Meet the Team

Jerry Bradley

Registered Garden Host Liaison

Jerry served on the Irondequoit Garden Walks Leadership Team, planning the inaugural 2025 event. Like other volunteers on the Team, Jerry has worn more than one hat; for 2025, writer and editor of the IGW Newsletters, fundraiser and collaborator on textual promotional materials. For IGW 2026, Jerry continues in the role of Garden Host and Registered Gardens’ Liaison.

Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Jerry earned his graduate degree at The University of Virginia. A former professional actor and long-time resident of Manhattan, he volunteered for many years with the Central Park Conservancy. Jerry is a retired Professor in the CUNY and SUNY systems, who now calls Irondequoit home. His garden will be six years old this summer.

Susan Carmen-Duffy

Artist & Graphic Designer

Susan Carmen-Duffy has been part of Irondequoit Garden Walks since its inaugural year, helping to shape the event from its earliest stages. As the artist and graphic designer for IGW, she has created all visual artwork and graphic materials, contributing to the identity and spirit of the event. Susan has also played a hands-on role by running the Welcome Station and supporting day-of coordination.

An award-winning, internationally collected artist, Susan brings a deep love of community and creative connection to her work. She believes Irondequoit Garden Walks is a celebration of beauty, generosity, and neighborly spirit, and she is honored to help bring the event to life year after year.

Ed Charny

Volunteer Coordinator

Ed has been an avid gardener since the age of 3, making mud pies , playing in dirt, and picking dandelion bouquets . His parents guided his gardening experience with our vegetable, flower garden, and orchard in rural Oneida County. Received his Associate Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture from SUNY Morrisville. Ed's first career was as a Landscaper , followed by Florist, and Garden Manager, gaining experience and knowledge. Ed has resided in Irondequoit for 21 years, and has enjoyed gardening,and landscaping his residence. He looks forward to engaging with fellow gardeners who enjoy playing in the dirt.

Chris Henning

Vice President, Technology & Communications

Chris was part of the early organizing team behind Irondequoit Garden Walks, helping bring together the first-year team and contributing to the structure, planning, and technical direction as the event came to life. With a background in event production and technology, he supports IGW’s digital platforms, mapping, logistics, and communications.

A community-builder at heart, Chris enjoys helping others share their gardens and creating opportunities for neighbors to meet and engage. He believes Irondequoit Garden Walks offers meaningful experiences that deepen people’s sense of connection to the community.

Barbara James

Treasurer

Barbara James is a Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension, and is active in many other local organizations. She has resided in Irondequoit for 40 years.

Michele Kaider-Korol

Secretary, Marketing Coordinator

Michele joined IGW’s leadership team the fall of 2025 and oversees the organization’s social media, outreach and marketing efforts. Combining a love for gardening and storytelling, she enjoys connecting people to gardens and the gardeners who nurture them.

Michele’s roots go way back to farming/gardening. Her grandparents operated a large potato farm on Long Island’s North Fork for 50+ years. Both grandmothers worked in nurseries and florist shops. She’s transformed many gardens over the years, but is happiest at her home overlooking Irondequoit Bay Park, sharing her gardens with creatures big and small.

Mindy Kannard

Fundraising

Mindy returned to her hometown of Irondequoit after a 40 year career in higher education. She loves all the natural spaces in Rochester, and frequents them with her dog Chaco. Although not a gardener herself, living with her husband Michael, a landscape architect, has given her an appreciation of the value gardens bring to a community..

Sue Magee

President & Outreach

Sue is one of the founders of Irondequoit Gardens Walks. Initial efforts began in 2023 and with the generous and enthusiastic support from so many, a community event that celebrates gardens and connects neighborhoods has successfully come to fruition. It is literally a dream come true. Sue has been involved in numerous aspects - connecting with community residents and organizations, event planning, volunteer and garden host recruitment and early marketing efforts.

Sue started her gardening journey at age 10, growing cacti seeds on a windowsill. She is now an avid gardener, involved in the Monroe County Master Gardener program, and is a 35+ year resident of Irondequoit. Sue strongly believes that gardens, whether planting, tending or viewing one, brings joy and well-being to the human spirit.