Central New York Community Foundation Appoints Kristi Eck as Chief Innovation and Growth Officer
The Central New York Community Foundation has made a significant leadership appointment by naming Kristi Eck as their new Chief Innovation and Growth Officer. This role will be critical in driving the foundation's mission to advance growth and foster strategic partnerships intended to bolster regional progress. Kristi Eck, who will begin her tenure on July 13, is expected to leverage her extensive experience to oversee innovative initiatives designed for long-term impact across Central New York.
Eck brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and over two decades of cross-sector leadership experience, which spans various realms such as higher education, workforce development, nonprofit management, and public-private collaborations. Her established track record in building and scaling initiatives connects institutional strategies with community and economic growth, indicating a profound understanding of advancing both organizational goals and community needs.
Melanie Littlejohn, the foundation's president and CEO, expressed confidence in Eck's ability to guide the organization through a transformative period in Central New York. She stated, "Kristi understands this moment in Central New York in a deep and meaningful way. Her collaborative leadership and strategic vision are exactly what our community requires right now."
As the Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Eck will oversee the Central New York Innovation and Growth Initiative. This federally supported initiative is a partnership that involves key stakeholders like Micron and CenterState CEO to enhance workforce development efforts in the region. During her tenure, she will work closely with the foundation’s leadership team to propel policy engagement and promote cross-sector collaboration, ultimately aiming to strengthen the local economy.
Prior to joining the Central New York Community Foundation, Eck served as the assistant vice president for workforce innovation and external relations at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego. In that capacity, she initiated and managed the Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations, which was pivotal in aligning workforce development goals with regional economic needs. Her previous position as chief of staff at SUNY Oswego further highlights her strategic abilities, where she was instrumental in developing institutional strategies, managing government relations, and overseeing executive operations.
Eck also played a vital role in securing funding for educational initiatives as the principal investigator for SUNY Oswego’s Instructor Bootcamp. This critical project, supported by over $340,000 from Empire State Development, aimed to prepare professionals from high-demand industries to become workforce training instructors, showcasing her commitment to workforce development in New York state.
Acknowledging her array of past experiences, Kristi Eck has also been actively involved in regional leadership through various boards and committees focused on educational opportunities and workforce readiness, including the Oswego County Workforce Development Board and the Micron Future-Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium.
Eck shares her enthusiasm about joining the Community Foundation, stating, "I am honored to join the Community Foundation at such a transformational time for our region. The Foundation has long played an important role in bringing people together around shared purpose and meaningful change."
In terms of her educational qualifications, Eck holds a Bachelor's degree from Colby College and a Master's degree from Columbia University Teachers College. Additionally, she has completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard's Graduate School of Education, further establishing her as a well-rounded leader equipped for her new role.
The Central New York Community Foundation, established in 1927, operates as a public charity that aims to transform community contributions into positive changes. With a portfolio exceeding $320 million in various projects, the foundation plays a crucial role in addressing regional challenges, promoting equity, and enhancing community well-being. As the foundation prepares for this new phase under Eck's leadership, the community can look forward to impactful initiatives that will foster long-term prosperity for Central New York.
In summary, the appointment of Kristi Eck marks a pivotal moment for the Central New York Community Foundation, as it embarks on new strategies to elevate its mission of community improvement and development. Her background and dedication are poised to make significant strides towards a thriving Central New York region.
Eck brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and over two decades of cross-sector leadership experience, which spans various realms such as higher education, workforce development, nonprofit management, and public-private collaborations. Her established track record in building and scaling initiatives connects institutional strategies with community and economic growth, indicating a profound understanding of advancing both organizational goals and community needs.
Melanie Littlejohn, the foundation's president and CEO, expressed confidence in Eck's ability to guide the organization through a transformative period in Central New York. She stated, "Kristi understands this moment in Central New York in a deep and meaningful way. Her collaborative leadership and strategic vision are exactly what our community requires right now."
As the Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Eck will oversee the Central New York Innovation and Growth Initiative. This federally supported initiative is a partnership that involves key stakeholders like Micron and CenterState CEO to enhance workforce development efforts in the region. During her tenure, she will work closely with the foundation’s leadership team to propel policy engagement and promote cross-sector collaboration, ultimately aiming to strengthen the local economy.
Prior to joining the Central New York Community Foundation, Eck served as the assistant vice president for workforce innovation and external relations at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego. In that capacity, she initiated and managed the Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations, which was pivotal in aligning workforce development goals with regional economic needs. Her previous position as chief of staff at SUNY Oswego further highlights her strategic abilities, where she was instrumental in developing institutional strategies, managing government relations, and overseeing executive operations.
Eck also played a vital role in securing funding for educational initiatives as the principal investigator for SUNY Oswego’s Instructor Bootcamp. This critical project, supported by over $340,000 from Empire State Development, aimed to prepare professionals from high-demand industries to become workforce training instructors, showcasing her commitment to workforce development in New York state.
Acknowledging her array of past experiences, Kristi Eck has also been actively involved in regional leadership through various boards and committees focused on educational opportunities and workforce readiness, including the Oswego County Workforce Development Board and the Micron Future-Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium.
Eck shares her enthusiasm about joining the Community Foundation, stating, "I am honored to join the Community Foundation at such a transformational time for our region. The Foundation has long played an important role in bringing people together around shared purpose and meaningful change."
In terms of her educational qualifications, Eck holds a Bachelor's degree from Colby College and a Master's degree from Columbia University Teachers College. Additionally, she has completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard's Graduate School of Education, further establishing her as a well-rounded leader equipped for her new role.
The Central New York Community Foundation, established in 1927, operates as a public charity that aims to transform community contributions into positive changes. With a portfolio exceeding $320 million in various projects, the foundation plays a crucial role in addressing regional challenges, promoting equity, and enhancing community well-being. As the foundation prepares for this new phase under Eck's leadership, the community can look forward to impactful initiatives that will foster long-term prosperity for Central New York.
In summary, the appointment of Kristi Eck marks a pivotal moment for the Central New York Community Foundation, as it embarks on new strategies to elevate its mission of community improvement and development. Her background and dedication are poised to make significant strides towards a thriving Central New York region.
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