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Our Chapter 

About Our Chapter

Make-A-Wish CNY Territory Map

Overview of Make-A-Wish Central New York

Our Staff

Our Board Officers / Executive Committee

Lisa A. White

Chair

SVP Chief Compliance / Risk Officer, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Adam Barkley

Vice Chair Secretary

Vice President, Mirabito-Gresham Insurance & Bonds Agency, LLC

Kevin Smith

Secretary

VP Production/Solutions, Xerox

Gregory A. O’Leary, CPA

Co-Treasurer

CPA / Audit Senior Manager, Fust Charles Chambers, LLP

Alex Nitka, CPA

Co-Treasurer

Tax Partner, Dannible and McKee, LLP

William Petty

Member-at-large

Executive Director Human Resources, Raytheon Technologies

Michele M. Sardinia

Member-at-Large

Vice President Digital Solutions, Advance Media New York

Our Trustees

Mike Albanese

Owner, MA Sales, Inc. Owner, Vito's Restaurant

Tim Goldman

Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Casenovia College

Kathleen Gorman

SVP Personal Insurance, OneGroup Risk Management & Insurance

Caitlin Sgarlat Deluca, DO

Assistant Professor Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Make-A-Wish America - National Medical Advisor

Kyle Krickovich

Owner, Noro / The Printery & Lawn Medic

Deborah E. Moore, Esq.

Immediate Past Chair

Attorney/Career Law Clerk, United States District Court Northern District of New York

Paul Mullin, Esq.

Partner, Sugarman Law Firm, LLP

John Rott

Branch Manager, NBT Bank

Edward Slank

VP/Relationship Manager, M&T Bank

Mia Tremiti

Project Manager, Mower Agency

Our Advisory Committee

David A. Ayoub, CPA

CPA / Partner in Charge - Tax Dept., Bowers & Company, PLLC

Joseph Chirco

Manager Commercial Marketing Operations, Carrier Corporation

Bill Coon (Deceased)

Retired, Chapter Founder

Frank Discenza, CPA

CPA / Partner, The Bonadio Group

Bob Davidson

President, Exhibits & More Shopworks

Bob Fiesinger (Deceased)

Retired, Carrier Corporation

Careers & Internships 

At Make-A-Wish, we are more than a great place to work — our work is life-changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thought and experiences, are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values — values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the life-changing work we do, every day. 

We are always on the lookout for great talent who share in our passion.  If you are interested in a career or internship with Make-A-Wish, check out our current open positions.

Development Manager

Make-A-Wish Central New York is seeking a Development Manager to join our team.  Founded in 1985 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to create life changing wishes for local children with critical illnesses. We are ‐ more than a great place to work — our work is life changing. The Development Manager is an integral member of the development team and will oversee the planning, coordinating, and execution of special events and other revenue generating opportunities. Our events are designed to raise funds for and to promote awareness of the Make-A-Wish mission. This position is responsible for meeting an annual revenue target by working with an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects to increase event sponsorship and support and collaborate with colleagues on all aspects of development. This is a full time, exempt position with a salary range of $52,000-$58,000 DOE. All applicants must submit a cover letter stating 1) what skills and experience you have that make you an ideal candidate, 2) what you will bring to our positive work culture, and 3) why you want to join our team, a resume, and 3 references two of which are professional to [email protected]. No phone calls please.  Click here for more information.

Administrative Assistant - Temporary Position

Make-A-Wish Central New York is seeking a temporary administrative assistant from 9/1/2022 – 1/20/2023. This is an in-person, 9-5 weekday position in a fantastic office environment. Salary range is $15.00-$18.00/hour DOE. Strong computer and interpersonal skills a must, and database experience preferred. This position manages daily office tasks, including phones, mail, gift processing/acknowledgement. Administrative assistant to oversee the donor database, including the gift processing acknowledgment process, and manage office administrative functions. The successful candidate will be an integral part of our collaborative team, focused on our mission – granting life changing wishes for Central New York children who are battling critical illnesses. Please send resume and references to [email protected]. No phone calls please.

Levi posing with items from his trip to Alaska

Media Requests

Fill out this short form and our Communications team will respond as soon as possible.

Caden at a food drive in support of his wish

Media Kit

Access background information about Make-A-Wish, our history, accomplishments, creative assets and more.

Nina with Princess Tiana at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

Chapter Newsletter

Enjoy our WishNews newsletter, which provides a summary or our chapter activity. 

Wish kid Kaheem

News Releases

News from Make-A-Wish Central New York

Managing Our Funds 

Make-A-Wish Central New York creates local, life-changing wishes through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. However, we do not solicit funds by telephone and receive no federal or state funding. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our financial statements are audited locally by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. 

At Make-A-Wish, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously and are pleased to confirm that according to the fiscal year 2019 audit results, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York spent 70% of every dollar on wish granting and related program expenses. Only 10% of every dollar was spent on management and general costs and 20% was allocated to fundraising. For full financial details please review our most recent FY19 Audited Financial Statements, FY19 Impact Report or our latest 990.  

We are proud to be a BBB Accredited Charity Seal Holder, having met all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

 

Media Center

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