WCNY SAYS GOODBYE TO LONG-TIME DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES

Stacks of worn papers and folders perch on bookshelves and lean against the walls.  A navy blue oriental rug from an early 1990s TelAuc sale curls at its edges from years of foot traffic.  Pieces of torn paper scribbled with numbers and notes cover a long wall.  Every inch of her office houses the markers of a well-worked, considerable career.

After 17 years as staff in Member Services at WCNY, Jean Moffit is saying goodbye.  Moffit’s husband of 28 years has become the COO of a therapeutic preparations manufacturer based out of Atlanta, Georgia, and the family plans to split their time between the Syracuse and Atlanta areas. 

“For nearly two decades, Jean has had her finger on the pulse of membership at WCNY,” 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.  “She’s done a tremendous job of growing and maintaining our member base over the years.  I know I speak for the entire organization and member base when I say she will be missed.  We all wish her and her family the best.”

Some viewers may remember Moffit as the woman in 1995 who hosted a pledge drive when she was nine months pregnant.  Others may recognize her as the talent on numerous WCNY television spots.  Most WCNY callers will remember her as the voice of Member Services, the familiar sound on the other side of the phone walking them through benefits or helping them renew their membership.  Moffit joined WCNY in the fall of 1991 as the Membership Manager and was promoted to the Director of Member Services in 2004.

“Jean has done a fantastic job handling matters with our valued members,” said Dale Wagner, the Director of Programming at WCNY who worked closely with Moffit over the years.  “Their interests and concerns have always been a top priority and handled very professionally by Jean.”

Moffit has spent most of her professional career in membership and public relations.  Prior to WCNY, Moffit worked for a public relations firm serving various national and regional organizations like the Professional Skater’s Guild of America.  Moffit is unsure which direction her career will take after WCNY, but plans on volunteering her time in both the Syracuse and Atlanta areas.

“I loved what I did at WCNY,” Moffit said.  “One of my favorite things about working at WCNY was the people I worked with.  I don’t think they realize what a talented bunch they are.  It just amazes me how well everybody works together.  The people are what I’ll miss the most.”

Dawn Burrows has been promoted to replace Moffit as the Director of Member Services.  Her extensive development background coupled with her phenomenal performance as Member Services Representative/Database Coordinator made Burrows a natural successor to Moffit. She has over ten years of experience working with nonprofit organizations coordinating and supporting their fundraising efforts as well as managing the specified development software programs. 

“I am excited to take on this new role,” said Burrows.  “I believe our members are the very heartbeat of WCNY’s existence and I look forward to maintaining and building those relationships to keep WCNY beating strong.”

All membership inquiries can be made through Burrows at dawn_burrows@wcny.org or 315-253-2424 ext. 209 or Rosie Taravella, Vice President of Corporate Advancement at rosie_taravella@wcny.org or 315-253-2424 ext. 204.