Staten Island Museum announces four new trustees ahead of sold-out gala

Brahim Ardolic, MD, is the Executive Director of Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH), a nationally ranked, specialized teaching hospital that occupies two main campuses and numerous community-based health centers and laboratories.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Ardolic was the chair of emergency medicine where he helped transform the hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine into a modern facility, developed IT systems and initiated numerous process efficiencies, among other advancements in training and research.

Dr. Ardolic has served as a member of the New York State Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) for twelve years and two years as President.

Widely published on emergency medicine, Dr. Ardolic began his career as an attending physician at King County Hospital Center and was the medical director of the Wagner College Physician Assistant Program, teaching radiology and laboratory interpretation.

Currently the Senior Representative of Economic Development at National Grid, Niles started as a Development Associate for the Center of International Humanitarian Cooperation. Throughout his career, Niles has held positions at Historic Richmond Town as well as the College of Staten Island as an Adjunct Professor teaching Core American Government, American Studies and African Diaspora Courses.

Mr. French was the First Vice President of Projects for Staten Island Economic Development (SIEDC), overseeing several major planning studies focusing on zoning, economic feasibility and vacant site development, as well as using various mapping software to make recommendations to community partners, stakeholders and City Council on SIEDC Initiatives.

Niles French holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and political sciences, a Master of Arts in History from the College of Staten Island, and is pursuing a Master of Urban Planning from CUNY Hunter College.

Viola Ortiz, MD is a practicing Internist in Staten Island, NY. She is a 1984 graduate of State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and completed her residency at Staten Island University Hospital.

Upon graduation she entered private practice in 1987 and has cared for the healthcare needs of the Staten Island community since then.

She is a retired Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the New York City Fire Department where she oversaw the health and safety of the members of the department for 30 years.

She, with her husband, James Kenny, MD, is the proud parent of Dr. James Kenny and Megan Kenny, and has been blessed with granddaughter Brooke Elise Kenny.

Patricia (Pat) Ternes is a proud native of Staten Island with an extensive history in the medical field. She has worked at Bellevue Hospital in the Cardiac Unit/ E.R. Trauma Unit, E.R. Units at Long Island Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, and various Manhattan E.R.s. She later went on the work with the FDNY/WTC 911 Program as a case manager R.N.

Along with her work experience, Pat has been a part of a number of organizations through the years including the Staten Island Ski Club from 1981 to present, serving a variety of roles including president, House Chairperson, Trip Chairperson, Hospitality Chairperson, and Recording Secretary.