Lauren Agnello | President & Membership Chair
Lauren is currently the Advancement Information Coordinator at the University at Albany, where she is immersed in their database. With a commitment to clean data and best practices, she understands the importance that plays in her team’s fundraising efforts. Prior to this, she held development positions at the Re-Igniting Our Faith Foundation, Alliance for Music Performance in Troy, and Springbrook NY, Inc. From prospect research and crafting appeals to migrating databases, Lauren has worked on a bit of everything.
She is passionate about enhancing donor relations and increasing stewardship through data driven practices. She earned her Masters in Business Administration in Strategic Management at Niagara University as well as a Bachelors in Music, focusing on Music Education at SUNY Fredonia. Lauren also completed the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator through the Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development.
Meghan Meyerson, MSW | Immediate Past President
Justice-Oriented Fundraising Professional & Nonprofit Strategist
Meghan is a dedicated fundraising professional with experience crafting innovative strategies that elevate human service organizations from grassroots initiatives to large regional entities. Her expertise lies in Annual Fund strategy, donor relations, grant writing, systems-change, and ethical storytelling where she has consistently achieved results that prioritize justice, equity, and understanding. In addition to annual giving, Meghan is skilled in other areas of development including grant writing, major gifts, events, and development operations.
Meghan holds a Master of Social Work as well as a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University at Albany. She is also a proud graduate of Leadership Capital Region and has completed training programs in Major Giving and Project Management. In 2020, Meghan co-founded the Regional Racial Justice Advisory Committee in partnership with CARES of NY; an initiative to provide opportunities for communities across New York State to get involved in actionable systems- change to address racial disparities and inequities within the homelessness services sector. Meghan continues to be an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, New York Hudson- Mohawk Chapter, serving throughout the years as a Secretary, Treasurer, Emerging Professionals Chair, and is now the Chapter President.
With more than five years in the nonprofit sector, Meghan continues her work as Director of Donor Experience at IPH (formerly Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless) in Albany, New York. She continues to channel her passion for fundraising to drive transformational change. Her focus remains on shaping effective strategies that enable organizations to thrive, ensuring that their vital services remain accessible to the communities who need them most.
Connect with Meghan on LinkedIn.
Eric Guzman, CFRE | Secretary
Eric is an impact sector strategist, passionate about how philanthropy creates innovative, sustainable, equitable, and life-changing outcomes for the missions that make up our communities.
With more than 12 years as a professional fundraiser, Eric has helped raise important funds for grassroots community organizations, private higher education institutions, and statewide youth welfare agencies. His experience is specialized in strategic fundraising, donor/board relations and stewardship, and development communications and storytelling.
Currently, Eric serves as the Director of Development for Together for Youth, an organization dedicated to building stronger families and communities through family preservation programs, foster care services, behavioral health services, and detention services across New York State.
As a strong proponent of cultivating emerging nonprofit leaders, Eric is an active board member of the Hudson-Mohawk chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving as Communications Chair, Conference Chair, and board President over several years. In 2022, Eric earned his CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential, joining a cohort of 7,500 fundraising professionals worldwide to hold this designation that represents tenure in the profession with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to perform fundraising duties in an effective and ethical manner.
Eric is a proud Siena Saint, having earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Management from Siena College in Loudonville, NY. He is also a proud graduate of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute in 2019 and the University at Albany’s Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator in 2020 where he gained valuable nonprofit leadership training that he brings to all the organizations he works with.
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn.
Jennifer L. Castellani, Ph.D. | Treasurer
Working in the development field for over 14 years, Jen started her first fundraising position at her undergraduate alma and has served in leadership roles for several institutions of higher education (Skidmore College, Vassar College, Union College, and UAlbany). She also worked as fundraising consultant with CCS Fundraising where she assisted the Mount Sinai Health System and the New York Presbyterian Health System.
Jen received a B.A. in Technical and Professional Communication, an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Leadership--all of which blend together perfectly for a career in development where she continues to effectively communicate the mission of the organization to supporters, build relationships with donors that allows them to bring their philanthropic vision to life, and lead talented teams to the next level of success.
Because of her hard work and achievements, she has received many recognitions throughout her career, including the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education's (CASE) Excellence in Fundraising Award for Vassar College in 2019.
In her free time, you will find her playing the djembe, a West African drum, and ferociously reading 3-4 books at one time.
Nicole Babie | Education & Government Relations Chair
A Capital Region native and current Malta resident, Nicole Babie has been the Membership & Programs Director at the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation since 2015. Prior to joining the Foundation, she worked in administrative roles at Turner Construction Company and The Exhibition Alliance.
She completed her Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University where she focused in museum education and exhibition design, with a particular interest in creating accessible programs and exhibits for the public. Nicole is also a graduate of Hartwick College with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, focus in painting and photography, and Art History. During her free time she freelances with small businesses to manage their social media marketing and enjoys spending time with her husband and sons.
