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

News Releases November 7, 2025

Central New York Community Foundation Receives $12 Million Bequest to Expand Grantmaking in Cortland County

Gift Brings Our Community Grants Program to Cortland County for the First Time!

News Releases October 30, 2025

How to Help Those Losing Food Stamp Benefits Starting This Week

A list of nonprofit partners that are positioned to provide immediate support

Blogs October 28, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

News Releases October 23, 2025

Central New York Community Foundation Documentary Featured in National Film Series

Produced by Black Cub Productions and funded by the Community Foundation, the film documents Syracuse’s ...

Sarah and Nikki headshots
News Releases October 22, 2025

New Hires Announced

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Sarah Edlund as Office Manager and Nikki ...

News Releases October 21, 2025

Central New York Community Foundation Launching PSA Campaign to Combat Lead Poisoning in Syracuse

New animated public service announcements will educate families starting during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Blogs October 16, 2025

Joy, Skills, and Belonging: The Lasting Impact of 4-H Summer Camp

Hear from Scott Hudson, Youth & Family Development Team Leader, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga ...

Group of people holding a check
News Releases October 14, 2025

Pulaski Fund Distributes $40,500 in Grants

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund provides grants to nine nonprofits serving the Village of ...

News Releases November 7, 2025

Central New York Community Foundation Receives $12 Million Bequest to Expand Grantmaking in Cortland County

Gift Brings Our Community Grants Program to Cortland County for the First Time!

News Releases October 30, 2025

How to Help Those Losing Food Stamp Benefits Starting This Week

A list of nonprofit partners that are positioned to provide immediate support

Blogs October 28, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

News Releases October 23, 2025

Central New York Community Foundation Documentary Featured in National Film Series

Produced by Black Cub Productions and funded by the Community Foundation, the film documents Syracuse’s ...

Sarah and Nikki headshots
News Releases October 22, 2025

New Hires Announced

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Sarah Edlund as Office Manager and Nikki ...

News Releases October 21, 2025

Central New York Community Foundation Launching PSA Campaign to Combat Lead Poisoning in Syracuse

New animated public service announcements will educate families starting during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

Blogs October 16, 2025

Joy, Skills, and Belonging: The Lasting Impact of 4-H Summer Camp

Hear from Scott Hudson, Youth & Family Development Team Leader, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga ...

Group of people holding a check
News Releases October 14, 2025

Pulaski Fund Distributes $40,500 in Grants

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund provides grants to nine nonprofits serving the Village of ...

View More