LGS SPOTLIGHT: Lynn Hy, Chief Development Officer, Food Bank of Central New York

(Editor’s note: This feature is a partnership between CNYBJ and Leadership Greater Syracuse (LGS), spotlighting graduates of the civic-leadership training program and their community involvement.)

LGS Class of 2016 

Hometown: Syracuse
Home today: Syracuse 

Pride & Vision 

What makes you proud to be a Syracusan? Syracusans care. I am so proud to see the support that people in the greater Syracuse area give to not just the nonprofit that I work for, but also to so many of the nonprofits that work every day to better the lives of people in our community. I have never met someone from Syracuse that when asked has said no, I won’t help. The sense of community and civic pride is remarkable.

What is your vision for Syracuse? I envision our future with more high-paying jobs, affordable health care and childcare, as well as access to nutritious food for all. Children growing up in our community and those attending higher-ed institutions would want to stay after graduation to be part of this dynamic, diverse, and flourishing community. I was one of those that left but I am so grateful that I returned and want my son to see all of the possibilities our community will afford him in life.

About Your Community Work

How do you help strengthen our community? For the past 12 years, I have had the privilege to work at the Food Bank of Central New York. The work is fulfilling and at the end of every day I know I made a difference in the life of a child or a senior that would otherwise go to bed hungry. 

I believe the work of the Food Bank and my team’s fundraising, communication, and service focus, strengthen the community by giving people access to a basic human right — food. Without food, people can’t survive but giving them access to healthy, nutritious foods will help them thrive.

Causes Supported  

What causes, issues, or organizations do you actively support? Due to my job, I am one of the biggest cheerleaders for Food Bank of Central New York. However, in addition to the Food Bank, I currently serve as the grants co-chair for the Women’s Fund of Central New York. I am on the planning committee for the St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s Irish Festival. I recently led the fundraising efforts to move our church food pantry to a new location, am a four-time mentor for Advance Media’s Mentoring Monday event, and an active participant in the parent teacher organization at my son’s school — All Saints Elementary. Finally, as a breast-cancer survivor, I work to support friends, colleagues, and any women that learn of a similar diagnosis.

ABOUT LGS

Share an LGS memory: During my year of LGS, I was part of the design team for Education Day. While it wasn’t my first choice, it was through this assignment that I learned the most. I had misperceptions about the BOCES program and I learned just what a valuable education option this program provides to thousands of students every year. Since then, I have had many more interactions with BOCES programs and students. I am grateful for my experience during LGS for opening my eyes to these opportunities.  

(Editor’s note: This feature is a partnership between CNYBJ and Leadership Greater Syracuse (LGS), spotlighting graduates of the civic-leadership training program and their community involvement.)

LGS Class of 2016 

Hometown: Syracuse
Home today: Syracuse 

Pride & Vision 

What makes you proud to be a Syracusan? Syracusans care. I am so proud to see the support that people in the greater Syracuse area give to not just the nonprofit that I work for, but also to so many of the nonprofits that work every day to better the lives of people in our community. I have never met someone from Syracuse that when asked has said no, I won’t help. The sense of community and civic pride is remarkable.

What is your vision for Syracuse? I envision our future with more high-paying jobs, affordable health care and childcare, as well as access to nutritious food for all. Children growing up in our community and those attending higher-ed institutions would want to stay after graduation to be part of this dynamic, diverse, and flourishing community. I was one of those that left but I am so grateful that I returned and want my son to see all of the possibilities our community will afford him in life.

About Your Community Work

How do you help strengthen our community? For the past 12 years, I have had the privilege to work at the Food Bank of Central New York. The work is fulfilling and at the end of every day I know I made a difference in the life of a child or a senior that would otherwise go to bed hungry. 

I believe the work of the Food Bank and my team’s fundraising, communication, and service focus, strengthen the community by giving people access to a basic human right — food. Without food, people can’t survive but giving them access to healthy, nutritious foods will help them thrive.

Causes Supported  

What causes, issues, or organizations do you actively support? Due to my job, I am one of the biggest cheerleaders for Food Bank of Central New York. However, in addition to the Food Bank, I currently serve as the grants co-chair for the Women’s Fund of Central New York. I am on the planning committee for the St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s Irish Festival. I recently led the fundraising efforts to move our church food pantry to a new location, am a four-time mentor for Advance Media’s Mentoring Monday event, and an active participant in the parent teacher organization at my son’s school — All Saints Elementary. Finally, as a breast-cancer survivor, I work to support friends, colleagues, and any women that learn of a similar diagnosis.

ABOUT LGS

Share an LGS memory: During my year of LGS, I was part of the design team for Education Day. While it wasn’t my first choice, it was through this assignment that I learned the most. I had misperceptions about the BOCES program and I learned just what a valuable education option this program provides to thousands of students every year. Since then, I have had many more interactions with BOCES programs and students. I am grateful for my experience during LGS for opening my eyes to these opportunities.