SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Central New York Sales & Marketing Executives (CNYSME) organization has chosen Kimberly Boynton, president and CEO of Crouse Health, as the 42nd recipient of its annual Crystal Ball Award.
CNYSME will honor Boynton during the annual Crystal Ball and Sales & Marketing Excellence Awards event, set for April 10 at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, the organization said in a news release.
Boynton says she is “absolutely honored” that CNYSME selected her as this year’s recipient.
“I’m very proud to accept this award on behalf of all Crouse Health employees, physicians, and volunteers who are the heart and soul of our organization,” says Boynton, who spoke with BJNN on Feb. 14.
An “enduring symbol” of the organization’s mission, CNYSME annually awards the Crystal Ball to a local businessperson or group of business people “in recognition of their contributions to the sales and marketing profession and for their endeavors in the areas of community development and support.”
CNYSME informed Boynton that she was the recipient in a meeting near the end of 2017, she says.
When asked if CNYSME cited anything specific in choosing the Crouse Health CEO, Boynton said, “It’s a reflection of the wonderful work that we do here at Crouse Health. It’s about our entire team … that works together at all levels of our organization.”
Founded in 1935, CNYSME says it is the only organization focused exclusively on the needs of sales and marketing professionals in Central New York. Its mission is to help members grow their businesses by offering workshops, trainings, networking opportunities, and scholarships to those planning a career in the industry.
Crouse Health regional role
When asked about Crouse Health’s current role in health care across Central and upstate New York, Boynton noted that it’s “more than just a hospital. We’re an entire health-care system.”
“The growth that we’ve experienced over recent years is a reaction to the needs of health care in our community,” she adds.
Its physician group, Crouse Medical Practice, has more than 80 providers, according to Boynton.
Besides the Syracuse hospital, Crouse Health has affiliation agreements with Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, along with Carthage Area Hospital in Jefferson County, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg in St. Lawrence County, and River Hospital in Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County.
Under those agreements, Crouse Health is “able to provide them with what they need to continue to provide high quality care within their communities,” says Boynton.
In addition, Crouse Health also has a clinical-affiliation agreement with Long Island–based Northwell Health, New York state’s largest health-care provider and private employer.
About Boynton
Besides her role as president and CEO of Crouse Health, Boynton serves as VP of the Crouse Health Foundation. She began her career at Crouse in 1998, and prior to her appointment as CEO in January 2014, had served as CFO since 2003.
A Syracuse native, Boynton is “actively involved” in the community, currently serving as president of University Hill Corporation, according to the CNYSME release. She is also a member of the board of directors of the Healthcare Association of New York State; Greater New York Hospital Association; Iroquois Healthcare Alliance; Syracuse 20/20; CenterState CEO; SRC, Inc.; AAA of Western and Central New York; and Christian Brothers Academy.
Boynton is also a member of the Morrisville State College President’s Advisory Council. She has previously served as board president of the United Way of Central New York and board treasurer of Catholic Charities. Boynton was also a member of the board of directors of Elmcrest Children’s Center; American Red Cross; Crouse Hospital Auxiliary; and the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site.
Crystal Ball Award: Criteria, recent past winners
The criteria for Crystal Ball recognition includes holding a position of CEO, president or director of a Central New York business; a person who visibly impacts the progress and prosperity of Central New York; a leader who “demonstrates commitment to superior quality and professionalism;” a person who “fosters excellence” in their industry; local involvement in community and civic organizations; and “demonstrates and practices an appreciation” of the sales and marketing industry, per the CNYSME.
“When I look at the criteria that CNYSME’s Crystal Ball Award is based upon, Kimberly Boynton is clearly a worthy recipient of the award,” Brooks Wright, president of CNYSME, said in a news release. “Her leadership qualities, community involvement, knowledge of her industry and willingness to participate in so many worthy organizations are impressive! We are proud to honor Kimberly Boynton and look forward to presenting her with the Crystal Ball Award on April 10.”
Boynton will join a list of past Crystal Ball winners that includes the 2017 recipient, Phil VanHorne, chairman and CEO of BlueRock Energy, Inc.; the 2016 winner, Allen Naples, senior VP and regional president of M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB); the 2015 honoree, Robert Daino, president and CEO of WCNY, the area’s public broadcaster; and the 2014 recipient, Howard Dolgon, owner, president, CEO, and team governor of the Syracuse Crunch minor league hockey team.
Other past winners include Peter Belyea, president of CXtec and TERACAI in 2013; Debbie Sydow, former president of Onondaga Community College in 2012; John Stage, founder and CEO of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in 2011; Peter Coleman, the publican of Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub in 2010; and Edward (Ed) Levine, president and CEO of Galaxy Communications in Syracuse in 2009, according to the CNYSME website.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com