Katonah Resident Laura Rossi to Head Westchester Community Foundation

The Westchester Community Foundation has named Katonah resident Laura Rossi its new Executive Director, the nonprofit agency announced.

Rossi said the Foundation plans to “focus its philanthropic resources to address education and equitable smart growth issues,” and she plans to engage more donors on all of the Foundation’s programs. She joined the Foundation in 2007 and has overseen its grantmaking strategy.

“Westchester is a county with great wealth, but many of our young residents face an uncertain future because they are not prepared for college or their career,” said Rossi in a statement. “Many families and senior citizens are struggling to hold onto their homes as the cost of living increases. We need equitable development – housing and transit options balanced with the protection of our natural environment to entice the next generation to live here. The Foundation will continue to address these and other needs.”

Rossi succeeds Catherine Marsh, who is retiring after 16 years as Executive Director. Rossi was selected after a nationwide search, and she is the group’s third Executive Director. The Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Added Theresa Kilman, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Advisors, “Building on Laura’s knowledge of community issues, collaborative approach to making grants, and leadership focused on the Foundation’s philanthropic mission, we look forward to a dynamic future.”

Rossi is known for her work as an environmental grantmaker. She developed grantmaking initiatives to help communities lower their greenhouse gas emissions and engage residents to live more sustainably. Westchester County is becoming a leader in energy efficiency initiatives.

The Westchester Community Foundation is a division of The New York Community Trust, which has earned a reputation as the home of charitable New Yorkers who share a passion for the City and its suburbs. “Laura is passionate about engaging others in addressing community needs in Westchester,” said Lorie Slutsky, President of the Trust. “Her experience and abilities will promote the value of community endowment for Westchester’s future generations.”

The Trust formed the Westchester Community Foundation in 1975 to encourage local philanthropy. Westchester residents – from teachers to entrepreneurs – make the Foundation’s work possible, by setting up donor-advised funds or by establishing permanent funds to help local nonprofits. The Foundation has nearly 200 funds and current assets of $60 million.

Rossi previously practiced law in New York City and Westchester and taught constitutional and civil rights law at Pace University and Fordham University School of Liberal Studies. She is a graduate of St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she majored in philosophy, and New York Law School, where she graduated cum laude. She is a board member of Sustainable Westchester and the Support Center/Partnership in Philanthropy.

Photo: Laura Rossi. Photo credit: Westchester Community Foundation

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