|
CHRISTINE
M. MEOLA NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OF COLUMBUS CITIZENS FOUNDATION Educational and Medical Fundraiser to Head Cultural and Philanthropic Organization New York, NY, February 13, 2006 – Louis Tallarini, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, announced today that Christine M. Meola has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Foundation. “We are delighted that Ms. Meola is joining the Foundation at a time of tremendous success and growth in our efforts to gain wider recognition for the contributions of Italian Americans to our society and to provide scholarships for deserving students of Italian-American descent,” said Mr. Tallarini. “Her experience at leading institutions and her background in fundraising, not to mention her Italian-American heritage, make her the ideal person to help fulfill our Foundation’s cultural, educational and charitable mission.” “I am a great admirer of the Foundation and its educational and cultural programs, including New York City’s great Columbus Day Parade and Columbus Week Celebrations,” said Ms. Meola. “I look forward to helping the Foundation broaden its programs, fulfill its mission and provide a positive impact on the lives of deserving and needy Italian Americans though greater fundraising efforts.” The appointment becomes effective March 6, 2006 and fills a position that has been vacant for nearly a year. Ms. Meola joins the Foundation from New York Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she was Director of Development and was responsible for overall fundraising activities that included corporate, foundation and planned giving as well as communications, special events and special gifts fundraising. She also maintained a portfolio of leadership and principal gifts prospects. Previously, Ms. Meola was Assistant Vice President for Development at Fordham University (Bronx, NY). In her position at Fordham University, Ms. Meola directed university-wide fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations and donor relations. Previously, she served as Director of Anniversary Class Giving and Director of Counseling & Career Services at Manhattan College (Riverdale, NY), and she also volunteered as Director of Development at the Preeclampsia Foundation (Seattle, WA). Ms. Meola is past president of the New York State Cooperative Experiential Education Association. Ms. Meola holds an M.A. in Sociology and a B.A. in Psychology from Fordham University. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Ms. Meola is an avid runner. She resides in Manhattan and has one son. The Columbus Citizens Foundation, best known for organizing New York City’s Columbus Day Parade, supports cultural and educational programs, including grants and scholarships for elementary school, high school and college students who are of Italian-American descent. In 2005, the Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $2.5 million. It is currently supporting the education of 610 scholarship recipients. Press Contact: Andrew Decker, 212.222.4688, Andrew.Decker@att.net HOME PRESS RELEASES |