AFP Long Island Officers and Board of Directors

Patricia Chambers Daly
Senior Director of Development

Hour Children
AFP Long Island Chapter President 2024 - 2026

Patricia Chambers Daly is the Senior Director of Development at Hour Children, where she leads the organization’s fundraising and communication strategies. With 35 years of experience in not-for-profit development, she focuses on building a robust individual giving program, implementing a corporate partnership program, and strengthening the grants and contracts program. As a member of senior leadership, Patricia utilizes her vast not-for-profit knowledge to assist in the administrative, program, and financial growth of Hour Children. In addition, she guides the organization's message through all forms of media.

Patricia has held key leadership roles, including Vice President of Development & External Affairs at Nontraditional Employment for Women, Director of Development for both the Sisters of St. Dominic in Amityville and the Family Service Association of Nassau County (now Family and Children’s Association), and Executive Director of The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education.

An active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Patricia upholds its Code of Ethical Standards, ensuring integrity and excellence in all aspects of her work. She has been a member of the Long Island Chapter of AFP for 35 years and is currently the Chapter President.

Why AFPLI?

"Thirty-five years ago, I transitioned from the corporate world into the development profession. One of the first things I did was join AFPLI (then NSFRE), unsure of what to expect. What I found was a welcoming, supportive community—people who mentored me, opened doors, and encouraged my growth in the field. I can truly say that AFPLI has shaped me into the professional I am today.

It is always an honor to serve my fellow development professionals—whether they are new to the field, seasoned experts, or dedicated staff and volunteers from organizations big and small. As a mentor, teacher, and colleague, and now as Chapter President, I am proud to give back to the organization that has given me so much."

Sima Matthes
The Good Dog Foundation
President Elect
Chair, Be the Cause 

Sima Matthes is the Vice President for Communications and Giving for The Good Dog Foundation, a nationwide leader in training and certification for therapy dogs. In this newly-established role at The Good Dog Foundation, Sima will lead a multi-year initiative to expand individual giving and grant revenue. She will also play a key role in elevating The Good Dog Foundation’s visibility within the philanthropic community, helping the organization to advance its mission of training and certifying therapy dogs to bring comfort and healing to those in need.

Sima has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, data management, grant writing, and relationship-building in the Long Island philanthropic community, both as a staff member and as a grant writing and strategic planning consultant for not-for-profits. She earned her Bachelor's degree in International Advertising and Public Relations from Ithaca College; her paralegal certification from New York University; and her Juris Doctor from New York Law School.  She is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all spaces, and about centering the experience of less-frequently heard populations in philanthropy.  

Sima is a member of the Jewish Community Relations Council 2025 Community Leadership cohort; the Jewish Learning Venture 2025 teacher cohort; and a member of the 2025 Legacy Elite Women's Panel.  

Why AFPLI?
"AFP-LI has provided me with the opportunity to learn with--and from--the best our industry has to offer. Not only are our members exceptionally good at serving the organizations they represent; they are genuinely wonderful, passionate and compassionate people.  There is so much good work to be done, and I am confident that with our members leading the way, Long Island's not-for-profits--and all those we serve--are in excellent hands."

Myrnissa Stone-Sumair
Executive Director
Long Beach Housing Authority

AFPLI Chapter Treasurer

Bryan Pollack
Director of Government Affairs

SCO Family of Services
AFPLI Co-Treasurer

Bryan Pollack is the Director of Government Affairs at SCO Family of Services. In this role, he oversees government relations and advocacy for the organization which serves over 50,000 vulnerable New Yorkers throughout New York City and Long Island. He is also a member of the organization's Administrative Council. 

Bryan began his career focused on the Long Island community serving as the Program Manager for The Energeia Partnership as an integral member of the curriculum team that created workshops on Long Island’s complex and multi-dimensional issues. He was also a Project Manager for the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, working on resiliency projects throughout Long Island in response to Super Storm Sandy. Bryan has worked with several Long Island Non-Profits including Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc, The LGBT Network, FREE, and FCA.

Bryan received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business and his MBA in Management from Molloy University.

 Why AFP?

“I am honored to serve on the Board of AFPLI because of my unwavering commitment to fostering growth and supporting the Long Island community through impactful fundraising and development. Together, we can create lasting change and a brighter future for Long Island.

Mary Fu
The People's Arc Suffolk
AFPLI Chapter Past President
Chair, Nominations Committee

Committee Chairs

Education Committee Chair
Pamela Mohr - Huntington Hospital Northwell Health Foundation

James Sheridan - Catholic Health

Membership Committee Co-Chairs
Amy Dash - North Shore Animal League America

Judi Lach Veeck - Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

IDEA Committee Chair
Nyrekia White - Long Island Children's Museum

Angela Brooks - LICADD


Members of the Board of Directors  

Carl Cervi - CCS Fundraising
Amy Dash - North Shore Animal League America

Joy DeDonato, Ed.D. - Women's Health Medicine Advancement Stony Brook University
Bobby D. Elhert - Inspire Hearts Fundraising
Anastasia Hagen - Touro Law Center
Sima Matthes - Good Dog Foundation
James Meyer - Planned Giving Solutions
Bryan Pollack - SCO Family of Services
Claudia Poglianich - Stellar Solutions
Alexis Pramberger - The WaterFront Center
Trish Rongo - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
James Sheridan - Catholic Health
Anne Seifried - Non Profit Consultant
Judi Lach Veeck - Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame
Lauren Vlachos - Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center
Nicole L. Weingartner - Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP
Nyrekia White - Long Island Children's Museum

Get to Know Us - AFP Long Island

Jaime McGrade
Assistant Director of Development
Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook

Jaime McGrade is passionate about advocating for those who have served in the Armed Forces. Since 2023, Jaime has served as the Assistant Director of Development at the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University, overseeing all fundraising efforts for the Home. Her role focuses on securing critical funding for recreational needs, equipment, and capital improvements to better serve veterans and their families. The Home provides essential services, including nursing care, adult day health care, and short-term rehabilitation, while also acting as a key institution for training future geriatric healthcare professionals and advancing aging-related research.

