The Division of Finance & Administration

Foundation Finance
Cindy Pinney, Director

Cindy Pinney has been with the College since 1998. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from SUNY Plattsburgh and an Associates degree in Accounting from SUNY Cobleskill. As Director of Foundation Finance, Cindy is responsible for overseeing the use of all gifted funds for College use. She serves as the Assistant Treasurer for the College at Oneonta Foundation Corporation and the College at Oneonta Alumni Association, Inc.  

During her time with the College, the Foundation has grown from $10 million in Net Assets to over $30 million. Managing the growth has been the highest priority for her tenure.  This has required the installation of a new accounting system, hiring a portfolio analyst to work with the Foundation investments and working in conjunction with the College Advancement and Alumni Association offices to create procedures and policies.

The Foundation Finance Office is responsible for accounting and portfolio management for the College at Oneonta Foundation Corporation and the College at Oneonta Alumni Association, Inc which are separate 501© 3 organizations that exist to support of the College at Oneonta. There are also some other gifted funds held at outside entities which this office reviews and analyzes on a yearly basis. The market value of these funds in aggregate is over $30 million.   

The College at Oneonta Foundation is fortunate to have a number of talented investment professionals who serve on the Finance Committee and the Investment Subcommittee of our board. In addition to the volunteers, the Foundation Finance office includes a portfolio analyst who is currently working with the committees to prepare our Foundation for the long term growth and increase in our portfolio. The Foundation portfolio had a 15.1% return on investment for the fiscal year 06-07, and a three year annualized average of 10.85%. The return on investment is -4.02% for the period between July 1, 2007 and February 29, 2008.

Our Foundation consists of approximately 300 separate funds, 207 of which are endowments. During the current fiscal year we have begun accepting gift annuities, receiving over $100,000 to date.

The Foundation supported the College with over $680,000 in scholarships and awards during 06-07 and an additional $490,000 in other program service support. The Alumni Association also supported the College with over $60,000 in scholarships and awards in 06-07 and an additional $430,000 in other program services.

Overall, the Foundation has grown over 300% in the past 10 years due to the successful fundraising efforts of the Foundation Board members, the College Advancement staff, and prudent investment management and fiduciary practices. The Foundation Finance office has grown in staff and expertise in support of these efforts, with a current staffing complement of 3.5 FTE.

Staff Directory

Cindy Pinney
(607)436-2576
pinneycl@oneonta.edu

Stephanie Reller
(607)436-2579
rellersl@oneonta.edu

Diane Van Buren
(607)436-3165
vanburdc@oneonta.edu
 

Return to Finance and Administration Home