Catalyst Cayuga Names Executive Director
Catalyst Cayuga is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer VerNooy as its Executive Director.
Catalyst, founded in 2007 and volunteer-led since 2015, has built a strong foundation as a convener, connector, and capacity-builder for not-for-profit organizations in Cayuga County. With this milestone hire, Catalyst is poised to expand its impact and deepen its support for the community’s mission-driven sector.
Jenny has more than 30 years of experience in community development, cross-sector collaboration, and organizational leadership. She comes to Catalyst from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where she led complex, high-impact initiatives across the United States, Latin America, and Africa. Jenny has demonstrated a clear commitment to strengthening organizations and the systems that support them.
“Jenny’s career reflects exactly the kind of leadership Catalyst needs at this moment,” Cindy Wilcox, Chair of the Catalyst Cayuga Board of Directors. “She is a proven strategist, a collaborative leader, and someone who understands how to translate big ideas into effective programs. The Board is thrilled to welcome her as we enter this exciting new chapter.”
“I am honored to join Catalyst at such a pivotal moment,” said Jenny. “A strong not-for-profit sector is essential to a thriving community. I am excited to work with the Board, agency executive directors, funders, and other community partners to unlock new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and meaningful change in Cayuga County.”
As Executive Director, Jenny will work with the Board of Directors to strengthen Catalyst’s suite of capacity-building programs, including professional development and training, technical assistance and leadership coaching, peer networking and partnership-building, and other services to help not-for-profit organizations connect, learn, and lead well.
For more information, please email contactus@catalystcayuga.org and visit www.catalystcayuga.org.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
This indispensable workshop will give you a step-by-step guide to creating a grant proposal to a foundation, including:
The basic elements of a grant proposal, including the need statement, project description, and evaluation plan
A model outline of the essential components of any grant proposal, including a program budget
The "do's" and "don'ts" of writing, planning and submitting a proposal
The methods for building a relationship with a potential funder, from initial outreach to follow-up and reporting
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 9 am - 10:30 am
Location: Lyons National Bank Community Room, 311 Grant Avenue, Auburn
Contact: contactus@catalystcayuga.org
Workshop is presented by Ginny Kent. Ginny’s professional background includes over 25 years in fundraising support for organizations, as a nonprofit trainer, and in grants and scholarship administration. Most recently, Ginny served as Associate Director of Development at Cayuga Community College Foundation, and as a City Councilor for the City of Auburn.
NFP Leader Network
Monthly Network meetings are held at 8:30 am on the third Thursday at Lyons National Bank, Grant Ave.
Are you an executive director at a Cayuga County not-for-profit organization? This group is for you. And as an ED/CEO, you are automatically a member.
The NFP Leader network is a peer networking group that provides not-for-profit executive leaders a place to find trusted support only other execs can provide, strengthen connections with your colleagues, cultivate new ideas, explore collaborations, and grow your executive leadership.
We are here to support you in your leadership. Monthly meetings are designed for executive leaders and by executive leaders. Want to learn more? Please reach out to contactus@catalystcayuga.org.
2026 Membership....You Belong!
Starting in 2026, there are no barriers to Catalyst Cayuga membership.
No membership fees
Any not-for-profit organization can belong by submitting contact info
If you already get our emails, you are in.
Members, foundations, and businesses are encouraged to provide financial gifts to support our important work.
Benefits include:
● TechTalk, a weekly email with fun and practical tips, videos, and information sheets that help busy professionals stay current on the latest technology trends
● One hour of personalized board consulting from a certified BoardSource consultant
● One hour of grant review and/or technical assistance
● Professional development programs
● Your organization’s logo and website linked on the Catalyst website
● Monthly newsletter
Meeting Your Needs in 2026....we would like to hear from you!
What are your biggest challenges in the coming year?
How can Catalyst Cayuga better support you in overcoming these challenges?
Can we better communicate and engage with you?
What do Cayuga County not-for-profits need to become stronger?
Let us know at contactus@catalystcayuga.org.
Catalyst phased out old email
As of 2023, Catalyst Cayuga has phased out its old email (admin@human-services.org). Please update your address books with our current and only email address: contactus@catalystcayuga.org.
Thank you!
Living in Cayuga County - 2020 Community Directory
Contact Us:
Catalyst Cayuga
PO Box 202
Auburn, NY 13021
Email: Contactus@catalystcayuga.org
