Pictured above: Our staff gathered in front of the scenic overlook at Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango. Not pictured: Nikki Poles.


PRESIDENT & CEO

Melanie Littlejohn, MBA

NIKKI POLES
Executive Assistant

COMMUNICATIONS

KATRINA M. CROCKER
Vice President of Communications

JULIET R. MALOFF
Director of Communications

Leila R. Moghadasi
Communications Associate
(THROUGH AUGUST 22, 2025)

Cory Schad
Digital Communications Officer

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

FRANK M. RIDZI, PHD
Vice President of Community Investment

DARRELL D. BUCKINGHAM
Senior Program Officer

COLBY CYRUS, CAPM
Senior Program Manager

ELISIA GONZALEZ
Grants Manager

DANIELLE M. JOHNSON
Senior Director of Grants & Programs

Kanischa Miller
Program Associate
(THROUGH JUNE 11, 2025)

QIANA WILLIAMS
Senior Program Officer

DEVELOPMENT

THOMAS M. GRIFFITH, AEP®, CAP®, CHFC®
Vice President of Development

ELIZABETH GAGNÉ
Philanthropic Services Officer

TORI HART
Philanthropic Services Officer

JAN L. LANE, CAP®
Senior Philanthropic Advisor

MONICA M. MERANTE, CAP®
Senior Director of Philanthropic Services

PRAGYA S. MURPHY, CAP®, MBA
Director of Development & Impact Investment

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

KIMBERLY P. SADOWSKI, CPA
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

GERIANNE P. CORRADINO, SHRM-CP
Human Resources & Operations Officer

SARAH EDLUND
Office Manager

DANA C. FIEL
Finance Manager

JENNY E. GREEN
Director of Information Systems & Strategy

Liz HARTMAN, CPA
Senior Director of Finance

DAVONA LAWRENCE
Finance Associate

DANA E. LYONS-CANTY
Special Projects Officer

YEISHA NÚÑEZ-DENSON
Accountant

SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDENT SUCCESS

AHMEED H. TURNER
Vice President of Scholarships & Student Success; Executive Director of Say Yes Syracuse

Deraretu Abubeker
Scholarships & Student Success Manager

News & Stories

A Century of Giving: Building Tomorrow, Together
Topics October 21, 2026

A Century of Giving: Building Tomorrow, Together

Sponsorship Opportunities.

News Releases October 2, 2026

Booker T. Washington Center Chosen by Cayuga County Residents to Receive $75K for Youth-Focused Project

The winning grant will be used to create a countywide teen resource program. The program will ...

News Releases September 28, 2026

Cayuga County Residents Invited to Vote on Community-Designed Projects for $75,000

Winning Project to be Announced at October 1 Community Celebration

hand holding growing money
Publications September 24, 2026

Tips on getting your stocks in a pile (and other reminders)!

As clients turn their attention to year-end tax and financial planning, now is an ideal ...

News Releases September 16, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Welcomes New Hire

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Madeline Thibault, Esq., as Philanthropic Advisor.

News Releases September 3, 2026

More Than $1.3 Million Distributed to CNY Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $1,301,606 in grants from our Community Fund ...

Blogs August 26, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community but actively shaping its future. ...

Topics August 24, 2026

Why Your IRA Might Be Your Most Powerful Charitable Asset

Your IRA can do more than fund your retirement. It can also help you support ...

chamber staff with melanie
News Releases August 21, 2026

Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare

The winning grant will be used to help the chamber hire a project professional who ...

A Century of Giving: Building Tomorrow, Together
Topics October 21, 2026

A Century of Giving: Building Tomorrow, Together

Sponsorship Opportunities.

News Releases October 2, 2026

Booker T. Washington Center Chosen by Cayuga County Residents to Receive $75K for Youth-Focused Project

The winning grant will be used to create a countywide teen resource program. The program will ...

News Releases September 28, 2026

Cayuga County Residents Invited to Vote on Community-Designed Projects for $75,000

Winning Project to be Announced at October 1 Community Celebration

hand holding growing money
Publications September 24, 2026

Tips on getting your stocks in a pile (and other reminders)!

As clients turn their attention to year-end tax and financial planning, now is an ideal ...

News Releases September 16, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Welcomes New Hire

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Madeline Thibault, Esq., as Philanthropic Advisor.

News Releases September 3, 2026

More Than $1.3 Million Distributed to CNY Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $1,301,606 in grants from our Community Fund ...

Blogs August 26, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community but actively shaping its future. ...

Topics August 24, 2026

Why Your IRA Might Be Your Most Powerful Charitable Asset

Your IRA can do more than fund your retirement. It can also help you support ...

chamber staff with melanie
News Releases August 21, 2026

Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare

The winning grant will be used to help the chamber hire a project professional who ...

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