McHarrie Life Foundation Announces Staff Changes

William Mercer, President of McHarrie Life Foundation, recently announced two significant staff changes within the Foundation. Kelly O’Neill-Rossi was promoted to Director of McHarrie Life Foundation, and Peg Northrup was hired as Development and Fundraising Manager.

With over 30 years of experience in development, fundraising, marketing, and communication, O’Neill-Rossi will lead the Foundation’s efforts to raise funds to support and expand healthcare programs and services for McHarrie Life Senior Community. She is also responsible for brand and growth marketing initiatives, digital content experiences, and communication strategies across all audiences. a role that reflects her longstanding commitment to McHarrie Life.

She previously served as the Foundation’s Development and Marketing Director for the past 15 years and is the editor of the organization’s LifeTimes Magazine. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Brockport State College. She has held positions in several local organizations, including Development and Public Relations Director at HOPE for Bereaved, Inc., and Associate Director of the Children’s Miracle Network at Upstate Medical University Foundation. She currently serves on the Board of Directors at HOPE for Bereaved, Inc., and volunteers as a development consultant to help not-for-profit agencies with their fundraising and marketing efforts. She also volunteers as a peer-to-peer supporter for those newly diagnosed with life-threatening diseases.

Northrup served the mission of Syracuse University for several years and most recently led the Development efforts for the nonprofit organization, Francis House. She will focus her efforts on major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and special events. She holds a degree in Communications from St. Bonaventure University. She has resided in Baldwinsville for 30 years and has two children, Colleen and Cameron.