Shanna Mazzelli Appointed Executive Director of the Columbia Memorial Health Foundation
Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) has appointed Shanna Mazzelli executive director of the CMH Foundation.
Mazzelli previously served as director of advancement at Wild Earth in High Falls, where she led fundraising, partnerships, communications, and organizational strategy. In her new role, Mazzelli will lead the Foundation’s efforts in planned and corporate giving, fundraising events, and employee giving, working with newly appointed Foundation Board Chair Jay Cahalan.
“The Foundation Board is thrilled to welcome Shanna to lead our Foundation’s efforts,” said Cahalan. “Her broad skillset and proven track record of success will help us accomplish our goals of supporting CMH’s mission.”
Mazzelli brings more than a decade of leadership experience in philanthropy, community health, and organizational development across the Hudson Valley. She is recognized for her ability to build high-performing development systems, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and align philanthropy with organizational strategy.
Her prior experience spans health care, community wellness, and human services, including service on the leadership team at Ellenville Regional Hospital, a designated critical access hospital, where she supported population health initiatives, fundraising, and cross-department hospital operations. Mazzelli has also held senior roles as chief advancement and finance officer for the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center, development director for Sullivan 180, executive director of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center, and director of the Arc Mid-Hudson Foundation and Cornell Creative Arts Center. She began her public service career with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office as grants administrator, managing funding for public safety and community-based programs.
Her advocacy and community leadership have been recognized at the national level, including a proclamation from the White House honoring her contributions to equity and rural health initiatives.
“We welcome Shanna as the Executive Director of our Foundation. Her extensive experience and industry knowledge make her an ideal fit in supporting our strategic goals, and she will play a pivotal role in guiding the Foundation’s success,” said Dorothy Urschel, president and CEO of Columbia Memorial Health.
Mazzelli holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and psychology from SUNY Empire State University, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree with advanced certification in not-for-profit work at SUNY Empire State University.
Mazzelli replaces Barbara Klassen, who retired as executive director in December.