UTICA, NY – UpMobility Foundation (UMF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Lindner as the organization’s new Interim Executive Director. Lindner has an extensive background in higher education and the nonprofit sector, including program development and evaluation, grants administration, fundraising, community and constituent relations, and more.
UpMobility Foundation, based out of Little Falls, is an organization that forges partnerships and collaborative efforts with nonprofit organizations, offering support beyond just grant funding. In this role, Lindner will focus on advancing UMF into a dynamic and innovative organization, including building a transformational philanthropy strategy, increasing organizational capacity, and measuring impact to become a proactive leader across the organization’s investing themes and communities it serves.
“This role will be pivotal for UMF as it transitions to a solutions-based community impact investor,” said UMF Founder and Board Chairman, Martin Babinec. “Amy will bring new insights to UMF’s evolving strategy for increasing impact and measuring outcomes. Her leadership will strengthen UMF’s ability to serve communities, drive innovation and foster deeper partnerships. She will help us lay the groundwork for long term, transformative impact in Upstate New York, the US and around the world.”
In November 2024, UMF announced a new collaborative partnership with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. Through this partnership, the Community Foundation would assist UMF in its growth endeavors, including supporting the process of hiring the new Interim Executive Director.
“One of the very first steps in building capacity for our partners at UMF was finding someone who would bring the right perspective and vision needed to support them in this transformative phase,” said Alicia Fernandez Dicks, President/CEO of the Community Foundation. “We are honored to be in this partnership and to be involved in the recruitment process. We are confident that Amy’s expertise will be a tremendous asset for UMF going forward.”
Prior to this position, Lindner worked at Utica University as the Vice President for Advancement and Chief Grants Officer, focusing on developing plans and strategies for the advancement division at the college. She led its most recent $30 million capital campaign and served on several committees and work groups during her time there.
“I am thrilled to join the UMF team, especially at this pivotal time in the organization’s development,” said Lindner. “UMF is already a philanthropic leader in the region, and I look forward to working with UMF’s Board, members of the Babinec family, and colleagues from the Community Foundation to develop a strategic grantmaking framework that will deepen the impact of UMF’s investments across the Mohawk Valley and beyond.”
