The BCNY Officers
President:
Rev. James A. Lynch, Jr. is a Minister and Dharma Teacher as authorized by the lay Buddhist Organization Rissho Kosei Kai. He is an official representative for Rissho Kosei Kai to the United Nations. James sits on the Board of Religions for Peace USA, and is a Trustee of the prestigious international Parliament of World Religions. James is a tenured professor in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department in the Koppelman School of Business located at Brooklyn College, where he teaches Workplace Happiness and Spirituality.
Vice President:
Ven. Aluthgama Dhammajothi was ordained as a novice monk in 1971 in accordance with the tradition, and practice of Theravada Buddhism in Kollura Sri Walagamba Rajamahaviharaya, Polgahawela. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colombo. Further, he received a Diploma in Education in 1992. He has worked as a teacher and also as a High School principal in Sri Lanka for many years. In 1993, he was invited to New York Buddhist Vihara to serve as a resident monk. Since then, he has been doing many religious activities while giving leadership to many events of the New York Buddhist Vihara.
Vice President:
Sylvie Sun is a board member of Buddhist Global Relief and has been practicing Chinese Chan Buddhism since 1989, as a disciple of the late Master Sheng Yen. She has been a volunteer with Dharma Drum Mountain and Chan Meditation Center in Elmhurst, NY, for more than twenty years. She has led the coordination of countless fundraising events and special programs, trained other volunteers, and helped to organize ties between the local chapters. Sylvie loves to share her experiences in Buddhist practice, social activism, and community life.
Treasurer:
Gagan Rocco Caputo is an ordained Western Zen teacher, a devoted student of the late Samu Sunim, and President of the ZLIC-World City Sangha based in New York City. As Director of Youth for Peace at the United Nations, he works to help combat division and serves the community as an advisor to City Voices/Fountain House. Gagan co-created and currently directs the NYC Shambhala youth program to help introduce Buddhist teaching to a younger generation. He has dedicated over 20 years to integrating Zen practice within a major cancer center – supporting patients through every stage of their journey – where he continues to serve today.
Secretary:
Rev. Willie Mukei Smith is a novice Zen priest and a senior student at The Village Zendo, where he leads the People of Color Sitting Group. He serves on the Board of Zen Peacemakers International and a member of the Buddhist Council of New York He is also a psychoanalyst with a private practice.
Secretary:
Helen Leong currently serves as a Chapter Director of Buddha’s Light International Association – BLIA New York Chapter, USA, and a representative for the BLIA NGO NY Office. She is an immigrant from Hong Kong and completed her education in New York City’s New York University and Brooklyn College. She taught in New York City Public School until her retirement. She has been a devoted Buddhist for 20 years as a disciple of Fo Guang Shan Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun; she received the Five Precepts in 2006 and the Bodhisattva Precepts in 2008. She is also a Humanistic Buddhism Speaker and member of the Localization team of Fo Guang Shan New York Temple.