Prior to her current position, she held various roles at the Guide Dog Foundation & America’s VetDogs, where she gained invaluable experience in the non-profit sector, helping veterans regain independence with the aid of highly trained service dogs. Earlier in her career, she served as a key member of the corporate events team at Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Jaime holds a BFA in Communications with a specialization in Public Relations from Long Island University, C.W. Post. She is an active member of her community, serving on the board of AFPLI and as a catechist at the Parish of the Holy Cross in Nesconset, NY. Above all, Jaime is devoted to her family, including her husband Brian, two children Peyton and Caroline, and their poodle, Coda.

Why AFP? 

“Serving on the board of the Association for Fundraising Professionals of Long Island is not just an honor, but a privilege. It is a chance to meet fellow nonprofit professionals and collaborate to strengthen the impact of philanthropy. I'm proud to help guide and shape a future where generosity and compassion drive positive transformation."

Pamela Mohr
Senior Director Of Development 

Northwell Huntington Hospital

With 30 years of fundraising experience, Pamela has a demonstrated history of cultivating and stewarding major donors. She takes pride in building extraordinary and transformative relationships. 

Since her 2019 arrival at Northwell’s Huntington Hospital as senior director of development, Pamela and her team have solicited and closed gifts totaling $24.5M.  Prior to her current role, Pamela spent 7 years as the executive director for FACES at NYU Langone Medical Center, where she doubled fundraising revenue for epilepsy research, education, and patient services - bringing in $35M during her tenure.

Pamela spent 11 years working for the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division – holding several senior positions, including team lead, division director and vice president. In addition, Pamela was the event marketing manager for Ernst and Young in Manhattan for 5 years. She played an active role in AFP Manhattan for several years - where she co-chaired several conference tracks for Fundraising Day and served as a career mentor. Currently, she sits on the board of AFP Long Island, where she has chaired the education committee for 4 years. 

Why AFP LI? 

As a professional fundraiser, I serve on the board of AFP to collaborate with peers, share best practices, and strengthen our collective impact on the community. This role allows me to contribute my expertise, learn from others, and advance our mission of fostering effective fundraising strategies across the region.”


Alexis Pramberger
Donor Relations Coordinator
The WaterFront Center

Alexis Pramberger grew up on Long Island before attaining her B.S. in Child Development and Public Health from Vanderbilt University while researching early learning and adolescent psychopathology. Translating studies to practice, she worked as a case manager for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system in Tennessee before returning to Long Island.

Upon her return, Alexis shifted her career focus, intent on working to transform the social sector through unique partnerships and the power of capital. Today, Alexis serves as the Donor Relations Coordinator at The WaterFront Center and seeks to expand fundraising efforts through donor stewardship, effective database management and reporting, and strategic partnerships. When she is not working, you can find her traveling or crafting.

Why AFP?

"Working at a small nonprofit means that as a new fundraiser, I wear many hats. AFP's education programs and mentorship are critical to my success, teaching me the trade and expanding my knowledgebase in ways my smaller workplace cannot. AFP is my connection to the industry at large, fostering the connections, skills, and insights I need to be effective. And most important, the people of AFP are dedicated to your growth."

Robert Vitelli, MA
Chief Executive Officer
LGBT Network

As CEO at LGBT Network, Robert leads strategy, generates support, communicates impact, manages talent, and builds engagement to create safe spaces for the LGBT community of Long Island and Queens.  He has more than 25 years’ experience in the non-profit sector.

Robert began his career as a community educator at the LGBT Network.  Soon after, he began writing and winning grants, leading him to become the organization’s first development officer.  He built the fundraising operation from the ground-up, growing the organization from a $300K to $4.7MM, while exponentially reaching and serving more people.  Today, the LGBT Network operates four LGBT center locations throughout Long Island and Queens and produces three Pride parades and festivals.

Robert earned his Master’s degree from New York University, his Bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College, and was an AmeriCorps National Service Volunteer.  In addition to serving as a Board Member for AFPLI, he is also a Board Member of the Society of Human Resource Managers Long Island (SHRM-LI).  He was recognized by Webster Bank as their 2022 Pride Champion, recognized by Long Island Business News in 2024 as one of Long Island’s Most Influential Leaders, and was also a 2024 Diversity in Business Award recipient.

Why AFP? 

“AFPLI provided me with the education, guidance, and empowerment to start and grow my fundraising career, and now I’m proud to give back to the Chapter that helped me.”

Lauren Vlachos, CFRE
Executive Director/CEO
Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center

Lauren Vlachos serves as the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center. This local nonprofit has been providing support, care, education, and resources to Long Island families impacted by cognitive decline since 1983. Lauren has been with the organization for three years and truly enjoys helping families navigate the challenging caregiving journey of dementia.

Prior to her current role, she served as the Chief Operating Officer for Scouting America, Suffolk County Council and was with the organization for 18 years. Lauren is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who spent 2.5 years in Niger, West Africa working with the Carter Foundation on Guinea Worm Eradication. Lauren is the mom to 3 children, 2 dogs, a cat, and husband and is an avid gardener. 

Why AFP? 

"AFPLI has connected me to other professionals on Long Island who understand the challenges and rewards of philanthropy. It is a great group of professionals, supporting and cheerleading one another."