Community Caregivers has new leaders
Community Caregivers is heading into a new era where younger professionals are taking on leadership roles, said Judith McKinnon, executive director of the not-for-profit agency.
"We’re starting to be pretty intentional about bringing on board people that have professional connections to the community," she said. "It’s been a natural evolution."
The agency harnesses the energy and skills of volunteers to provide free services for Albany County residents in need. For example, a volunteer may drive an elderly person to a medical appointment or help an ailing young mother with child care.
The Caregivers was originally based in Altamont and is now located at 300 Mill Rose Court, off Route 155 in Guilderland.
As part of the changing atmosphere, Community Caregivers now has a new president, vice president, and two new members on its board of directors.
Joseph E. Purcell, of Guilderland, took over as new president of Community Caregivers on July 1.
"He’ll be a valuable asset to the organization," McKinnon said of Purcell.
Purcell has been a member of the organizations board of directors for years. Before retiring, he was the executive deputy director of the School Administrators Association of New York State.
Before that, Purcell served as a teacher, supervisor, counselor, curriculum and instruction administrator, and principal for the Guilderland School District.
"We’re looking forward to having his expertise as a school administrator..." McKinnon said.
Guilderland resident Robert A. Kent is the new vice president of Community Caregivers. He is an associate attorney with the law firm of Pinsky & Skandalis, where he specializes in government affairs and administrative law.
"Rob is well connected in the community and brings with him his professional contacts," McKinnon said.
Also, two new members have joined the Caregivers board of directors. Cheryl Canavan, of Guilderland, is a sales representative with Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Christopher J. Cassidy, of Slingerlands, is senior vice president of investments with the Private Client Group of Wachovia Securities.
"We’re ushering in a new era in board governance as we recruit younger people and working people," McKinnon concluded.
