Crouse Health Tribute Evening – October 2, 2026

Celebrating Melanie Littlejohn at the 2026 Crouse Health Tribute Evening Gala

Melanie Littlejohn, a distinguished civic leader and champion for community advancement, currently serves as President and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation, leading the organization as it transforms donor generosity into lasting community impact and enters its next century of service.

Previously, Melanie spent nearly 30 years with National Grid, most recently as Vice President of Customer & Community Engagement, where she led statewide initiatives focused on community relations, corporate social responsibility, environmental justice, social equity, and workforce development. Her career also includes service as Executive Director of the Urban League of Onondaga County and early work in international client services at Banker’s Trust in New York City. She holds an MBA from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook.

A deeply committed civic leader, Melanie currently serves as co-chair of the Micron Community Engagement Committee, vice chair and trustee of Onondaga Community College, and as a board member of CenterState CEO and Pathfinder Bank. She currently serves on 20 nonprofit boards, lending her leadership and vision to organizations shaping Central New York’s future.

Her many honors include the George Arents Pioneer Medal (2025), House of Providence Humanitarian Award, The Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in Business Award, Leadership Greater Syracuse Distinguished Community Leader Award, Community-Wide Dialogue Racial Justice Award, NAACP Freedom Award, the Woman of Prestige Award (2022), and the Wisdom Keeper Award (2019).

The Crouse Health Foundation will hold the 49th Annual Crouse Health Tribute Evening on Friday, October 2, at Turning Stone Resort Casino. Join us for an evening of reception, dinner, and musical entertainment as we celebrate Melanie’s extraordinary impact. Proceeds support the Crouse Health Foundation’s mission to advance exceptional care and wellness in our community.

General tickets, patron and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting the Crouse Health Foundation. Tables and individual attendees are welcome. For more information, please contact Gracie Thorpe at 315-470-8405 or gracethorpe@crouse.org.