Mrs. Cleaves is currently the director of development for the North Country Children’s Clinic. In her 11 years at the NCCC, she has established short and long-term fundraising goals based on agency and program needs. Most recently, Mrs. Cleaves spearheaded the Clinic’s capital campaign to construct the Clinic’s new home at 238 Arsenal Street. This campaign exceeded its $2 million goal by $700,000.

Mrs. Cleaves is very active in the community and various fundraising organizations. She is a founding member of Leave a Legacy in the North County; President of the Planned Giving Council of Northern New York; member of the National Committee on Planned Giving; member of The Rotary Club of Watertown (Sunrise); director of the Crescent Yacht Club; committee member for Navy Point Association; and an active member of both the Clayton Yacht Club and the Antique Boat Museum.

In addition to Mrs. Cleaves’ appointment as Executive Director, Mr. Carman and Mr. Vars are also pleased to welcome David Mance as a new staff member of the Samaritan Foundation. Mr. Mance will join the Foundation staff on a part-time basis to support the upcoming capital campaign efforts and cultivate relationships and programs to significantly enhance the Samaritan Foundation’s philanthropic potential.

“This is an exciting time for Samaritan Medical Center. Through the Samaritan Foundation, we will be embarking upon a major capital campaign to raise funds for the significant expansion and renovation project we hope to begin in 2007,” said Mr. Carman. “We are extremely pleased and fortunate to have the combined talent and experience that these proven professionals will bring to the Samaritan Foundation and to the entire organization. Their enthusiasm and leadership will help advance the Samaritan Foundation to a new level.”

The initial search for a permanent Executive Director of the Samaritan Foundation of Northern New York, Inc. began in late 2005 as Richard Brooks moved into his role as Vice President of Support Service and Long-Term Care. When a final candidate was not identified during the initial search, a search firm was hired to conduct a search nationally. Quick, Leonard, Kieffer’s search resulted in the identification of several candidates, from which the field was narrowed to four: one national candidate, one regional candidate and two local candidates.

During the national search, Patricia Tague was selected in June to provide interim leadership for the Foundation. “Mrs. Tague is to be commended for her leadership and guidance through the search process, as well as leading the organization’s capital campaign feasibility study efforts,” concludes Mr. Vars. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, and we are looking forward to her continued involvement in our exciting future.”