Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce the appointment of two new trustees. The organization has named Robert J. Cotter of Cold Spring, and Ashley Knox MPS of Kingston as the newest members of its corporate board.
 
“For more than 50 years the Community Foundations has thrived because of its committed core of volunteers,” said Sally J. Cross, President & CEO. “We are grateful for the wisdom they share, and the sense of dedication to the community that they demonstrate in all their endeavors. Robert and Ashley continue the legacy of accomplished and civic-minded people generously contributing to our work, and we are honored that they have agreed to share their talents with us.”
 
Robert J. Cotter is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident and retired executive who served IBM Corporation in Poughkeepsie for more than 30 years. In his tenure, he led global teams toward developing IT leadership, strategic planning, and matrix management. Since his retirement in 2011, he has been an engaged community member in Putnam County. Cotter’s volunteerism includes tenure on the Community Foundations Putnam County Advisory Board, as well as previous service with organizations such as Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and F.I.S.H in Philipstown. He holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering and Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College in the Bronx.

 
Ashley Knox, MPS is a native of Ulster County and Executive Director of Go Beyond Greatness, Inc. (GBG).  GBG was established in 2014, in the heart of Kingston, NY with an office located in Midtown Kingston. Go Beyond Greatness, Inc. is an educational consulting firm designed to support students to develop the skills and "greatness mindset" needed to succeed in the 21st century with an emphasis on college and career readiness. Knox is a Public Speaker and Educator with over ten years of experience developing educational leadership programs for high school and college students locally and across the globe. Her mission is to empower young people to become great leaders of tomorrow. In addition to her educational involvement, she serves as a Board Member for the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a Thought Partner for the Kingston Land Trust, and is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues - Kingston, NY Chapter. Knox has received numerous awards including the 2018 YWCA of Ulster County Tribute to Women.  Ashley holds a Master's degree from SUNY New Paltz in Humanistic and Multicultural Education; a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a second Bachelor’s degree in Latin American and Africana Studies from SUNY New Paltz. Ashley is also an alumna of SUNY Ulster and Kingston High School.
 
“On behalf of the board I want to extend congratulations and warm welcomes to Robert and Ashley as they join our group,” said Jeffrey Wood, Board Chair of the Community Foundations. “Given their talents, unique voices, and commitment to the community, I have every confidence that they will enrich our work to promote philanthropy in the region.”