Fortunately, for the community, the millions of dollars donated to community groups is in formidable, caring professional hands.
Under Marion Conway’s care the Roslyn Savings Bank Foundation, now renamed The New York Community Bank (NYCB) Foundation to recognize the “parent” company, provided over 17 groups in Queens desperately needed additional funding through the foundation’s yearly giving.
They have enabled groups in the arts, culture, education, health and community service to enhance their services and help them successfully fulfill their mission.
Conway’s path to giving is a great success story too. Just now completing her Ph.D., she didn’t complete college until shortly before her daughter graduated from high school!
She began working as an assistant in a small accountant’s office and rose to position of being responsible for giving away millions a year at the foundation.
“I took the foundation job shortly after 9/11, but I must admit every job I had before prepared me for this one,” Conway said.
Working in a small company, where William Zich, an accountant was her mentor, allowed her to learn every aspect of how an office runs, from personnel issues to solving client’s problems.
Coming from a family where volunteering at the non-profits was a way of life, she sits on many boards and understands the needs of non-profit groups from the inside. “My board members and I sit on many boards so our sensitivity and guidance to them goes beyond just giving money” she said.
In fact, when the foundation can’t fund a group, Conway with her network of people – in the foundation world – can guide agencies to where they get help.
With its great reputation, NYCB and its rising star on the stock exchange can mean more money for the foundation to give. Conway hopes to be busier than ever giving away NYCB Foundation money and advice.
