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News Release

July 2007

Community Foundation Announces New Officers and Leaders

The Middlesex County Community Foundation has announced its 2007 officers and new Board member.  Robert L. Kirkpatrick, Jr. of Middletown, a consultant in philanthropy, is now serving as board chair.  A Middletown resident, Kirkpatrick served on the committee that began planning the creation of the Foundation and is a founding board member, having served since 1997.  He has served as Grants Committee and Executive Committee chair for the past several years.

Other leaders include: Marcia Kalayjian of Durham and Anita Ford Saunders of Middletown as vice chairs.  Kalayjian serves on the Foundation’s Development and Grants Committees and chairs the Nominating Committee.  Saunders serves on the Development Committee and assists with marketing and public relations efforts.  Patrick J. Crowley of Lyme continues as treasurer; Thomas J. Pastorello of East Hampton continues as Assistant Treasurer and was appointed Audit Committee Chair; and Ralph H. Shaw II of Middletown continues as Secretary. 

Other Committee Chairs were announced as Thomas Kannam of Durham, Finance and Investment Committee chair; David M. Royston of Old Saybrook Grants Committee Chair; and David Preston of Lyme, Development Committee Chair. 

Newly elected to serve on the board is Nancy Fischbach of Deep River who will serve on the Foundation’s Grants Committee.  Fischbach serves on Deep River’s Planning and Zoning Commission, Town Hall Building Committee and is a member of Congregation Beth Shalom.

The Middlesex County Community Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County. The foundation assists donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives through the creation of restricted and unrestricted endowments.  Income from these endowments is used to award grants to charitable organizations that have a positive impact on our community.  The foundation also works cooperatively with other funders and non-profits to enhance philanthropy and improve conditions in the county.  Since its founding in 1997, the organization has provided more than $860,000 in grants to more than 130 organizations for the arts; cultural and heritage programs; educational activities; environmental improvements; and for health and human services.  For more information call 347-0025, email info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org or visit the website www.MiddlesexCountyCF.org.