Our Team

Our teams diverse experience contributes to a dynamic and robust organization ready to meet the needs of the students, families and communities we serve.

Laura Marx

President/CEO
 lmarx@518elevated.org

Muriel Church

Director of Donor Engagement
 mchurch@518elevated.org

Jah-Ni Blanton-Dale

Office Administrator
 jblanton@518elevated.org

Ryan Meikle

Troy Academic Coordinator
 info@518elevated.org

Martin Anderson

Albany Academic Coordinator
 info@518elevated.org

Earl Barcombe

Schenectady Academic Coordinator
 info@518elevated.org

Board of Directors

Jeffrey Cohn
Chair

Terry Kremer
Vice Chair/Chair Elect

Chyresse Wells
Secretary

Vasso Potter
Treasurer

Jenyce Moses Aondona
Kevin J. Bottini, CPA
Zachary Carpenter
Alexandria Carver
Paul Collins-Hackett
Katie Fleming
Ross Goodman
Amy Grabek
Fareeza Islam Hanif
Jackie Johnson
Jennifer Miller
Sean Ogden
Amy Papandrea
Stephen Quickenton
Dean Skarlis
Robert Ward
JT White
F. Michael Zovistoski, CPA, CFP

Emeritus Board Members
Charles B. Buchanan Chair Emeritus
Geraldine Golub
Kevin Reilly
Sumner Shapiro*

*deceased

Advisory Directors
John Carmello
Ronald G. Dunn, Esq
Hon. Patrick Madden
Hon. Gary McCarthy
Hon. Kathy M. Sheehan

Laura Marx

President/CEO

 lmarx@518elevated.org

Laura has over 23 years of fundraising and non-profit management experience working with various organizations in the Capital Region. She holds both bachelor’s and Master of Arts degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University. While she enjoys working with all age populations, she is passionate about working with youth and making sure they have the resources and skills to reach their full potential. Laura resides in East Greenbush, NY with her husband and three children.

MURIEL CHURCH

Director of Donor Engagement

mchurch@518elevated.org

Muriel holds a bachelor's degree in hospitality administration from Boston University and a master of Arts in Communication from the University at Albany. Muriel started her career in employee relations at Hyatt Hotels in Boston and New York City until a move to Upstate New York brought her into the non-profit world. She has over 25 years of experience working in communications and member services within the forestry community. She is excited to bring her passion for education and community building to CRSAS. Muriel resides in East Greenbush with her husband and three children.

Jah-Ni Blanton-Dale

Program Coordinator

 jblanton@518elevated.org

Since being a student in the HEOP program at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, Jah-Ni’s interests have been geared towards organizations that help students succeed. It was through Canisius College that she earned her degrees in both Human Services and Communications. She also attended the University at Albany where she received her Masters' degree in Higher Education Administration. Jah-Ni enjoys making a difference in the lives of others and is proud to be a part of the organization.