The Ocean Bay Park Community Fund
The OBP Community Fund, Inc. (“OBPCF”) was created to raise money to benefit the Fire Island community known as Ocean Bay Park. OBPCF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
OBPCF strives to promote the best interests of the greater Ocean Bay Park community by supporting its civic, cultural and recreation programs, beautification of the community, efforts to improve and maintain Ocean Bay Park’s relations with neighboring communities, and projects to improve Ocean Bay Park’s public safety and general welfare.
The OBPCF supports these activities with donations from local residents, businesses, former residents and friends.
Our Board of Directors
Steven Jaffe
President
Steven Jaffe has been coming to Fire Island since I969 when his mother, Arlene Jaffe, brought him to Ocean Beach at only 8 weeks old. Steve grew up on Fire Island developing a lifelong love and knowledge of the “Fire Island way of life” that makes this place so special. Steve’s knowledge of the changing infrastructure & needs, joys of life on the island, plus the unique relationship to the environment that develops when home ownership is added to the experience make him a perfect fit to lead the Ocean Bay Park Community Fund’s efforts.
Steven joined the OBPA board in 2005 and was president for 6 years, notably during Superstorm Sandy, where he helped rebuild the community through his development of one-on-one relationships with mainland governments and officials. The needs of the island and OBP in particular, were exhaustive and felt insurmountable. Steve’s unique style of communication helped deliver solutions to Ocean Bay Park that carry through to this day. He has served on the board for a total of 15 years and is currently the VP of the OBPA.
Professionally, Steven is a recently retired New York City School teacher after serving 32 years teaching both middle and elementary school. He has served on the education board of the ADL and many school-wide programs. During his tenure as an educator Steven has raised over 4 million dollars through RESO A, Participatory Budgeting and Manhattan Borough President Grants to help implement projects to help children. Steve purchased his home in Ocean Bay Park in 1993 where he lives with his wife Lisa. He serves as a volunteer firefighter in the Ocean Bay Park Fire Dept. He spends his free time gardening, fishing and as much time in the water as possible.
Paul Silverstein
Vice President
Paul Silverstein has been coming to Ocean Bay Park since he first visited his wife, Beatrice, at her family’s home on Erie Street in 1986. Since then, he has enjoyed many wonderful summers, and recently, several winters, on Fire Island. Through tennis and through his sons, Daniel and Josh’s activities, Paul has gotten to know many Ocean Bay Park residents and has become increasingly involved in the community.
Paul is a corporate restructuring lawyer with a focus on representing investors and distressed companies, and has sat on and advised many corporate boards. Paul is a founding director of The OBP Community Fund, Inc. and handled its formation.
Joanne DeStefano-Madeo
Secretary
Joanne has been enjoying all that Ocean Bay Park has to offer since the mid-90s as not only a long-time resident, but also a homeowner for over 20 years. She now gets to spend a significant amount of time here year-round with her husband and dog, who equally love the beach and our community and is eager to help make a difference in OBP.
Professionally, Joanne has worked in the viral vaccine field for over 30 years and currently oversees research lab operations for a non-profit vaccine organization whose mission is to ensure development of safe, effective and accessible preventive vaccines for HIV and other emerging infectious diseases for use throughout the world. Separately, Joanne is an adjunct professor of Veterinary Technology for undergrad students seeking a degree in the veterinary field and also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for a Veterinary Advisory Council and as President of her Co-Op Board.
Ed Schechter
Co-Treasurer
Ed has spent 48 consecutive summers in Ocean Bay Park, where he met his wife, Wendi. Ed’s longstanding dedication to the OBP community is evidenced by the three terms he served as President of the Ocean Bay Park Property Association, and the 20 years he served as a member of the Association’s Executive Board. Ed also served as Co-President of The Fire Island Synagogue for 25 years and played an integral role in its transformation to what it is today.
Ed built a strong accounting practice in Stamford Connecticut, with clients throughout the tri-state area and beyond. Ed was the managing partner of Berkow, Schechter & Company which merged with the firm Presti & Naegele in 2023. Ed is a proud alumnus of Cornell University, where he served as Class President for 10 years and was a member of the Cornell Board of Class Officers. Ed is also a lifetime member of the prestigious Cornell Council.
Diane Sweeney
Co-Treasurer
Diane came to Fire Island in 1986 living first in Kismet, followed by Fair Harbor, Ocean Beach and finally settling in Ocean Bay Park as she found it to be the friendliest and most welcoming town. She met Kenny at the Schooner in 1990, and they became homeowners in 2009.
Diane contributes to the community through volunteering as often as she can. She has over 45 years of accounting experience and has worked at her current business manager position for 39 years. She has been the Treasurer of the Ocean Bay Park Fire Department Auxiliary since 2018 and will be transitioning from her post to work more closely with the OBP Community Fund, Inc.