Sheena Solomon Joins Micron Community Engagement Committee

Published May 3rd, 2023

            The Gifford Foundation’s Executive Director Sheena Solomon has been appointed to serve on the Micron Community Engagement Committee. This cohort of local representatives will help guide community investments including the $500 million Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund. “Our goal is to make sure that Central New Yorkers from all backgrounds are able to benefit from this investment, especially those communities that have historically been left on the sidelines.”

Sheena Solomon speaks with Governor Kathy Hochul (NY) during the press conference around the Micron Community Engagement Committee's formation.

Sheena Solomon speaks with Governor Kathy Hochul (NY) during the press conference around the Micron Community Engagement Committee’s formation.

            A press conference held on April 28th announced the Committee’s formation and featured speeches from Gov. Kathy Hochul, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, and Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, among others. In a statement during the event, Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said:

“We are delighted to be in Central New York to celebrate with Governor Hochul, the newly appointed members of the Micron Community Engagement Committee and other local partners the remarkable progress that has taken place since we announced the site of our leading-edge memory megafab here six months ago. The $500 million Green CHIPS Community Investment Fund will help build and transform a workforce for the future, and the Micron Community Engagement Committee will ensure that the wide-ranging benefits and opportunities our investments will bring to Central New York are available for all.”

Elected officials, Micron executives, and community leaders stand together to announce the Committee's formation.

Elected officials, Micron executives, and community leaders stand together to announce the Committee’s formation.

The Micron Community Engagement Committee Includes:

  • April Arnzen – Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Micron
  • Karen Belcher – Executive Director, Food Bank of Central New York
  • Donna DeSiato – Superintendent, East Syracuse Minoa School District
  • Bishop Ronald Dewberry – Senior Pastor, New Life Temple of Praise
  • Kristi Eck – Chief of Staff, SUNY Oswego
  • Courtney Geduldig – Corporate Vice President, Global Public and Government Affairs, Micron
  • Mark Hall – President and CEO, Syracuse Community Health
  • Jasenko Mondom – Employment Specialist, Refugee Assistance Program at Syracuse City School District
  • Meg O’Connell – Executive Director, Allyn Family Foundation
  • Hazel Powless – Haudenosaunne Environmental Task Force, Onondaga Nation
  • Kerry Quaglia – Founder and CEO, Home HeadQuarters
  • Sheena Solomon – Executive Director, The Gifford Foundation

Ex Officio members include:

  • Rob Beard – SVP and General Counsel, Micron
  • Kevin Younis – COO and Executive Deputy Commissioner, Empire State Development
  • Isabelle Harris – Director of Strategic Initiatives, Onondaga County
  • Sharon Owens – Deputy Mayor, City of Syracuse
  • Damian Ulatowski – Supervisor, Town of Clay

See additional coverage from WRVO and CNY Central

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