Board of Directors

Tommy Leonard was an honorary member of the board of directors. The founder of the race, Tommy was its most ardent and enthusiastic supporter. He dreamed and conceived of the race after watching the 1972 Olympic marathon, the last time that an American citizen, Frank Shorter, won the men’s marathon in an Olympic Game. An enthusiastic runner most of his life, he dreamed that someday he would see the Olympic champion run and win in Falmouth. With his unflinching persistence, calling on friends and connections in the fledgling running community, he charmed Shorter into coming to Falmouth for the first time in 1975 and the rest is history. Tommy’s dream not only became a reality, but the success and popularity of the race has far surpassed anything that he ever envisioned. Tommy became a legend in his own right in the running community and beyond: his biography was written a few years ago and Runners’ World magazine ran a feature article on his life in the August, 2011 issue. Tommy’s enthusiasm and support for the race was unmatched. The race was deeply saddened by the news of Tommy’s passing in January, 2019. We will continue to honor his enduring legacy. Tommy, we thank you and love you!

Scott Ghelfi joined the Falmouth Road Race, Inc. board of Directors in June of 2010 and served as the president from 2012-2017 and 2020-present. A lifelong resident of Falmouth and frequent competitor in the Falmouth Road Race, Scott and his wife, Wendy, are owners of Ghelfi’s Candies and Ice Cream (in Falmouth and Mashpee) and Caline for Kids in Falmouth. Scott was a member of the Falmouth High School cross country and track teams. He captained the teams his senior year during which they won State titles all three seasons. Scott is a 1985 graduate of the University of New Hampshire where he competed in cross country and track. He stays competitive by playing tennis, golfing and running. He is also very involved with the Falmouth Recreation Committee and as a longtime coach with Falmouth Youth Hockey. Scott and Wendy have two children, Durham and Hannah.

Bob Antonucci, a lifelong educator widely recognized for his expertise in all facets of public education, is president emeritus of Fitchburg State University. During his twelve years at Fitchburg State –2003 to 2015– the Fitchburg State graduate and former State Commissioner of Education enhanced his reputation for leadership and innovation. In addition to fulfilling his duties on campus, he was a tireless community advocate and spokesperson for public schools and colleges, serving on local, regional, and national boards, meeting with officials at all levels of government.

As Education Commissioner in the 1990’s, Antonucci played a key role in the passage and enactment of the state’s historic Education Reform Act of 1993, a landmark law now seen as a national model. Antonucci was for 12 years, superintendent of schools in Falmouth, and a former member of the NCAA Division III Presidents Council. He is an elected Town Meeting Member in Falmouth, a board member of the Falmouth Service Center, and a Corporator of Martha’s Vineyard Bank. Antonucci holds two degrees from Fitchburg State University and holds a Doctorate in Education from Boston University.

Julene Augusta joined the board of directors in February 2020. A lifelong Falmouth resident, Julene is an owner and Vice President of Falmouth Lumber, Inc. Julene has served as a Falmouth Town Meeting member, chairman of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and has participated in the Falmouth Road Race.

Carl Cavossa is the founder and president of Cavossa Excavation, Disposal and Safety Transportation of Falmouth. As the organization’s former Vice President, he was an active member of several committees.

Carl is a former chairman of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce board of directors, serves on the board of the Police Athletic League and is a past member of the Falmouth Education Foundation. In 2018, he was the recipient of Falmouth’s Citizen of the Year award. Carl and his wife, Kristen, have four children and live in East Falmouth.