The Central New York Community Foundation, based in Syracuse, has hired three professionals. They are:
• Rebecca Balara has joined the nonprofit as communications manager. She grew up in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and has been a downtown Syracuse resident since 2022. She brings experience in digital communications, social media strategy, storytelling, event communications and graphic design. She first came to the region in 2018 to attend Syracuse University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications with a minor in creative writing. She previously worked in communications at Central New York nonprofit healthcare organizations, including Loretto and Helio Health, most recently as a social media specialist at Helio Health.
• Kate Downes joined as program manager. Originally from northern New York, Downes’ career in agriculture, rural community health and program outreach was shaped by their rural upbringing. Their extensive experience working in statewide, regional and county-based nonprofits has honed their passion for investing in and empowering rural communities. Before joining the Community Foundation, Downes worked at Seven Valleys Health Coalition, managing food systems and community doula work as part of the rural health network for Cortland County. Downes holds a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture and rural development from University College Dublin, Ireland. A resident of Homer, Downes volunteers with the Homer Regional Farmers’ Market and Oswegatchie Education Center in the Adirondacks. Downes is a graduate of LEAD NY Class 18 and previously served on several advisory boards, including New York Agriculture in the Classroom, helping school-aged students and their teachers access agriculturally accurate science and curriculum.
Assemblymember Anna Kelles recognized Downes as a 2024 Woman of Distinction. In 2025, State Sen. Lea Webb awarded Downes a NYS Senate Commendation for contributions to addressing food insecurity and promoting local food systems.
• Izzy Foss joined as program associate. She grew up in West Wales, United Kingdom, and moved to the United States in 2023 to pursue graduate studies at Syracuse University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and international development and a master’s degree in international development and media from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, as well as a master’s degree in public health from Syracuse University. Prior to completing her degree at Syracuse University, Foss worked at Norfolk Community Foundation in the United Kingdom as a program and grant assistant, where she supported grantmaking and community programs.
