Meet the Foundation Staff

Eileen Pezzi garners regional honor 

Eileen Pezzi, MPA, was named the area’s top development professional and one of the region’s philanthropy heroes for 2016 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Central New York Chapter. Pezzi, who serves as vice president for development and is Upstate’s first female vice president, has led the Foundation during a time of great growth, from an asset base of $15.29 million in 1995 to over $180 million in 2017.

Executive Staff

Eileen Pezzi, MPA
Vice President for Development, Upstate Medical University
Executive Director, Upstate Foundation
315-464-7853 

Sue Clark
Associate Vice President for Development
315-464-4416

Terry Heany
Chief Financial Officer
315-464-4265 

In a profession where the average national turnover for development officers is just 16 months,* the average length of stay at the Upstate Foundation is nearly 9 years. The reasons development officers stay are varied, but it is certainly a key factor in the significant growth of the Foundation.

* The Chronicle of Philanthropy