Our Staff

Our staff’s local experience and expertise are matched by professional excellence, commitment to donor engagement, and—above all—dedication to making the community a better place for everyone.

Alicia Fernandez Dicks
Alicia Fernandez Dicks
President/CEO

Collaborates with staff, trustees, and partners to create opportunity and innovative solutions to community challenges.

Elyssa Arnone-Earl
Elyssa Arnone-Earl
Development and Fundholder Engagement Strategist

Administers Community Foundation’s comprehensive donor relations, stewardship, and fund development strategies that advance relationships with new and existing donors, fundholders, and nonprofit agency partners.

Allison Campbell
Allison Campbell
Fund Administration Coordinator

Supports the cultivation and expansion of the Community Foundation’s portfolio of philanthropic partners.

Erika Eastman
Erika Eastman
Chief Financial Officer

Manages the organization’s financial and investment strategies and operations.

Kayla Ellis
Kayla Ellis
Business Communications Manager

Guides the Community Foundation’s efforts to build public engagement.

Nick Grimmer
Nick Grimmer
Director of Giving Strategies

Guides the cultivation and expansion of the Community Foundation’s portfolio of philanthropic partners.

Teresa Hudson
Teresa Hudson
Finance and Accounting Coordinator

Provides comprehensive finance and accounting support.

John Husnay
John Husnay
Director of Business Operations

Manages the operational strategies and needs of the organization, including human resources and facilities management.

Bailey Hryb
Bailey Hryb
Development and Communications Coordinator

Provides comprehensive support for the development and communications departments. 

Jacquie Klotzbach
Jacquie Klotzbach
Director of Business Systems and Strategy

Manages the administrative strategies and needs of the organization, including public relations and process improvement.

Olivia Paul
Olivia Paul
Director of Community Engagement

Advances and incorporates our equity commitment in collaborating with staff and nonprofit partners.

Kristen Smith
Kristen Smith
Fund and Systems Strategist

Facilitates the integration of data and tasks between systems and departments to ensure proper administration of Community Foundation funds.

John Swann
John Swann
Executive Vice President

Develops and directs strategic stakeholder management, external relations, and advocacy comprising community investment, development, and collaborative initiatives.

Tiffany Thomason
Tiffany Thomason
Public Relations Coordinator

Supports the Community Foundation’s efforts to build public engagement.

Shannon Wheelock
Shannon Wheelock
Finance and Accounting Manager

Provides comprehensive finance and administrative support.

Joseph Wicks
Joseph Wicks
Community Investment Strategic Manager

Coordinates community investment initiatives and engagement with community partners.

Our Trustees

Our trustees are well-respected leaders and community residents. Their dedication, passion, and commitment are critical to the Community Foundation’s mission and to realizing its vision, “a vibrant region with opportunity for all.”

Jawwaad Rasheed
Jawwaad Rasheed
Oneida County Family Court Support Magistrate (retired)
Chair - Elected 2016
Robert Bojanek
Robert Bojanek
Co-founder at ShoreGroup Inc. and Optanix Inc.
Trustee - Elected 2020
Timothy Daly
Timothy Daly
AVP Branch Manager at Berkshire Bank
Treasurer - Elected 2017
James A. Engler, Jr.
James A. Engler, Jr.
President at Engler Electric
Trustee - Elected 2017
Mike Hayduk
Mike Hayduk
Deputy Director, Information Directorate at Rome’s Air Force Research Laboratory
Trustee - Elected 2022
Kirk Hinman
Kirk Hinman
Community Member
Trustee - Elected 2018
Harrison J. Hummel IV
Harrison J. Hummel IV
Chief Operating Officer at Hummel’s Office Plus
Trustee - Elected 2019
Kay Klo
Kay Klo
Executive Interim Director at Midtown Utica Community Center
Trustee - Elected 2022
Dave Manzelmann
Dave Manzelmann
Market President at M&T Bank
Immediate Past Chair - Elected 2015
Cathleen C. McColgin
Cathleen C. McColgin
President at Herkimer College
Trustee - Elected 2015
Gregory B. McLean
Gregory B. McLean
President and Founding Partner at Caruso McLean & Co., Inc.
Trustee - Elected 2015
Cheryl Minor
Cheryl Minor
Principal at Watson Williams Elementary School
Secretary - Elected 2015
Kay Parker
Kay Parker
Quality Engineering Applications Specialist at Indium Corporation
Trustee - Elected 2020
Rev. Joseph A. Salerno
Rev. Joseph A. Salerno
Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of the Rosary
Chair-elect - Elected 2019
Randy VanWagoner
Randy VanWagoner
President at Mohawk Valley Community College
Trustee - Elected 2013
Mark Warfel
Mark Warfel
Chief Experience Officer at Mohawk Valley Health System
Trustee - Elected 2021
Bradley Waters
Bradley Waters
President/Publisher at Sentinel Media Company
Trustee - Elected 2019
Kathryn Zongrone
Kathryn Zongrone
Founder and Principal Consultant at Kas by Kas Consulting LLC
Trustee - Elected 2021
Email Call
Community Foundation
2608 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13502

Hours

Mon
8 AM - 5PM
Tue
8 AM - 5PM
Wed
8 AM - 5PM
Thu
8 AM - 5PM
Fri
8 AM - 5PM
Sat
8 AM - 5PM
Sun
8 AM - 5PM