MOVERS & SHAKERS

The Everson Museum of Art recently welcomed two new members to its full-time staff. Jennifer Neuner joins the Everson as deputy director and Amanda Liberati as director of finance.

Neuner brings more than 25 years of management experience to the role of deputy director, a new position at the Everson. She has spent the last 18 years serving as director of special events and communications at Manlius Pebble Hill High School. As deputy director, Neuner's areas of oversight will include operations, visitor experience, external engagement, and other strategic initiatives.

Liberati comes to the Everson from Friends of Rosamond Gifford Zoo, where she served as director of finance. She will assume responsibilities from Kevin Montgomery, who is retiring after 12 years at the Everson. With more than 19 years of experience in accounting and management roles for notfor-profit organizations, Liberati will help provide financial planning, governance, and guidance to help the Everson reach its short and long-term goals. "Both of these key additions coincide with a moment when the Everson has its foot on the gas pedal and is heading toward some major improvements and changes. From the upcoming launch of a new website and rebranding effort to a projected fall opening of a new in-house café, there's never been a better time for two such qualified individuals to join our outstanding team," said Everson Director Elizabeth Dunbar.

Two named trustees at Vera House Foundation

The Vera House Foundation recently announced the addition of two new trustees, Gwendolyn “Gwen” Sanders and Erica WynnKearse. Sanders is the community relations manager for the New York customer and community engagement team at National Grid and serves as the community liaison for the Central, Northern and Mohawk Valley regions. Wynn-Kearse serves as faculty affairs specialist at Syracuse University and has 17 years of human resources experience. "Vera House is in an exciting phase of its development," says Co-Executive Director Angela Douglas. "We are excited to have both Erica and Gwen join us on this journey of impacting our community and elevating the nature of how we resource and lead our work." "We are honored to welcome Gwen and Erica to the Vera House Foundation," says Co-Executive Director Randi Bregman. "Their passion and commitment to our mission will help us achieve our strategic vision and ensure our services continue for many years to come."

The foundation was established in 1991 to ensure the long-term financial health of Vera House and is separately incorporated from Vera House, Inc. Foundation trustees work to ensure that Vera House's important work will be always available for those who need it.

Promoted to director of women’s services

Jessica Leaf, RN, was recently promoted to the position of director of women’s services at Oswego Health.

Leaf graduated from Cayuga Community College in 2007 and jumped right into a career of nursing as a medical/surgical nurse at A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital. In 2009, Leaf joined the Oswego Health family and quickly transitioned in 2010 to the maternity department, which she has called home ever since.

“I have the utmost confidence in Jessica, and she is perfect for this leadership role,” said Director of Nursing Melissa Purtell. “Jessica is one who continually seeks out opportunities to enhance her skill set and most recently became certified in electronic fetal monitoring. We are so proud of her accomplishments at Oswego Health and thankful she’s a part of our team.”

Named commencement speaker

Si Po Ra immigrated to the United States from Burma, graduated from Henninger High School in 2019, and enrolled at OCC where she earned a degree in humanities and social sciences. She recently was named one of three student commencement speakers for OCC’s graduation ceremonies.

SUNY named Ra one of just 45 students statewide to receive the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. The award highlights outstanding students in the Educational Opportunity Program for their academic excellence and strength in overcoming significant personal obstacles throughout their lives.

Ra is transferring to Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs where she will major in International Relations.