Page 15 - NYC Imagine Awards Journal

Meet the Judges Meet the Judges

Barbara D. Paxton Kristine Riggio
Director Executive Director
BoardStrong Children's Medical Fund of NY
Barbara Paxton is the Director of BoardStrong, Kristine Riggio is an accomplished nonprofit
an organization that provides nonprofits access executive and development strategist with over
to diverse board candidates with a passion to 18 years of experience leading high-impact
serve, while helping boards make best use of the fundraising campaigns, corporate partnerships,
talent around the table and preparing new board and community engagement initiatives.
members to serve as effectively as possible.
As Executive Director of the Children’s Medical
Barbara is recognized as a pragmatic and creative Fund of New York (CMFNY), Kristine leads one
nonprofit leader with experience in board of Long Island’s most respected philanthropic
leadership, board development and governance, organizations, which has raised over $90 million
fundraising and finance. Her experience includes to support programs and facilities at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Under
working with boards to revise their bylaws, create committee structures and her leadership, CMF is driving growth through diversified revenue streams, the
onboarding processes, plan strategically and effectively manage change.
launch of innovative fundraising events, and the expansion of its endowment and
community programs.
From launching donor campaigns to helping organizations develop strategic
governance plans, Barbara focuses on results and achieving excellence. Barbara Kristine’s career is defined by measurable results and mission-driven leadership.
has also been the Chief Development Officer at The Child Center of NY, after Prior to CMF, she held senior development roles with the American Diabetes
having served as the Director of Development at Helene Fuld College of Nursing Association, where she revitalized the Long Island Tour de Cure Signature
in Harlem and Executive Director of Children of Bellevue. She has served on Campaign, launched the Research Update Gala, and achieved double-digit year-
the Boards of The Pearl Theatre Company and the New York Junior League, over-year revenue growth. She has also consulted for national, regional and start
and currently serves as chair of the board of the Center for Comprehensive up organizations, guiding them through successful campaigns and major donor
Health Practice and a member of the Community Advisory Committee of the initiatives, helped with strategic planning, board development and training. Her
Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital.
approach emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and community impact while
building sustainable programs that connect donors to purpose.
Barbara earned a B.A. at Wellesley College and a Master of International Affairs
at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kristine is deeply committed to
community service. She currently serves as President of Massapequa SEPTA
(Special Education PTA), President of Massapequa Challenger Booster Club,
and Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 776.
Known for her energy, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit, Kristine inspires
teams and supporters alike with her belief that philanthropy, when done with
heart and vision, transforms entire communities.

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