BUFFALO, N.Y. (October 5, 2023) — Kathleen (Kate) Flannery of Syracuse, New York, has been named executive director for Upstate New York Chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association and will lead the Western New York, Rochester Finger Lakes Region and Central New York Chapters. In this role, she will be responsible for the overall strategic and operational functions for the three chapters, including program delivery, fundraising, community engagement, government and private grant funding, media relations and growth and delivery of the Association’s mission.
Flannery most recently has served as executive director, Office of Community Engagement Planning, at Syracuse University, where she was a member of the Chancellor’s University Leadership Team. She previously served as director of mission outreach and education for Francis House, a community care home in Syracuse for people facing terminal illness. Prior to Francis House, Flannery was executive director for the Susan G. Komen organization, where she oversaw six affiliates encompassing 49 New York counties and was responsible for growing "Race for the Cure" from $250,000 to $1 million.
“We really feel Kate is the ideal person for this role,” says Christopher Smith, director for Region 12 of the Alzheimer’s Association, which encompasses all of New York State. “As a Licensed Social Worker, Kate has a deep interest in caregiving and programming, in addition to strong fundraising experience from her time at Komen, where she also had the experience of leading a multi-chapter organization.”
The executive director for Upstate New York Chapters is part of a new leadership structure for Upstate New York that also includes the promotion of Amanda Nobrega to vice president of programs for Upstate New York and Cathy Wilde to director of marketing and public relations for the Western New York, Rochester Finger Lakes Region and Central New York Chapters.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.