Bernadette Ackerman 

My name is Bernadette Ackerman, and I’ve proudly called Nesconset home for the past 22 years. I’ve been married to my husband, Mick, for 33 years—he’s a retired NYPD Sergeant and currently works as a School Security Consultant for a company that advises school districts on modern safety protocols.

 

We have three children who all attended Smithtown schools. Our oldest is now a teacher in Baltimore County, Maryland, so I understand firsthand how important it is that educators feel supported and have the tools they need to succeed. Our middle daughter works in fashion in Manhattan, and our youngest is a college junior studying criminal justice, planning to follow his father’s footsteps into law enforcement.

Professionally, I’m the Vice President of Marketing for a global software company. For the past 30 years, I’ve led communications and marketing efforts for Fortune 500 companies, translating complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies while managing multimillion-dollar budgets.

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Giving back to the community has always been important to me. I spent three years as PTA President at Tackan Elementary and many more as a class mom and team mom throughout my children’s school years. I currently serve as the 2nd Vice President of the Smithtown Booster Club. A few years ago, I started the “Nesconset, Smithtown, St. James Freecycle” Facebook group to connect neighbors and encourage the sharing of gently used items. What began as a simple idea has grown into a community of over 12,000 members, all coming together to support one another through everyday acts of kindness.

I’m passionate about clear, honest communication, and if elected, I’ll bring that same mindset to the board. I’m committed to focusing on what really matters: giving every student the tools to reach their full academic potential, keeping our buildings safe and up to date, supporting our teachers and staff, and ensuring fiscal responsibility so we protect both the quality of education and the value of our homes.

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