, and dollhouse. Since then, she has acquired a degree in History from Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY, world travel and life experiences, and worn many professional hats. These include environmental inspection to real estate appraisal, historical archival work, and 14 years of trade work in the plumbing and heating industry, all of which she hopes to apply to her position at the MARK Project. Alice is very excited to contribute to the revisioning and future of Kirkside as well as the Town of Roxbury and its surrounding communities.

Fred Beemer
Housing Rehabilitation Specialist

“I’m committed to building healthy, happy homes that last residents long into the future.”

Fred comes to MARK with over 30 years of construction experience. He brings extensive knowledge of rehabilitating older buildings using best practices in historic preservation as well as the latest in green technology and energy efficiency. He works on all our building projects from Main Street Revitalization to home repairs from the very start of a project through all aspects of construction.

Luke Beemer
Bookkeeper