Vice Chair Sarah Schermerhorn Brings Effective Leadership and Track Record of Success to Foundation

With more than $27 million in assets and a new strategic plan in place, The Schenectady Foundation is fortunate to have the vision and guidance of Sarah Schermerhorn, Vice Chair of the Grants Distribution Committee.

Mrs. Schermerhorn, a member of the Distribution Committee since 2001, is a dedicated community volunteer with a long track record of effective leadership. A past Chair of the Ellis Hospital Board of Trustees, she currently serves on a number of the hospital's executive committees. Mrs. Schermerhorn is also a past Chair of the Ellis Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, where she has served since 1993.

"To be asked to serve on The Schenectady Foundation Distribution Committee was a huge honor. The Foundation's significant impact on the lives of people truly in need is very important to me. I am proud of the Foundation's willingness to take risks and look at grants that have wide reach. I hope to see more of that in the future."

"The Schenectady Foundation has two major areas of focus," continued Mrs. Schermerhorn, a graduate of the University of North Carolina. "Meeting immediate needs and planning for future needs. We have done a great job getting the word out about our grants program for meeting immediate needs, but as far as meeting long-term needs, there is more to be done. We need to continue to grow our endowment. We cannot stay where we are. How do we do that effectively?"

"As Chair, I don't so much want to change things, as enhance what we already do. We need to continue to educate the community not only about what we do, but also about their role in supporting the Foundation. We need to develop a planned giving program, and make sure that donors understand that this would be an effective mechanism for making a difference in their community now and in the future."

And few people know as much about making a difference in the community as Sarah Schermerhorn. A member of the Board of Governors of the Healthcare Trustees of New York State, she has given her time and talent to the following boards: the Visiting Nurse Service Association of Schenectady County, Amsterdam Memorial Hospital and the Oak Hill School. She was a past President of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Board of Education. Her involvement in advancing education has earned her honorary lifetime membership in the National PTA.

"Sarah is extremely committed to her volunteer work, and brings a great deal of energy and intelligence to every meeting" said Foundation Administrator Robert Carreau. "It's an exciting time to be part of The Schenectady Foundation, but it's also very challenging. Sarah's leadership is pivotal to our development. We're glad she's with us!"

"The Schenectady Foundation is a significant resource to the community. The Distribution Committee members take their responsibilities very seriously and sincerely care about Schenectady," said Mrs. Schermerhorn. "Historically, the Foundation has been flexible and supported many different organizations and programs – from City Mission, Umbrella, Schenectady Day Nursery and Northeast Parent & Child Society to Ellis Hospital, Union College and Proctor's. We look forward to planning how The Schenectady Foundation can best be a positive agent for change in our community."