To the editor:

I write to support Rebecca Cohen for the Fayetteville-Manlius Board of Education. Rebecca and I were colleagues together at Reach Out and Read, the national early literacy that works through the pediatrics to encourages families to read aloud together every day, starting in infancy. As the Deputy Director of Development, Rebecca led our fundraising efforts, which included events, individuals, corporations and foundations. In fact, Rebecca played an integral role in procuring the largest multi-year grant in the organization’s history! She made sure to work cross-functionally, as well. Rebecca’s legal experience was a true asset to the organization, and every day, she embodied our core values of passion, excellence, respect and innovation.

Rebecca is deeply committed to the education of ALL children, and ensuring they have a strong foundation on which to achieve their potential. Any time we had a new project to work on, Rebecca brought focus, clarity, commitment, and of course her sense of humor. Rebecca consistently sought to make processes more efficient, bring new voices into the conversation, and always ensure that children and families were at the center of all of our efforts. This passion for and commitment to children is demonstrated now in Rebecca’s role as Chair of the Early Childhood Development Committee at the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse.

Rebecca will bring a strategic, thoughtful, and broad perspective to the F-M Board of Education. She is analytical, an excellent facilitator and dependable — a true leader. She will strengthen the work of any group in which she participates. I highly endorse Rebecca Cohen!

Brian Gallagher

Boston, MA