Carthage Hospital adds new director

CARTHAGE — After searching for months, Carthage Area Hospital has a new executive director for its foundation.

Natalie M. Burnham began working at the foundation Sept. 6, and is helping the nonprofit organization brainstorm new fundraising ideas.

“I see us doing more to really pull in community entities,” she said.

Ms. Burnham completed a Sprint triathlon in August, which sparked some ideas for future fundraisers. However, she said the foundation is just brainstorming right now.

Anne M. Rohr, foundation board president, said Ms. Burnham’s experience working for nonprofits and administration made her a prime candidate for the position.

“We interviewed some highly qualified candidates,” Ms. Rohr said. “She is also from the north country and she is aware of the community and family aspects of small rural community America.”

Ms. Burnham grew up in Philadelphia and attended Jefferson Community College, Watertown, and SUNY Plattsburgh for her undergraduate degree. She also took graduate classes at SUNY Oswego and various colleges in Charlotte, N.C.

She has experience in community planning, evaluation, fundraising and program development.

Most recently, she worked for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte as the senior fund development and image director. Previously, she also worked for United Way and Community Action.

“It’s been since college, so we’re going on 20 years now,” she said of her work with nonprofits.

She moved back to the north country in December and was told by a former co-worker about the position.