SYRACUSE — Alicia Ernest has been serving as the executive director of FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. for more than a month. Ernest tells CNYBJ in an email that she started in her new role on May 9, succeeding Rita Reicher, who had served as acting executive director since 2020 while concurrently serving as president of […]
SYRACUSE — Alicia Ernest has been serving as the executive director of FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. for more than a month.
Ernest tells CNYBJ in an email that she started in her new role on May 9, succeeding Rita Reicher, who had served as acting executive director since 2020 while concurrently serving as president of the FOCUS Greater Syracuse board of directors. The organization’s board of directors has appointed Ernest to the executive director role.
With a new executive director in place, Reicher continues serving as the board president, Ernest tells CNYBJ.
“Alicia is the perfect choice for Executive Director,” Reicher said in the May 15 announcement. “Over the last 2 years, Alicia has demonstrated her passion for our mission as well as the ability to juggle the many responsibilities that fall on staff of small organizations. Our Board unanimously and enthusiastically supports her appointment.”
Ernest has been the FOCUS Greater Syracuse program director for the past two years. As executive director, she will guide strategic planning, oversee day-to-day operations, and champion the nonprofit’s mission to foster informed civic engagement.
Her priorities include strengthening program effectiveness, deepening community relationships, and increasing long-term organizational sustainability.
“I’m honored to lead an organization that values community-based learning and collective action,” Ernest said in the announcement. “FOCUS is a space where people can come together around the issues that matter most to Central New Yorkers. “In a time when understanding and civic connection are more important than ever, I’m excited to enhance our capacity to carry out our mission with purpose and integrity.”
As executive director, Ernest plans to expand FOCUS’ community reach, grow its public programming, and strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability through increased engagement and support.
In her previous role as program director, Ernest helped facilitate dozens of public forums, led the Citizens Academy, and worked to ensure that resident input “remained at the center” of FOCUS’ work, the organization said.
With a background in nonprofit leadership and community collaboration, she is “well-positioned” to lead the organization into its next chapter, FOCUS Greater Syracuse contended.
Founded in 1998, FOCUS Greater Syracuse describes itself as a nonpartisan, citizen-driven nonprofit that “connects people to information, ideas, and one another to strengthen Central New York.” Through free public forums and community-driven programs, FOCUS says it empowers residents to engage with local issues and take part in shaping the region’s future.
