The Greater Pocono Northeast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has named Worthington Scranton's Director of Development, Maria Russoniello, its 2007 Fundraising Executive of the Year.
Mrs. Russoniello has been in her present position with Worthington Scranton since 1987. During that time she has successfully completed two University-wide fundraising campaigns, in addition to campus project fundraising and overseeing more than 70 endowments.
Most recently, she served as an Administrative Fellow for the Senior Vice-President of Development and Alumni Relations at University Park, one of only three staff members selected system-wide. In 2005, she received the Mentor Award in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. In 1998, she received the Gertrude Hawk Chocolates Service Award, and has also received the Staff Excellence Award and the CES Alumni Relations and Development Award for best program.
A long-time member of AFP, she is a past chair of the National Philanthropy Day Event and a past executive board member. She has also served on the boards of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lackawanna and the Easter Seal Society of NEPA.
Mrs. Russoniello has also been honored as a Scranton Times Northeast Woman and a United Nations of Greater Scranton Peace Education Awardee.