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

Blogs December 23, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

Close up of woman
Stories December 19, 2025

Syracuse’s First Black Teacher Passes On Her Blessings

Marjorie Dey Carter spent her life opening doors for others. As Syracuse City School District’s ...

Man standing with group of boys
News Releases December 15, 2025

$325,000 in Grants Awarded to Uplift and Serve Black Communities

The Central New York Community Foundation has awarded $325,000 in Black Equity & Excellence Fund ...

Woman smiling
Blogs December 12, 2025

Driver’s License Opens New Doors for Angie Torres and Her Family

Hear from Angie Torres, Community Member, as she shares how achieving a personal milestone — ...

Woman standing
Stories December 9, 2025

Long-Lasting Giving: Karin DeLaney

Karin DeLaney, Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Attorney - Member at Bousquet Holstein, PLLC, ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 9, 2025

Three Planning Scenarios for Year-End and Beyond

Three clients, one common theme: In 2025, giving early, donating appreciated stock and using Qualified ...

Group of People Standing In Front of Water Fountain
Publications December 9, 2025

Turning Clean Water Access Into a Reality for Syracuse Students

Giving Voice Fall 2025: Donor Story

Blogs December 23, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

Close up of woman
Stories December 19, 2025

Syracuse’s First Black Teacher Passes On Her Blessings

Marjorie Dey Carter spent her life opening doors for others. As Syracuse City School District’s ...

Man standing with group of boys
News Releases December 15, 2025

$325,000 in Grants Awarded to Uplift and Serve Black Communities

The Central New York Community Foundation has awarded $325,000 in Black Equity & Excellence Fund ...

Woman smiling
Blogs December 12, 2025

Driver’s License Opens New Doors for Angie Torres and Her Family

Hear from Angie Torres, Community Member, as she shares how achieving a personal milestone — ...

Woman standing
Stories December 9, 2025

Long-Lasting Giving: Karin DeLaney

Karin DeLaney, Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Attorney - Member at Bousquet Holstein, PLLC, ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 9, 2025

Three Planning Scenarios for Year-End and Beyond

Three clients, one common theme: In 2025, giving early, donating appreciated stock and using Qualified ...

Group of People Standing In Front of Water Fountain
Publications December 9, 2025

Turning Clean Water Access Into a Reality for Syracuse Students

Giving Voice Fall 2025: Donor Story

View More