Pomeroy Foundation names Berse executive director

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The William G. Pomeroy Foundation has appointed Carrie Berse as the organization’s new executive director as of Jan. 24.

In its mission statement, the Syracuse–based foundation says it is “committed to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history; and to raising awareness, supporting research and improving the quality of care for patients and their families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis.”

Berse succeeds Paula Miller, who served as the Pomeroy Foundation’s executive director since its inception in 2005, per a foundation news release.

Berse comes to the Pomeroy Foundation from Crouse Health Foundation, the development arm of the Crouse Health System, where she served as president.

“We have gotten to know Carrie over the years via her role with Crouse Health and are thrilled to have such an esteemed and highly-regarded member of our community join the Pomeroy Foundation,” Deryn Pomeroy, trustee and director of strategic initiatives at the Pomeroy Foundation, said. “With her many years of experience and strong leadership skills, she will be a great asset to our organization.”

During her 28 years with Crouse, Berse also served as corporate VP for philanthropy of the Health Alliance of CNY.

In both positions, Berse oversaw the operations of the hospital foundations, including fundraising activities such as major gifts/planned giving and capital programs, annual giving, grants writing, endowment fund oversight, as well as special events communications and development/donor services. The Crouse Health Foundation’s endowment fund “increased significantly” under Berse’s leadership.

Throughout her tenure, Berse was also instrumental in many successful fundraising campaigns in support of key Crouse services and programs. They included the Pomeroy Emergency Services Department, the Pomeroy College of Nursing, and most recently, the Pomeroy Treatment Center.

“I greatly admire the critical work the [Pomeroy] Foundation achieved under Paula Miller’s leadership and am honored to be able to continue and expand those initiatives,” Berse said.