March 2026 — The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Rebecca Balara as Communications Manager, Izzy Foss as Program Associate and Kate Downes as Program Manager.
Rebecca Balara, Communications Manager
Balara grew up in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and has been a downtown Syracuse resident since 2022. She brings experience in digital communications, social media strategy, storytelling, event communications and graphic design.
She first came to the region in 2018 to attend Syracuse University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a minor in creative writing. Rebecca previously worked in communications at Central New York nonprofit healthcare organizations, including Loretto and Helio Health, most recently as a social media specialist at Helio Health.
Kate Downes, Program Manager
Originally from northern New York, Downes’ career in agriculture, rural community health and program outreach was shaped by their rural upbringing. Their extensive experience working in statewide, regional and county-based nonprofits has honed their passion for investing in and empowering rural communities.
Before joining the Community Foundation, Downes worked at Seven Valleys Health Coalition, managing food systems and community doula work as part of the rural health network for Cortland County.
Downes holds a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture and rural development from University College Dublin, Ireland. A resident of Homer, Downes volunteers with the Homer Regional Farmers’ Market and Oswegatchie Education Center in the Adirondacks. Downes is a graduate of LEAD NY Class 18 and previously served on several advisory boards, including New York Agriculture in the Classroom, helping school-aged students and their teachers access agriculturally accurate science and curriculum. Outside of work, Downes spends time playing outside in the hills and valleys of Cortland County with their husband, two middle schoolers, rambunctious Border Collie and an ambivalent cat.
Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles recognized Downes as a 2024 Woman of Distinction. In 2025, Senator Lea Webb awarded Downes a New York State Senate Commendation for contributions to addressing food insecurity and promoting local food systems.
Izzy Foss, Program Associate
Foss grew up in West Wales, United Kingdom, and moved to the United States in 2023 to pursue graduate studies at Syracuse University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and international development and a master’s degree in international development and media from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, as well as a master’s degree in public health from Syracuse University.
Prior to completing her degree at Syracuse University, Foss worked at Norfolk Community Foundation in the United Kingdom as a program and grant assistant, where she supported grantmaking and community programs. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, cross-country skiing and hiking.