Skylin Baestlein | Emerging Professionals Cohort Chair
Skylin Baestlein is the Development Operations Manager at IPH, a leading organization supporting individuals and families facing homelessness. She transforms her passion into purpose by overseeing data management and operational strategies that enhance the experience of IPH’s supporters.
Recognized as a 2023 Woman of Excellence by the Capital Region Chamber Women’s Business Council in the Emerging Professional category, Sky brings nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit and community impact work. She is deeply committed to building trust in the charitable sector and upholding the highest standards of excellence. Detail-oriented and strategy-driven, she ensures efficiency and integrity in all aspects of her work.
Beyond her professional role, Sky enjoys spending time with family and friends and engaging with the vibrant Capital Region community she is proud to call home.
Mashama Lipscomb | IDEA Chair
Mashama R. Lipscomb currently serves as the CoC DEl Coordinator on the Planning Unit at CARE NY, Inc. In this role, Mashama provides leadership and facilitation, including statewide coalition building of the Regional Racial Justice Advisory Committee (RRJAC) to guide and resource efforts to eradicate racial inequities in homeless housing and service provision. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving systemic changes and fostering collaboration across the state.
Mashama also supports the development and oversight of Persons with Lived Experience Committee facilitating dialogue among individuals with lived experience of homelessness to improve the system her work ensures that the voices of those directly affected are heard and integrated into policy and practice.
Her work ensures that the voices of those directly affected are heard and integrated into policy and practice.
Prior to this role, Mashama served as the Assistant Director of an Albany County family emergency shelter program. During her time in that position, she co-founded a no-cost childcare drop-in center, Alex's Way at Schuyler Inn, through successful fundraising efforts. This initiative has provided crucial support to families in need, demonstrating her innovative approach and commitment to community well-being.
Mashama is dedicated to social justice and promoting equitable and inclusive systems. Her work consistently reflects her passion for creating a fairer, more just society.
Stacey Grady, CFRE | Board Member
Stacey Grady, CFRE is currently the Director of Corporate, Foundation & Government Relations at Hartwick College, recently transitioning to this role from 12 years as a Director of Development for a large, Central NY based health and human services organization. Stacey is a high-capacity relationship development manager who enjoys establishing and maintaining long-standing connections. She has experience overseeing operations of all aspects of fundraising, including major and annual giving, corporate philanthropy, special events, foundation & government relations, legacy giving and is co-founder of Lynndora Consulting, a boutique marketing and fundraising consulting firm. With fundraising and non-profit experience within private colleges, museums, and community organizations, Stacey is creative, organized, and forward-thinking. During weekends and evenings she can be found watching her two sons play soccer and basketball or enjoying a good book on the couch with her husband and cats.
Klare Ingram, CFRE | Board Member
With 20 years of experience at healthcare, humanitarian, and education organizations, Klare Ingram, CFRE brings expertise in relationship-based fundraising, grant writing and management, donor and public relations, nonprofit governance, and project management.
As a Director of Development at Albany Medical Center Foundation, Klare oversees a portfolio of 150+ Albany Medical College alumni and major gift donors from 20+ states. Working closely with senior hospital leadership, providers, faculty, and other staff, Klare helps raise $750K+ annually to advance Albany Med’s tripartite mission to be northeastern New York’s complete healthcare partner, educator, and innovator.
Previously, Klare spent nearly a decade at Saratoga Hospital Foundation, an affiliated member of the Albany Med Health System. During her time there, she served in multiple capacities – from overseeing corporate and foundation relations to leading the hospital’s special events – and helped raise more than $9.5M through grants, major gifts, and sponsorships.
In the decade spent away from her native Saratoga Springs, Klare held positions in public, congressional, diplomatic, and media relations in Washington, D.C. at humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and CARE.
Klare is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and received her B.A. from American University, where she studied Spanish, French, Arabic, and American Sign Language. She lives in Saratoga with her husband and their two sons and is a graduate of Leadership Saratoga. Klare has held numerous volunteer leadership positions, currently serving on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) NY-Hudson Mohawk Chapter and the Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library.
Connect with Klare on LinkedIn.
Whitney Phillippi, MBA, CFRE | Board Member
Whitney Philippi serves as the Vice President for Development at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, bringing over seven years of experience in non-profit leadership and fundraising. Whitney oversees all aspects of fundraising and marketing for the organization. Under her leadership, the MHHS team consistently raises over $3.5 million annually. Outside of work, Whitney enjoys spending time with her partner Taylor, their foster children, and their furry companions, Scotch and Persephone. Whitney is committed to advancing the mission of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and making a meaningful impact on animal welfare.