Long Island, N.Y. (January 2021) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (“BBBSLI”) is pleased to welcome Claudia Poglianich and Debra Wiener who will each serve in the role of Director of Development. Claudia will oversee the agency’s event and corporate giving while Debra will focus on individual giving and foundation efforts. Together their work will support BBBSLI’s mission to provide strong, enduring and professionally supported mentoring services to children across Long Island.
Debra has extensive knowledge of the Long Island philanthropic landscape, having dedicated her career to fundraising, stewardship, and community development. Most recently, Debra was the Director of Development at Sid Jacobson JCC in Greenvale, N.Y. where she oversaw their multi-million-dollar annual fundraising efforts and the largest capital campaign in the agency’s history. In addition, Debra previously raised campaign funds for two New York Congressman, including Hon. Steve Israel who represented Long Island in Washington, D.C. for over a decade.
Claudia has a breadth of experience in business development, community relations, fundraising, special events and non-profit management. Most recently, Claudia was the Vice President of Events and Resource Development at the Viscardi Center in Albertson, N.Y. During her time at the Viscardi Center, Claudia was successful in helping to secure millions of mission-critical dollars in support of the organization. Her previous experience also includes work with the aging population in both the private and government sectors. Claudia is a class of 2017 graduate of the Academy of Regional Stewardship at Molloy College. This two-year program known as Energeia is devoted to addressing Long Island’s most challenging and complex multi-dimensional issues by educating leaders for the benefit of all people who live and work on Long Island.
“We are excited to bring our combined talent and energy to BBBSLI,” said Claudia and Debra. Together we bring over 30 years of collective experience in fund development on Long Island. We look forward to working with the community and local leaders to ensure the future success of the organization.”
“We are very excited to have Claudia and Debra join BBBSLI as Directors of Development. Their extensive knowledge of the Long Island philanthropic community and experience raising crucial funds for non-profits across New York, make them both a great addition to our organization.” said BBBSLI CEO, Mark Cox. “Claudia and Debra bring experience, creativity, and energy along with the networks they have developed through their various positions will be very beneficial for our agency as we head into these challenging financial times.”
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
For over 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and shine. Our mission is to create one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth by making meaningful, professionally supported matches between adult volunteers and children in need of a consistent, nurturing and positive adult influence in their lives. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, please visit us at www.bbbsli.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Cox, Chief Executive Officer
516.731.7880 ext. 213 ∙ mcox@bbbsli.org ∙ www.bbbsli.org
