Archive: Around Town

The Board of Directors of the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) announced this week that Christine Sanchirico has been hired as its first executive director.

Sanchirico, who will begin the position in September, brings more than ten years of experience directing community-based nonprofits to IPEI. Formerly executive director of Catholic Charities, executive director of the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance (now the Cancer Resource Center), executive administrator of the Women’s Community Building, and interim executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Tompkins County  (now Tompkins Learning Partners), she also has served on many community nonprofit boards. Most recently Sanchirico has been an administrator at Cornell University. She has an M.S. degree in organizational communication from Ithaca College and a B.S. from Cornell.

“It is a true honor to join IPEI at such an exciting time in its history and to have the chance to work in partnership with such a dedicated group of board members and volunteers,” said Sanchirico. “I am the proud parent of three adult children, all of whom attended ICSD schools from kindergarten through high school. I witnessed firsthand the challenges and successes of our local educational system. I believe strongly in the necessity for alternative sources of funding to provide for those areas in which there are gaps in service and unmet needs.”

“We are thrilled to have someone of Chris’s experience and level of commitment to our community and its youth join our organization,” said IPEI Board President Terry Byrnes. “Her leadership and energy will allow IPEI to expand our outreach and continue to enhance the programs and initiatives we offer to our students and teachers. We look forward to providing opportunities for her to meet with members of the community as we all prepare for the next school year.”

IPEI recently concluded a successful capital campaign that raised funds to strengthen its organizational structure and ensure its sustainability by hiring an executive director. The “Our Children * Our Schools * Our Future” campaign priorities also included expanding its grants and programs, and beginning an endowment.

Sanchirico joins Julie Langenbacher, IPEI’s administrative and program associate, and many active board and committee members, and community partners. IPEI has also opened its first office in the new Just Be Cause Center for Not-for-Profit Development, 1013 W. State Street.

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