MVCC Foundation names three new board members

UTICA — The Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) Foundation recently appointed three new members to its board of directors. The new board members are Claire T. Parisi, Amy DeMetri, and Stephanie Davis-Clark, the college said in its announcement. The foundation plays a vital role in generating alternative revenue to help MVCC while board members guide fundraising efforts that enhance the student experience and expand opportunities for the college to grow and innovate, the college noted.

Parisi, a 2018 MVCC graduate, is an electronics engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). She holds a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Clarkson University, in addition to her an associate degree in engineering science from MVCC. In her role at AFRL, Parisi has spearheaded key collaborations between academic and industry to develop innovative communication solutions, MVCC said. She also supports program administration by coordinating industry engagement events and conducting source-selection analysis to guide proposal evaluations.

DeMetri brings nearly 40 years of experience in the financial industry to her position on the board. She retired in December 2023 from her role as executive VP at First Source Federal Credit Union. DeMetri is a certified financial planner and graduate of the Leadership Mohawk Valley civic-leadership training program. She is currently pursuing an associate degree in business management at MVCC.

Davis-Clark, a 1999 MVCC graduate, is a credentialing specialist II at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. She holds an associate degree in paralegal studies from MVCC, a bachelor’s degree in health-care administration management from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership there. Davis-Clark is a 2023 graduate from MVCC’s Neighborhoods Rising program. Established in 1966, the Mohawk Valley Community College Foundation works to secure private-sector support to supplement and enhance public funding at MVCC. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation solicits, accepts, manages, invests, and distributes contributions and communicates with donors and prospective donors. It serves as the repository for all private, non-governmental gifts, and support for the college. In 2024, the foundation raised $1.49 million in donations and awarded 411 scholarships totaling $459,635 to 208 MVCC students.