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

Adam Barkley

Chair

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

Lisa A. White

Immediate Past Chair

SVP Chief Compliance / Risk Officer, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Kevin Smith

Vice Chair

VP of Business Development, Cleantec

Gregory A. O’Leary, CPA

Co-Treasurer

Principal - Financial Assurance Services DeJoy & Co.

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

Paul Mullin, Esq.

Secretary

Partner, Sugarman Law Firm, LLP
Our Trustees

Mike Albanese

Member-at-Large

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

Tom Augostini

Employee Benefits Consultant, Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc

Heather Berry

Vice President | Trust Officer, Tompkins Financial Advisors

Tim Goldman

Professional Soccer Player @ Utica City FC. Boys Varsity Soccer Coach, Advancement Associate @ Manlius Pebble Hill School. Entrepreneur.

Kathleen Gorman

Member-at-Large

SVP Personal Insurance, OneGroup Risk Management & Insurance

Vance Lederman

Chief Financial Officer | VP, Syracuse Crunch

Deborah E. Moore, Esq.

Immediate Past Chair

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

William Petty

Member-at-large

Executive Director Human Resources, Raytheon Technologies

Jeffrey Scheer

Member, Bond Schoeneck & King, PLLC
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

Bob Davidson

President, Exhibits & More Shopworks

Frank Discenza (Deceased)

Retired, The Bonadio Group

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.

Current Positions Available:

Wish Specialist

Join Our Team as a Wish Specialist! Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of families and children? Do you excel in managing relationships, coordinating details flawlessly, and bringing dreams to life? If so, we want to hear from you!

Make-A-Wish Central New York seeks qualified applicants with a demonstrated record of exceptional organizational skills and strong interpersonal and relationship development skills. Applicants should possess a BA/BS degree or demonstrated progress toward a degree along with a minimum of 3 years of experience as a mid-level manager or equivalent managing people. Meticulous concern for detail, budgets, and deadlines is a must, as well as proficiency with Microsoft Suite and basic electronic tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical to the position. Experience with web applications, desktop publishing programs, and electronic communications is highly valued. Salesforce proficiency is a plus.

We are looking for a creative, initiative-taker who can work effectively as part of a team, motivating and collaborating with volunteers. A genuine, non-judgmental concern for families and children is essential, along with the ability to manage delicate situations with emotional maturity, tact, and sensitivity. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, are able to multitask under pressure with interruptions, and are ready to make a difference, apply now! Your skills and compassion could be the key to creating lasting memories for deserving families. Join us in spreading joy and hope, one wish at a time!

Successful candidates will possess the above qualities and be able to follow directions. The position and full job description is posted below. 

Regardless of where you see this ad posted, qualified, serious candidates must submit cover letter to Moe Harrington O’Neill, Director of Mission Delivery noting why you would make an excellent member of our team along with a resume via email to [email protected]  Salary Range $46K-$53K DOE. Competitive benefits and PTO.

Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed or considered nor will applications without direct, demonstrated required experience. Please, no calls.

 

Becoming an Intern:

Internships are available during the Fall, Spring & Summer semesters and applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Qualified applicants will possess strong written and oral communication skills, working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite which includes Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and demonstrate maturity and responsibility. Ability to handle multiple tasks and possess strong organizational skills is also encouraged. 

Interning is a great way to help. While we have no paid intern positions, we certainly have opportunities available for you to help the very special children we serve.

Candidates should submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected].    

Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed or considered nor will applications without direct, demonstrated, required experience.  Please no calls. 

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.

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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