Central New York Community Foundation > About Us

Board & Staff

Our staff is dedicated to making a difference in Central New York. With extensive knowledge of our community’s changing needs, our staff is uniquely suited to assist donors in creating and implementing their charitable goals. We are also here to help the community by funding a broad spectrum of local needs by providing grant dollars and other assistance to the not-for-profit organizations we support. We are here to serve you, our donors and our community.

Staff

President's Office
	Peter A. Dunn President & CEO Welcomes all questions you may have regarding the foundation and its services.

Finance & Administration
	Mary C. Meyer, Esq. Senior Vice President, Finance & Operations Accountable for financial management, fund accounting, facilities management and investment liaison activities.
	Liz Cavallaro Controller Oversees the financial and investment reporting, implementation of audit and budget activities, software and technology processes and serves as deputy to Vice President of Finance and Administration.
	Dorotha F. DeSimone Accountant Reports and records contributions, grants and investment results of the individual charitable funds held by the Community Foundation.
	Kathleen Deaver Grants Coordinator Processes all grant distributions, operations payables, donor fund holder statements and other related functions.
	Nicole Robinson Administrative Assistant Works the reception desk as the first point of contact for callers and visitors of the Community Foundation, and also performs administrative duties.
Development & Marketing
	Jennifer Owens Vice President, Development & Marketing Promotes charitable giving by helping donors accomplish their individual charitable goals.
	Katrina M. Crocker Communications Manager Assists in the development and implementation of an annual communication plan fulfilling marketing strategies related to the foundation’s audiences.
	Stephanie Parzych Development & Operations Coordinator Manages the office environment to optimize efficiency, and provides support for the Development and Marketing Department.
	Ivy Biswas Development Associate Supports all Foundation development activities and serves as liaison for the Foundation's affiliate funds.
Grants and Community Initiatives
	John G. Eberle Vice President, Grants and Community Initiatives Oversees and monitors the grantmaking process, conducts research on issues or concerns of importance to the foundation, shares expertise with donors and manages special projects for the foundation.
	Frank Ridzi Program Officer for Community Initiatives Assists with the research, coordination, implementation and evaluation of the Community Foundation’s proactive initiatives.
	Olive Sephuma Program Officer for Community Grantmaking Assists with the Community Grantmaking process, special grant initiatives and programs.
	Danielle M. Gill Grants Manager Assists in the grantmaking process, special grant initiatives and programs.
	David Kilpatrick Grants Associate Assists in the grantmaking process, special grants initiatives and programs.

Board of Directors

The Central New York Community Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders who hold extensive knowledge in the areas of accounting, estate planning and law. Members are responsible for managing the Foundation’s assets, developing new funds and making grants to the organizations that the Foundation and its donors support.

Board Chair

	Melanie W. Littlejohn Regional Executive - Central Region Energy Solution Services National Grid
Vice Chair
	Linda Dickerson Hartsock Vice President, Innovation and Tachnology CenterState CEO
Treasurer
	Madelyn H. Hornstein, CPA Partner Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC
Assistant Treasurer
	Kenneth J. Entenmann Senior Vice President and Director Alliance Investment Management
Assistant Secretary
	Warren W. Bader, Esq. Partner & Chief Operating Officer Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC
Board Members
	William C. Brod Owner and Publisher Syracuse New Times
	Calvin L. Corriders Vice President/Sales Manager Pathfinder Bank
	Richard D. Hole, Esq. Partner Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
	Ellen Percy Kraly, Ph.D. Director of Upstate Institute Colgate University
	Joseph B. Lee Director & General Manager WAER FM Syracuse University
	David J. Moynihan, CPA Partner Testone, Marshall & Discenza CPAs
	Brian Pollard, D.D.S. President Smile Design, D.D.S., P.C.
	Rita L. Reicher, Ph.D. President KS&R, Inc.
	Maria P. Russell Professor & Chair, Public Relations Department S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Syracuse University
	Judith M. Sayles, Esq. Partner Hiscock & Barclay, LLP
	Corinne R. Smith, Ph.D. Professor & Chair of Teaching Learning Programs Syracuse University School of Education
	Stephanie R. Threatte Community Volunteer
	Michael J. Wamp Managing Partner Lakewater Capital Management, LLC

Counsel

Gay M. Pomeroy, Esq.
Mackenzie Hughes, LLP

Our 85th Anniversary

The Central New York Community Foundation is celebrating its 85th Anniversary with various celebrations and grantmaking opportunities over the course of 2012.

The CNY85 Giving Project

In celebration of our 85-year anniversary, The CNY85 Giving Project will award grants to projects that are addressing Central New York's greatest needs. Winners will be decided by public vote.

Learn More

News & Announcements