Ann Costello

Since joining the Foundation as Director in 1999, Ann has witnessed rapid growth and change in total Foundation assets and annual distribution of funds, and has redefined the Foundation’s role in the disability service arena as “proactive partner.” During Ann’s tenure, annual grants to local providers have jumped from $600,000 in 1999 to $1.5 million. Additionally, with the adoption of a targeted new mission, strategic partnerships have been forged and solidified at the local and state level, and innovative models of service delivery are being developed and tested with Foundation support. Last year, two national conferences showcased the Foundation’s work and Ann continues to expand the Foundation’s role in public policy related to disability services. Prior to joining the Golisano Foundation, Ann worked at the United Way of Greater Rochester for 15 years, serving as Director of Community Investment for five years. While there, with the assistance of a volunteer and staff team, she helped transform the fund distribution process into a program outcome-based system. Ann holds a Master’s Degree from the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, where she also served as a Research Fellow at the Penn School of City and Regional Planning.