Kim Pugliese Announced as New Executive Director
Ithaca, NY, March 24, 2021 – The Board of Directors of the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes announces Kim Pugliese as the agency’s new Executive Director, effective April 19, 2021.
After conducting a national search, Kim Pugliese was selected from a competitive pool of candidates. Pugliese succeeds Marilee Murphy, and the Board would like to thank Marilee for her significant contribution. Over the past two years, Marilee’s leadership has strengthened CRC’s operations and delivery of its services and programs.
Pugliese brings experience as a development and human resources professional, and most recently served as Director of Strategic Human Resources for Challenge Industries. Her skills and experience, combined with the outstanding staff and board of CRC, will ensure that anyone affected by or living with cancer will continue to receive extraordinary support and services.
“I have known Kim for years and could not be more thrilled to hand over the reins and for her to lead CRC into its next chapter,” said Marilee Murphy, CRC’s outgoing Executive Director. “I am confident that the organization and community will be in excellent hands given the qualities she brings to her work and leadership.”
“I am grateful to be offered this opportunity to join an agency that is so important to our community.” Pugliese said. “I know firsthand the difference hope and support mean to someone touched by cancer. I am honored to be able to work with such a truly inspiring team of staff and volunteers and dedicated board. My hope is to continue to build on the strong foundation Marilee created in order to grow the agency’s outreach so no one within reach suffers alone.”
Pugliese has a diverse background of experience, education, and leadership. As Director of Development & Marketing at Challenge Industries, she created new systems to track annual giving, implemented a strategic communications and major gifts program to rebuild relationships with donors and key community partners, as well as reimagined the annual awards event as a major public-facing initiative. Taking on the role of Director of Strategic HR and Compliance three months before the pandemic, she led an HR/QA team virtually to strengthen, transition and streamline operational processes; created opportunities to keep staff engaged during an unprecedented crisis while working to develop People Programs to promote professional development and a positive workplace culture; and catalyzed cross-program collaboration to ensure program and revenue growth.
“We celebrate Marilee and her many achievements while at CRC, and we look forward to welcoming Kim and working together to ensure a strong and hopeful future for the organization and the community we serve,” Board President Jason Hungerford said.
