- How did you come to be charitable? Were there influences in your life that got you started?
Growing up in Central New York, I witnessed the challenges faced by both urban and rural communities. In cities like Syracuse and Rome, I saw families struggling with poverty, while in rural areas, I noticed the isolation and lack of resources many faced. My parents taught me that community support was crucial, regardless of where you lived. Volunteering in both city centers and small towns as a teenager showed me how poverty affects different communities in unique ways. Becoming a father strengthened my resolve to create positive change across our diverse region.
2. What do you want Central New York to look like in the future? How can philanthropy be a part of that change?
I envision a Central New York where both urban and rural residents have equal opportunities to thrive. I want to see revitalized urban neighborhoods alongside strong, supported rural communities. We need excellent schools in every district, a robust and diverse economy with living-wage jobs, and improved infrastructure connecting our communities. Philanthropy can drive this change by funding initiatives that bridge the urban-rural divide, supporting both local businesses and agricultural endeavors, and backing programs that address systemic inequalities in all our communities.
3. What do you feel are the greatest needs in our community right now?
- Education equity – ensuring both urban and rural schools have resources for quality education
- Affordable housing in cities and support for maintaining rural properties
- Job training and economic development, with attention to both urban industries and rural economies
- Accessible healthcare, including mental health and addiction services, with consideration for rural access issues
- Youth programs in both urban and rural areas to provide opportunities and support
4. Is there a quote that sums up or has shaped how you live your life?
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” – Martin Luther King Jr. This quote reminds me that greatness isn’t about personal achievement, but about how we serve others. It applies equally to those in bustling city neighborhoods and quiet rural towns. We all have the power to make a difference.
