Board President
Community-minded Investor and Philanthropist – Founder, TCGplayer

Chedy believes that all communities prosper when investments are made in people, places, and projects. An advocate for community growth, he grew up in the McKinley Park neighborhood on the South Side of Syracuse and established the South Side Community Growth Foundation to ensure current and future residents have access to the resources and opportunities that allow them to thrive. Chedy currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Regional Economic Development Council.

Board Member
President & CEO, Central New York Community Foundation

Melanie embodies a relentless dedication to community prosperity and brings decades of leadership and engagement to the board. A passionate advocate for community development, her tenure at National Grid exemplified her commitment to equitable energy access and corporate social responsibility. Now, at the helm of the Central New York Community Foundation, Melanie continues her mission to drive positive change and foster prosperity across the region. With a wealth of experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, Melanie’s strategic vision and dedication empower communities to thrive.

Board Member
Neighborhood Resident
Co-founder & Vice Chair, Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now

Audrey Haskell has been a resident and community activist on the South Side of Syracuse for more than 60 years. In addition to her work as Vice Chair of Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now, an organization that advocates for access to fresh food and other essential services for neighbors living on the South Side, Audrey is an active volunteer. She coordinates the McKinley Park Supporters Group and is a member of Neighborhood Watch. She was a founding member of the Brighton Area Coordinating Committee and served as Vice President of the Board of Directors at Southside Interfaith CDC.

Board Member
Director, Community & Media Relations at Wegmans Food Markets Central New York Region; Founder of The Castle

Evelyn is very well-versed in community, especially what it means to be part of ours. In all aspects of her life, she strives to bring people together in collaboration. As Director of Community and Media Relations for Wegmans Food Markets, she oversees community investment, consumer affairs, and media relations. She and her husband Chino are renovating a 30,000 square-foot vacant historic church, formerly known as the South Presbyterian Church, on South Salina Street. “The Castle” will be a multi-use event center, featuring elegant event space, a networking lounge, and a training center.

Board Member
Executive Director, The Rosamond Gifford Charitable Corporation (The Gifford Foundation)

Sheena is passionate about fostering growth in others. She believes in the “teaching people how to fish” concept and that celebrating diversity is the best way to build and sustain strong, vibrant, inclusive communities. As Executive Director of The Gifford Foundation, Sheena is engaged in racial justice, equity, and inclusion work. Sheena serves on the Advisory Board for Professionals Learning About Community Equity and Smart Growth (PLACES) Program, a year-long professional development program designed to explore critical issues that affect grantmaking decisions to address the needs and assets of low-income neighborhoods and people of color, and from which she is a 2012 graduate. She was also instrumental in designing Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders, a leadership development training program focused on increasing diversity and inclusiveness on nonprofit boards.

Secretary & Treasurer
Restaurateur, Developer, Investor – 2023 NYS Economic Development Power 100

As a Syracuse-based real estate developer, restaurateur, and investor, Ryan is focused on the future of Central New York and is deeply committed to seeing all parts of our region prosper. Recognized by City & State New York on its 2023 NYS Economic Development Power 100 List, Ryan brings valuable real estate knowledge and economic development perspective to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. His development company, Redev CNY, has completed more than $100 million in local projects. Ryan is also an adjunct faculty member at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management where he teaches entrepreneurship.

Board Member
Deputy Mayor
City of Syracuse

Sharon has dedicated her career to public service. As deputy mayor, she oversees key city services and programs, including the Neighborhood and Business Development, and Syracuse Police and Fire Departments. She leads initiatives such as the Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence and the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). Previously, Sharon was CEO of Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility, Inc. and Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development. Her nonprofit experience includes roles at Home HeadQuarters, Inc. and PEACE, Inc. Sharon attended Syracuse University and has received numerous awards for her community service.