SUNY Community College CAO Retreat
2026 Retreat Information
Thursday, January 8, and Friday, January 9, 2026
- Conference is in person.
- Conference is open to all community college faculty, staff, and board members with a role in fundraising, advancement, donor engagement, alumni relations, scholarship administration, and board management.
- Registration is $250.
- The conference will begin on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10am and end on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 12pm.
- Sponsorship opportunities are available.
- For questions or more information about the conference, please email Jenna Bichler, executive director, Erie Community College Foundation, Christyn Sanagursky, director of development, Monroe Community College Foundation, or Dolores Swirin-Yao, executive director & vice president, external affairs, Westchester Community College Foundation.
Keynote Presentation
Dr. John J. Rainone, President, Mountain Gateway Community College (Clifton Valley, VA)
Dr. John Rainone has served as President of Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) in Virginia since 2013. With over 35 years of experience in higher education, he is recognized nationally for his student-centric leadership and his ability to align philanthropy with workforce and community development. Under his leadership, MGCC has launched transformative initiatives, including the Joe Wilson Workforce Center, expanded dual-enrollment opportunities, and created innovative partnerships with industry and community organizations.
A Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), Dr. Rainone has raised millions of dollars to advance access, equity, and student success in rural communities. He is a frequent speaker, mentor, and consultant on fundraising and leadership in community colleges. Beyond his role at MGCC, he co-leads Forty-One Consulting LLC, providing strategic fundraising guidance to nonprofits and colleges across the country. Rainone also serves as a Senior Counsel for Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, a fundraising and economic development consulting firm for hundreds of organizations nationwide.
Retreat Program
More information coming soon!
Sponsors
Committee Members
- Jenna Bichler, executive director, Erie Community College Foundation
- Rudy Breedy, executive director, Institutional Advancement & External Relations, Ulster Community College Foundation
- Bob Duckworth, fundraising solutions consultant, Npact Solutions
- Steve Frederick, vice president for advancement and executive director, Clinton Community College Foundation
- Kia Larsen, director of alumni engagement and deputy director, Cayuga County Community College Foundation
- Diana L. Pollard, CFRM, MBA, executive director, Dutchess Community College Foundation
- Michelle Robbins, director of development, Finger Lakes Community College
- Christyn Sanagursky, director of development, Monroe Community College Foundation
- Dolores Swirin-Yao, executive director and vice president, external affairs, Westchester Community College Foundation
Hotel Information
The Desmond Hotel
Crowne Plaza Albany
660 Albany Shaker Rd.
Albany, NY 12211
(518) 869-8100
Visit The Desmond Hotel Website
Reservations can be made directly with the hotel online or by phone.
Important Dates and Information:
- Last day to book: 12/16/2025
- Room rate: $140
- Group code: SCC SUNY Community Colleges
Questions?
Please contact our Conference Chairs with any questions:
Jenna Bichler
Executive Director
Erie Community College Foundation
Christyn Sanagursky
Director of Development
Monroe Community College Foundation
Dolores Swirin-Yao
Executive Director & Vice President, External Affairs
Westchester Community College Foundation.