News

May 2, 2019

Community Foundation Welcomes Two New Professional Staff: Dorcey L. Applyrs, DrPH, MPH and Jonathan Richardson, MSW, MPA

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region is happy to welcome Dorcey L. Applyrs, DrPH, MPH as the Vice President, Community Health Initiatives and Jonathan Richardson as the Communications and Special Projects Officer.

Dr. Applyrs will lead the development and implementation of grant programs and community initiatives that positively impact the health and wellness of communities across the region. Dr. Applyrs has an earned masters and doctorate in public health from the University at Albany. She considers herself a community servant and has a passion for improving the quality of life for others. Dr. Applyrs serves on the Albany Common Council and is the Chair of the City of Albany’s Public Safety Committee. She is a board member of the Albany County Department of Health, Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, Regional Food Bank, Eleanor’s Legacy, Park Playhouse and the Capital District New Leaders Council. Applyrs has served as a regional health equity council member for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. Dr. Applyrs currently serves as a member of Delta Sigma Thea Sorority Inc. and the Albany District Links, two organizations committed to community service and sisterhood.

Dr. Applyrs has been acknowledged for her strong leadership and commitment to empowering others. She was named 40 Under 40 by the Albany Business Review, Young Alumni of Excellence by her alma mater, The University at Albany, 2017 Women and Girls Ambassador by Girls Inc. of the Capital Region, and a Resourceful Woman by the Capital Region YWCA. She was featured on the cover of HerLife New York magazine and honored by U.S. Senator Gillibrand with the 2017 Off the Sidelines Equality Advocacy award. Dr. Applyrs resides in Albany with her loving and supportive husband Dr. Don-Lee Applyrs and their beautiful and extremely curious daughter, Noble Lee Applyrs.

Richardson is the new Communications and Special Projects Officer and will be working on communications, impact reporting, and special initiatives. Jonathan comes with communications and development experience from several local nonprofits including the Albany Damien Center, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, Inc., and Habitat for Humanity Capital District. He is the current President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Hudson Mohawk Chapter and was recently awarded AFP Global’s 2019 Oustanding Young Professional Fundraiser. Richardson earned his Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees at University at Albany, SUNY, focusing on nonprofit management and social welfare policy. He completed research projects on the effectiveness of a nonprofit’s board of directors, marketing for human service agencies, and collaborations between local governments and nonprofit organizations.  He received his bachelor’s degree in Religion, Linguistics and Gender Studies from the University of Rochester.

Richardson is active in his community and passionate about professional development, community change, and social justice. One of his most notable achievements is the creation of the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator program, which works to attract rising leaders working at New York Capital Region nonprofits and provide them resources, support and a network to succeed and stay in the sector. Richardson is also chair of Mission Accomplished Transition Services, which helps aspiring young professionals prepare for the global economy by providing access to coaching, job training, and professional development. In addition, he serves as the mentorship chair for the Capital District Chapter of the New Leaders Council, the hub for progressive Millennial thought leadership and inspiring progressive change. Richardson resides in Albany with his fiancé, Jared Meagher and their three adorable pets.