WCNY WELCOMES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE ADVANCEMENT

WCNY has announced the appointment of Rosie Taravella as Vice President of Corporate Advancement.  In this position, she will oversee fundraising, marketing, and communications activities which include major gifts, development, membership, auctions, volunteers, special events, advertising, and corporate communications. 

“Rosie’s spirit and expertise will be a tremendous asset to the WCNY team,” said Robert J. Daino, President and Chief Executive Officer of WCNY-TV/FM, and Chair of the Association of Public Broadcasting Stations of New York State.  “As we focus on securing funds for a new WCNY headquarters and maintaining a steady stream of high-quality, educational local productions, Rosie will make significant contributions by providing a comprehensive strategic approach to fundraising, communications, membership, and other advancement activities to which I am confident in her ability to help WCNY meet our mission and surpass our goals.”

Taravella was most recently the Executive Director of the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival where she oversaw public relations, corporate sponsorship, donor relations, and festival operations.  For nearly a decade, Taravella has raised funding for nonprofit organizations, including her role as Assistant Vice President for Advancement at Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, where she co-managed a capital campaign that raised $40 million in two years for facilities improvements and scholarships for the college.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at WCNY,” Taravella said. “Public broadcasting is fundamental to all communities, and WCNY is integral not only to Syracuse, but to a very large listening and viewing area. I grew up here, and I look forward to reconnecting with the people of this region, growing support, and furthering our reputation as a key leader among all the public broadcasting stations in New York State.”

Taravella spent 25 years in Los Angeles, working as an actor, writer and producer prior to her fundraising career.  A highlight includes “Carlo’s Wake,” an independent film Taravella wrote and starred in which also starred Oscar winners Martin Landau and Rita Moreno.

John Richardson, Chairman of the Rochester International High Falls Film Festival Board expressed his support: "As Executive Director of the Festival, Rosie has attracted new levels of energy and media attention to this event.  She is a true professional and a dear friend of the Festival and the Rochester community.  I speak for the Board when I say we will miss her very much, but wish her the very best in this new and exciting position."