It's About Community!

By profession, Gaitley is a voice and speech coach and has worked for many years in arts administration. He also has a keen interest in health, fitness, and nutrition, and is a certified personal trainer. He brings to the equation not only his strong communication skills, but also a foundation in administration, community building, and fiscal responsibility. Having served as Founding Director of a theatre company, Gaitley had an opportunity to work first hand with the nuts and bolts of developing bylaws, designing corporate structure, and managing budgets, as well as realizing the artistic vision of the company. These skills, coupled with sales experience and a strong work ethic, not only continue to serve him in his professional life, they allow him to have a positive impact in the community. As he sees problems, he works to find solutions.

A long-time advocate for the arts and community involvement, Gaitley often volunteers in preparing meals for North Shore Sheltering, is a member of the North Shore Historical Museum, serves as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church, and is an associate member of Calvary A.M.E church, where he sings in the choir.  He also serves on several boards and committees. For the City of Glen Cove, he serves on the Community Development Agency Board and the Memorial Day Parade Committee. Additionally, he is chairman of the Committee for the Bilingual Community Easter Dawn Service involving eight area churches (Catholic and Protestant), and is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce.  This fall, he was honored to be invited to join the Advisory Council of the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival and the Board of Heroes Among Us, serving Veterans and their families.

“My commitment to the Veteran community is not only strong, it is personal,” states Gaitley. “My only sibling, Retired Colonel James H. Mathews, served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, my father served in the Navy and my mother in the Cadet Nurse Corp during WWII, and my Uncle Frank served three tours of duty in Vietnam and was a Bronze Star recipient. I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by many men and women who serve and have served, and believe these patriots should be supported and honored at every opportunity.”