Adirondack Foundation has appointed Stephanie Pianka as its new chief financial officer.

Svetlana Filipson and Lisa Kellar also join the staff, serving as technology sector project lead and administrative officer, respectively.

“As a community foundation, it’s crucial to have a strong staff that’s dedicated to lifting up our communities through philanthropy,” said Adirondack Foundation President & CEO Cali Brooks. “With Stephanie leading our financial strategies, we’re confident that we will continue to grow, serving our donors and fundholders as well as helping direct resources where they’re needed most. Svetlana will help us explore opportunities for regional economic growth through technology, and Lisa will help ensure that our day-to-day operations run smoothly so we can focus on the big picture.”

As CFO, Pianka will be responsible for overseeing the Foundation’s fiscal strategy and financial operations. Prior to joining the Foundation, Stephanie was the senior vice president of finance and budget and CFO of New York University for seven years. There, she was responsible for NYU’s global fiscal operations, $4 billion operating budget, $3 billion capital plan and the management of their retirement, pension and working capital assets.

Pianka, who lives in Lake Placid, joined NYU in 2012 and held the office of vice president of financial operations and university treasurer until her promotion to CFO. She has years of experience in finance and operations for public and private organizations of all sizes. She earned her master’s in business administration from New York University and her bachelor’s degree in computer science from the State University of New York. Pianka grew up in upstate New York and has been enjoying the Adirondacks and all its beauty since she was young. She is an avid triathlete and runner, a director for the Phoenix Footwear Group and a director of the Rotary Club of Lake Placid.

Filipson brings an extensive background in technology and data analytics to her role leading the Foundation’s new Technology Sector Project, which aims to build and grow the Adirondack innovation, tech-focused ecosystem. She most recently worked as a senior director and head of the analytics department at a marketing performance agency specializing in working with nonprofit clients. She has nearly 20 years of experience in data analytics, people and project management and strategy execution. She is a graduate of Lake Placid High School and Syracuse University, with degrees in biology, public relations and international relations. A true daughter of the Adirondacks, she enjoys hiking, camping, trail running, craft beer, skiing, swimming and rugby.

Kellar has a diverse background in the nonprofit media and education sectors, having worked with New York Public Television in New York City, the British Broadcasting Company in London and in public relations, translation and management roles in Rome and Dubai. She holds a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature from William Smith College and graduate credits from NYU in media studies and the University of London in cultural and critical studies.

To learn more about Adirondack Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Advisory Council and staff, contact Lisa Bramen at lisa@adkfoundation.org.

To learn more about Adirondack Foundation, visit adirondackfoundation.org.