Lowe brings extensive knowledge of Ulster County, nonprofit management, boards and fund raising

Kingston, NY – The Ulster County Community Foundation today announced that Cynthia Lowe has been named as its first Director, effective November 16, 2007. Lowe will be responsible for growing the Foundation's endowed assets, raising unrestricted funds and developing grant programs to benefit Ulster County charitable causes.

"Cynthia brings a plethora of talents, skills and expertise to the Community Foundation," says Abel Garraghan, chairman of the Ulster County Community Foundation advisory board. "Her extensive knowledge of Ulster County, nonprofit management, nonprofit boards and fund raising will be a great asset to the Foundation."

Cynthia Lowe was a practicing CPA and principal in an accounting firm prior to a fifteen year banking career. For the last two years she has provided consulting services to the Council of Community Services of NYS, Inc., a non-profit organization providing accounting and consulting services to member organizations. She is a graduate of the Leadership Orange program and was a Rotary Group Study Exchange Team Leader.

She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Lowe's involvement in the non-profit sector has included board membership and officer positions in non-profits in Ulster and Orange Counties. These include the Children's Home of Kingston, Orange County United Way and Shadowland Theatre. Lowe and her husband Glenn Sutherland were founding contributors to the Community Foundation of Orange County.

Currently, Lowe is a member of the Kingston Sunrise Rotary Club and the treasurer of the Friends of Historic Kingston. Additionally, she has recently been appointed as a board member and the treasurer of the newly formed Health Alliance Planning, Inc., the parent corporation of the affiliation of Kingston, Margaretville and Benedictine Hospitals.

Andrea Reynolds, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, is excited about the opportunities that abound. "After an extensive and competitive search process Cynthia emerged as the right choice to lead the Foundation. I am confident in her abilities and look forward to working with her to grow philanthropy in Ulster County, raise money, establish new endowed funds and make grants to make the quality of life in Ulster County even better."

The Community Foundation of Dutchess County is working with Ulster County leaders to grow a community foundation for Ulster County. Since 1969, the Community Foundation of Dutchess County has been a driving force for philanthropy in our community. Representing thousands of donors through more than 350 separate funds totaling $30.5 million in assets, the Foundation channels much needed resources to the community through grants and scholarships. The Foundation's mission is to connect people who care with causes that matter in our community.

For more information about the Foundation and how you can support education, establish a fund or apply for grants, visit the Foundation's Web site at www.uccfny.org or call 845-338-2535.