Kathleen Harter
Executive Director
Syracuse,NY
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record at REACH CNY, driving strategic initiatives and enhancing community engagement. An innovative leader skilled in people and project management, I increased revenue by $200,000 while fostering a culture of adaptability and professional development among staff and board. Committed to impactful partnerships and organizational growth.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
REACH CNY, Inc.
09.2024 - Current
- Engages with community leaders to identify emerging needs and adapt programs accordingly. EG: Onondaga County Departments of Health and Children and Family Services.
- Works closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy. Implementing 3-year strategic plan, meeting pre-set goals and timelines.
- Directs financial planning activities to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and resource allocation. Increased revenue by $200,000 and decreased expenses by $30,000 in FY 2024-25.
- Meeting organizational goals through implementation of outreach strategies such as membership in multiple community organizations and serving as lead in several of them.
- Facilitates board of directors engagement. Increased board from 7 members to 14 and established Board Committee structure.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions. Worked with staff to implement new staff handbook, integrated three separate teams into a cohesive working group and promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
Executive Director
Children's Consortium
04.2013 - 09.2024
- Fostered a culture of innovation by encouraging staff to propose and implement new service initiatives. Transitioned programs from "home-made" to evidence based.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization. Increased revenue through grants and new initiative while decreasing overhead expenses such as outsourcing accounting, rent re-negotiation and eventual move and discontinuing non-revenue generating services.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create mutually beneficial partnerships. Increased county funding by adding much needed services to our portfolio of services.
President and CEO
Junior Achievement of Central New York
01.2004 - 04.2013
- Collaborated with educational institutions to expand program offerings and improve student engagement. Worked with all school districts in Onondaga, Oswego, Madison and Cayuga counties to bring volunteer business professionals to teach business concepts in classrooms.
- Led community outreach efforts, enhancing visibility and promoting awareness of organizational mission. Worked closely with Chamber of Commerce to engage support and volunteers from local business community.
- Provided ongoing support to volunteers throughout their tenure, addressing any concerns or issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and commitment to the organization''s goals.
- Coordinated large-scale events involving multiple teams of volunteers, resulting in successful fundraisers and community outreach initiatives. Created the Career Symposium where 10-12 local school districts could send up to 30 students for a Career Fair Event held at local college campuses such as OCC and Bryant and Stratton. Total Attendance was up to 500 people.
Education
Advanced Study in Leadership - Educational Leadership
SUNY Oswego
Oswego, NYSkills
- Approachable leader
- Innovative and visionary
- Project management
- Community engagement
- Team leadership, training, and development
- Effective communicator and public speaker
Affiliations
- Human Services Leadership Council of Central New York - Past President
- Marcellus Leadership Development Program
- Inclusive Alliance - Member of the Negotiation and Finance Committees
- Healthy Alliance
Quote
"The strength of the team is each individual member, the strength of each member is the strength of the team."
Accomplishments
- Increased number of people served from 1,200 to 1,687 in FY 2024-2025
- Created new community partnerships and programs, including: Central New York Supervised Visitation Coalition, Breastfeeding Cafe of Onondaga County (chapter of Breastfeeding Friendly NY), implemented Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Providers county-wide planning group
- Secured Federal funding for Supervised Visitation
- Diversified funding and added new fee-for-service programs
- Increased average wage for front-line employees from $40,000 to $45,000 over three years
- Completed a new Vision/Mission Statement and Strategic Plan
Timeline
Executive Director
REACH CNY, Inc.
09.2024 - Current
Executive Director
Children's Consortium
04.2013 - 09.2024
President and CEO
Junior Achievement of Central New York
01.2004 - 04.2013
Advanced Study in Leadership - Educational Leadership
SUNY Oswego