The Mohawk Valley Community College Foundation, Inc., has welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors, strengthening its leadership in advancing student success and community impact. The Foundation plays a vital role in generating alternative revenue to help MVCC adapt to rapidly evolving societal, technological, and academic needs while addressing shifting community demands. Board members guide fundraising efforts that enhance the student experience and expand opportunities for the College to grow and innovate.
Susan Keehle, a lifelong Oneida County resident and graduate of Utica College of Syracuse University, brings decades of professional experience spanning student loan administration, banking, payroll, training, and quality assurance. Alongside her husband, Kevin, she served as executor of the Francis A. Wilcox estate — the largest philanthropic gift in MVCC history. In this role, Keehle worked closely with multiple educational institutions during the estate distribution process and collaborated directly with MVCC staff to establish several impactful endowed funds. These include the Francis A. Wilcox Presidential and Exceptional Student Scholarships, which provide full-tuition support to students graduating in the top 10% of their high school class, as well as two additional scholarships supporting returning adult learners and students enrolled in non-credit programs through MVCC’s Center for Corporate and Community Education. Through this work, Keehle developed a deep understanding of MVCC’s mission, scholarship programs, and student needs. She and other family members are actively engaged with the College, regularly returning to campus to attend the annual Scholarship Dinner and celebrate student success at the Wilcox Scholarship Brunch. Keehle’s professional background provides valuable insight into the financial challenges facing today’s students.
Bernard J. Turi, Esq., brings extensive experience in law, insurance, and risk management. After beginning his career in private legal practice, he joined Utica Mutual Insurance Company in 1987 as a Senior Claims Specialist in the Errors and Omissions Department. Over more than three decades, he advanced through numerous leadership roles, culminating in his service as General Counsel, General Auditor, and Chief Risk Officer until his retirement in 2023. During his tenure, Turi was named an officer of the company and progressed through the ranks of Assistant Vice President, Vice President, Senior Vice President, and Executive Vice President. He also served for more than 10 years as Chair of the Utica National Group Foundation Screening Committee. A graduate of Niagara University with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Turi earned his Juris Doctor from the Syracuse University College of Law. He served as Chair of the New York Insurance Association in 2014 and 2015, was a longtime member of its Board of Directors, and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association. Turi was appointed by the New York State Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services to the New York State Insurance Advisory Committee, serving three consecutive three-year terms. He is admitted to practice law in New York State and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.
Amit Tandon is the founder and CEO of Rekursor, Inc., an enterprise artificial intelligence company focused on developing reliable, trustworthy AI solutions for organizations. He is the inventor of patent-pending technology that enables AI systems to improve over time and deliver consistent results across healthcare, education, and finance. In addition to his work at Rekursor, Tandon is the creator and editor of “The Scroll,” a widely read AI and technology newsletter followed by thousands of investors, executives, and innovators since its launch in 2020. He previously worked as an investment banker and financial services entrepreneur in Manhattan and is self-taught in programming, bringing a rare blend of technical expertise and business strategy to his work. Tandon, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, is passionate about helping organizations use AI responsibly to improve efficiency, strengthen funding, and better serve their communities.
About the MVCC Foundation
The Mohawk Valley Community College Foundation, Inc., was established in 1966 to secure private sector support to supplement and enhance public funding at Mohawk Valley Community College. The Foundation is a 501 c(3), nonprofit corporation that solicits, accepts, manages, invests, and distributes contributions and communicates with donors and prospects. It serves as a repository for all private, non-governmental gifts and support received on behalf of the College. In 2024-2025, the Foundation raised $1.59 million in donations and awarded 385 individual scholarships totaling $411,869 to 205 MVCC students. Learn more at www.mvcc.edu/foundation.
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