Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation Names New Executive Director to Lead Organization’s Future

The Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation (MUNPC) is proud to announce the hiring of Leslie Pasco as its new Executive Director, the first person to hold the position in more than 20 years. Pasco will focus on strategic planning, programming, and support for the West Street Impact Center, a critical component of the $77M Cornhill Revitalization Project.

MUNPC is a key partner, as well as the landowner, for the future site of the West Street Impact Center. Throughout its longstanding history, the organization has offered adult social programming, physical fitness, and bible studies through its Bessie Hicks Senior Program. The organization also coordinates Utica’s annual Juneteenth celebration.

"MUNPC was founded 45 years ago with a mission to serve the Greater Utica community through strategic partnerships to end blight, facilitate healthy living and preserve Utica's cultural history,” said Hilda M. Jordan, MUNPC President and Board Chair. “Our formal partnership with the Community Foundation fosters a new generation of collaboration to recreate larger community directed impact centers in Cornhill. We are excited to announce and welcome Leslie Pasco, with an extensive background in marketing and strategic partnership, as our executive director to steward the storytelling and administrative processes needed to help our collaborative community efforts shine.”

Pasco brings experience in marketing, strategic partnerships, and community engagement through a career that includes positions as Director of Marketing at Legends Sales at Syracuse University, Director of Annual Giving at Le Moyne College, Vice President of Marketing at AmeriCU Credit Union, and Director of Off-Campus Retail Operations at Colgate University Bookstore. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Leslie to our team,” shared Kevin Alexander, MUNPC Board Member. “Her extensive experience in advancement, marketing, and program management will be invaluable as we strengthen our board and build our capacity to expand our current programs. Leslie's expertise will also be pivotal in collaborating with the Community Foundation and People First for the anticipated Impact Centers, a project that will significantly benefit our community.”

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties awarded MUNPC a 5-year, $300,000 grant to position the organization for growth, expanded opportunities and hire an Executive Director to advance the Cornhill Revitalization Project. 

“This is a pivotal moment for the Cornhill community, and the hiring of Leslie is a critical step in driving meaningful change,” said Alicia Fernandez Dicks, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. “Strong leadership is essential for bringing partners together, creating opportunities, and building a sustainable future for this neighborhood.”