BUFFALO AND SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristen Luppino-Gholston, LMSW, as Program Officer.
In this role, Ms. Luppino-Gholston will identify and steward potential Health Foundation partners, assess incoming grant requests, and develop programs that address health disparities and improve the health of the community. She will also manage funded grants across the 16 counties the Health Foundation serves and assist in the management of programs, initiatives, and projects.
Ms. Luppino-Gholston has more than two decades of experience in collaborative community building and engagement, strategic networking, program development, and management. Between 2018 and 2024, she served in roles with Daemen University, including Assistant Professor and Director of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. Ms. Luppino-Gholston also served as a consultant for Daemen’s Institute for Government and Nonprofit Innovation, Training, and Evaluation (IGNITE.)
With IGNITE, she worked directly with local nonprofit organizations on capacity building, data management, strategic planning, research, and evaluation projects. She also previously served as Director of Strategic Initiatives for the WNY Women’s Foundation, and in roles with Child & Family Services’ Haven House and Catholic Charities of Buffalo’s Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC). Her civic engagement experience includes previous service on the boards of Peace of the City and Family Promise of WNY, and as a volunteer for Housing Opportunities Made Equal’s Membership Committee. In 2017, she was named to Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 list.
“Kristen’s commitment to community service and understanding of the needs of nonprofit organizations make her a valuable addition to our team,” said Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, President, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. “I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish as a team with our grantee-partners with the skills and expertise Kristen brings to our work.”
ABOUT THE HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN & CENTRAL NEW YORK
The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York’s vision is a healthy central and western New York where racial and socioeconomic equity are prioritized so all people can reach their full potential and achieve equitable health outcomes. For more information, please visit www.hfwcny.org.
