Community Foundation Announces Promotions

The Central New York Community Foundation has promoted four staff members.

Colby Cyrus has been promoted to program officer after serving as senior program manager for two years. He was hired as program manager in 2021. In his role, he assists with the development, implementation and monitoring of grantmaking and programs. He also works with the Community Foundation’s Community Grant program and affiliate funds. Cyrus previously worked at InterFaith Works and has six years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He received his master’s degree in international relations from Syracuse University in 2019.

Dana Fiel has been promoted to senior finance manager after serving as finance manager for three years. She was hired as finance associate in 2020. Fiel manages the Community Foundation’s grants and accounts payable process and prepares reports and reconciliations. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and art history.

Tom Griffith has been promoted to chief philanthropy officer after serving as vice president of development for nearly eight years. He was hired as gift planning officer in 2013. Griffith leads the creation and implementation of a comprehensive development program to accomplish the goals set forth in the Community Foundation’s strategic plan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, with highest honors, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as the Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and Accredited Estate Planner® designations.

Griffith serves on the board of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, the Estate Planning Council of Central New York and WCNY, and is a member of the Financial Planning Association and the Upstate New York Planned Giving Council.

Jan Lane has been promoted to director of philanthropy after serving as senior philanthropic advisor for four years. She was hired as administrative assistant in 2013. Lane provides charitable planning services for community-minded individuals, families and organizations, and leads the continued development and facilitation of the Community Foundation’s legacy planning program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and studio art, from Binghamton University, as well as the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and Accredited Estate Planner® designations.

Lane serves on the board of the Central New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-CNY) and is a member of the Estate Planning Council of CNY, the Planned Giving Council of Upstate New York and Community Living Advocates.

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