New Leadership For Fred L. Emerson Foundation

The Fred L. Emerson Foundation, Inc. has announced the retirement of long-time executive director Ronald D. West and the hiring of Daniel J. Fessenden to serve as the foundation’s new executive director effective January 2007.West has served as a director of the Emerson Foundation since 1979 and as its executive director and secretary since 1985. “We are grateful to Ron West for his long-time service to the Emerson Foundation,” stated David L. Emerson, foundation president and grandson of the foundation’s founder. “Over the years Ron has provided dedicated leadership and stewardship for the foundation. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”“We are pleased to welcome Dan Fessenden to the Emerson Foundation and look forward to his thoughtful, collaborative and creative leadership style,” commented David Emerson. “As the foundation prepares to commemorate our 75th anniversary, we look forward to having Dan on board as we rededicate ourselves to the work started by Fred L. Emerson.”Fessenden has a broad range of experience in the public, private and academic sectors. Raised in southern Cayuga County, Fessenden served as a member of the New York State Assembly (1993-99) and managed government and community relations for Carrier Corporation (1999-2004). Since 2004, Fessenden has served as the founding executive director of the Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park in Geneva. Fessenden lives in the town of Ledyard with his wife and two children.“I am truly looking forward to helping the Fred L. Emerson Foundation carry on a remarkable, seventy-five year legacy”, stated Fessenden. “It will be especially gratifying to play an active role in improving the lives of people in Auburn, Cayuga County and throughout Upstate New York.”The Fred L. Emerson Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in 1932 by the late Fred L. Emerson, president of Dunn & McCarthy, Inc., an Auburn, New York manufacturer of women’s shoes. The Foundation has a wide range of interests focused primarily on the community of Auburn, Cayuga County and Upstate New York. The Foundation targets investments in education, health care, community agencies, churches, cultural institutions, youth, community service programs and social welfare agencies.