Leadership

Board of Directors

Tully Hill’s Board shares a love of Tully Hill and a passion for helping those suffering from substance use disorders and their families heal. The Board gives generously of its time and financial resources and sets policy for the organization. For a list of our Board of Directors, please contact Cathy L. Palm, Executive Director/Secretary of the Board of Directors at cathypalm@tullyhill.com.

Cathy L. Palm, MBA

Executive Director

Ms. Palm received a BS from Ithaca College and an MBA from Syracuse University.

Ms. Palm’s background includes the position of Vice President of Administration & Finance and Treasurer of a closely held international manufacturing company for 11 years. Ms. Palm was also a managing partner of C.L. Frederick & Company, CPA, which was one of the first female led CPA firms to open in Syracuse in 1975. She was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant for a number of years.

Ms. Palm is very involved with her community and has served on the Board of Governors of the Century Club of Syracuse where she served as Board President from 2014 to 2016. She has also served as Vice President of the Board of Governors, Chair of Member Services, Membership Development Chair, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary.  She continues to serve as a member of the House Committee. She also has served on the Board of Directors of the Longhouse Council of the Boy Scouts of America from 1996 to 2011. Additionally, she is a past board member/Chapter Chair of the American Red Cross Onondaga/Oswego Chapter; past board member and treasurer of the Syracuse Opera Board of Directors; and past board member of the Syracuse University Whitman School of Management Alumni Club. She is past board member and President of the Drumlin’s East Women’s Golf Association.

In 2011, Ms. Palm was the recipient of the Administrator of the Year Award from the American College of Addiction Treatment Administrators (ACATA) presented by the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP).   In 2015, she was presented with the Commitment to Leadership & Advocacy Award by NAATP.  Additionally, she received the Michael J. Falcone Tully Hill Honor Roll Award in 2015 which is given for exceptional service and contribution to Tully Hill when a deserving individual is identified.

Ms. Palm is a recipient of the Nonprofit Awards 2012 Executive of the Year presented by M&T Bank. Ms. Palm received a 2010 Boys Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award from the Longhouse Council for volunteer service. Additionally, she has received the 2009 American Red Cross Women Who Mean Business award, CBS 5 WTVH Syracuse-Utica 2006 Women in Leadership Award and she also received the 2005 Women in Business Award.

Gregory Serfer, DO

Medical Director

Dr. Gregory Serfer became the Medical Director of Tully Hill Treatment & Recovery in July 2018. Dr. Serfer obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychobiology from the University of Miami and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Serfer was previously employed at Auburn Community Hospital from 2014-2018. His previous roles included: Intensivist (critical care physician), Director of Substance Use Disorder Services and Chief Quality Officer.

Dr. Serfer also serves as Medical Officer for the National Disaster Medical System for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services since 2010. NDMS employees respond to disasters and emergencies including earthquakes, hurricanes, major transportation accidents and terrorist attacks to protect and save lives. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Alternative Education Foundation and Crossroads School since 2007.

Ken Smith, LCSW, QMHP

Clinical Director

Kenneth Smith, LCSW, QMHP, Clinical Director, joined Tully Hill Treatment & Recovery in January 2009. Mr. Smith most recently served as the Clinical Director for the Alcohol and Drug Council of Tompkins County. He was previously employed at Tioga County Department of Mental Hygiene as the Clinical Supervisor for Alcohol and Drug Services.

Mr. Smith completed his Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Cornell University and completed his Master of Social Work degree at Syracuse University. His studies had a focus on family systems dealing with addictions and mental health. Mr. Smith is an OASAS certified dual diagnosis treatment provider.

Paul Marron, MS

Director of Business Development

Paul Marron, Director of Business Development, joined Tully Hill Treatment & Recovery in July 2012. Mr. Marron graduated Magna Cum Laude from both Saint Bonaventure University with a BA, History/Pre-Law and Boston University with his MS, Public Relations. He worked most recently at Central New York Eye & Tissue Bank where he served as their Director of Business Development. He has extensive experience in healthcare administration, contracting, marketing and development in Central New York.

Timothy Pethybridge

Controller

Timothy Pethybridge, Controller, joined Tully Hill in January 2019.  Mr. Pethybridge graduated from SUNY Oswego with a BS in Accounting, MBA in Health Services Administration and Nursing Home Administration Advanced Certificate.  He has worked in the hospital and healthcare industry since 2010 and has over 5 years of Public Accounting experience. 

Daniel White

Facilities Director

Daniel White, Facilities Director, joined Tully Hill Treatment & Recovery in February 2017. Mr. White is a graduate of SUNY College of Technology at Alfred with a degree in building construction. He has worked in the construction field since 1990. Most recently he was employed as Superintendent with LeChase Construction Services. He has served as Project Manager on Tully Hill’s major renovations completed during the last six years. Mr. White’s broad range of experience and attention to detail ensure Tully Hill’s facility is maintained at the highest level of overall operation, safety & security and appearance.

Rick Caballero

Food Service Director

Rick Caballero, Food Service Director / Head Chef, joined Tully Hill Treatment & Recovery in January 2014. Mr. Caballero trained at the Culinary Institute of America. He has over 20 years experience working in the food service industry. Mr. Caballero’s experience ranges from cafeteria style kitchen to fine dining to large scale catering. He has worked as Executive Chef at several well known Syracuse-area restaurants and hotels.

Coco Palm

K9 Therapy Director

Coco Palm belongs to Tully Hill’s Executive Director. She joined the Tully Hill treatment team in 2010. Coco works hard every day to take care of patients and provide emotional support. She accompanies patients on their daily walks, attends family day, and greets new patients.