NNY Community Foundation names philanthropic council members

May 17--WATERTOWN -- Eleven north country residents have been named to a young professionals philanthropic council, which aims to empower participants to make a difference and help strengthen communities.

Max M. DelSignore, Northern New York Community Foundation donor services coordinator, said in a prepared statement that participants now "don't have to wait to be leaders."

"This program will empower our council to make a lasting impact in our local communities," he said. "Our goal is to have this experience give council members a greater sense of belief in our region and a willingness to strengthen it."

The foundation announced Thursday the following people as members of the nonprofit's new Leadership, Engagement, Access and Direction Council for professionals ages 21 to 45:

-- Andrea C. Pfeiffer -- marketing and community relations director for River Hospital, Alexandria Bay.

-- Samuel P. Burgess -- works in the business and estate practice groups within Conboy, McKay, Bachman & Kendall LLP, Watertown.

-- Erica C. Demick -- sales and marketing manager for YesterYear Vintage Doors, LLC, Hammond, and cofounded the Business and Economic Development Group for the Hammond and Chippewa Bay communities.

-- Stacey J. Eger -- curriculum coordinator with the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Watertown.

-- Erika F. Flint -- executive director of the Watertown Urban Mission, Watertown.

-- Trevor C. Garlock -- financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., Watertown.

-- Jason S. Jantzi -- architect with Bernier, Carr & Associates, Watertown.

-- Tracy L. Leonard -- director of the North Country Healthcare Providers Educational and Research Fund Inc., Watertown.

-- John Nuber -- investment associate at RBC Wealth Management, Watertown.

-- Erin Simser -- marketing manager for Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes, Black River/Fort Drum.

-- Robert Sligar -- of Carthage Savings & Loan.

Each member will participate in strategic grant making, learn about the work of nonprofits and develop skills to become a community leader. LEAD Council also is a steppingstone from the agency's youth philanthropy councils in both Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties to the agency's board of directors.

The group will make at least $5,000 in grant recommendations supporting community programs or projects to the foundation's board of directors later this year.

For more information, call 782-7110.

___

(c)2014 Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.)

Visit Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.) at www.watertowndailytimes.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services