We believe in inspiring young professionals to be philanthropic in the communities where they live, work, and play. The Council is empowered to serve as a strategic grantmaker to make a proactive difference in the region.
Leadership, Engagement, Access, and Direction
The LEAD Council was chartered in 2014 as an advisory committee of the Northern New York Community Foundation empowered to identify and address strategic needs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. The Council is comprised of young professionals who live and work in the tri-county area with an interest in enhancing the quality of life for all in the North Country.
The Council works to gain a deeper understanding of community needs, issues, and the nonprofit sector to augment the Community Foundation’s mission and work. Since its inception, the LEAD Council has developed several creative initiatives to benefit the community and region, including its “LEADing the Way” volunteer program; enhancements to child care and early childhood development programs; hyperlocal support for anti-poverty initiatives; community giving challenges; and building philanthropic values in the region’s schools through student-led projects.
Program Sponsors
LEAD Council and its grant program are supported through the thoughtful generosity of the Hyde-Stone Charitable Foundation of the Northern New York Community Foundation, Carthage Savings and Loan Association, Morgia Wealth Management, and donors to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund.
LEAD Council members
Executive Committee
- Jessica Piatt Walczyk, Chair, Watertown
- Marc Piche, Vice Chair, Carthage
- Brooke Wills-Thomas, Secretary, Theresa
- Anna Platz, Immediate Past Chair, Carthage
- Ashley Owens, Member At-Large, Clayton
- Noah Taylor, Member-At-Large, Watertown
Members
- Andrew Boulter, Watertown
- Darian Eagle, Watertown
- Kayla Jamieson, Watertown
- Austen LaBarge, Watertown
- Jenna Lauraine, Lowville
- McKailey Lyndaker, Canton
- Steve Magovney, Watertown
- Nico Morgia, Sackets Harbor
- David Nisley, Lowville
- Bob Owens, Watertown
- Joel Robare, Watertown
- Allison Roselle, Watertown
- Brett Shippee, Adams
- Robert Sligar, Carthage
- Autumn Thompson, DeKalb Junction
- Kristy Turck, Carthage