FOF Names New Board Leadership, Welcomes Two Board Members

ONEONTA—The Future for Oneonta Foundation announced the appointment last week of Gary Herzig as the new chair of its Board of Directors, along with the addition of Kim Muller and John Nader to the board.

A longtime public servant and community advocate, Herzig brings decades of leadership experience to the role, officials said in a press release. He previously served as mayor of Oneonta, vice chair of the Community Foundation of Otsego County, chief operating officer of Opportunities for Otsego, and director of the Oneonta Job Corps Center. In addition to his new role with FOF, Herzig currently serves as chair of the SUNY Oneonta University Council and commodore of the Otsego Sailing Club.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside those who love the Oneonta community,” said Herzig. “Our focus will remain on supporting our local organizations serving those in need while also supporting larger community projects geared toward continuously improving the quality of life we all enjoy here.”

Herzig also expressed enthusiasm for the foundation’s newest board members.

“I am so excited to have our former mayors Kim Muller and John Nader join us on the Future for Oneonta Foundation Board of Directors,” Herzig said. “Both have already given much to strengthen our community and I am thrilled that they will continue to do so as members of the FOF Board.”

Muller returns to the FOF board with extensive experience in local government and nonprofit leadership. According to the press release, she previously served as mayor of Oneonta, as a member of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, and as chair of Oneonta’s Downtown Revitalization Committee. Muller is also a past chair of the FOF board. She currently chairs the board of Leatherstocking Cooperative Insurance Company and works for Arroyo Research Services administering migrant education program-focused projects across multiple states.

“I am excited to be re-engaged with the Future for Oneonta Foundation as a board member,” said Muller. “FOF has a meaningful impact on our community, and I look forward to supporting efforts that make Oneonta an even better place to live, work, and enjoy.”

Nader also brings a distinguished record of leadership in public service and higher education. He, too, previously served as mayor of Oneonta and as a member of the Otsego County Board of Representatives. Nader has also served as provost of SUNY Delhi and as president of Farmingdale State College.

“FOF is poised to assume an even more important part in making Oneonta an even better place,” said Nader. “I am honored to become part of an organization that has done so much and am looking forward to seeing the FOF lead in creating transformative projects in our community.”

The addition of these three respected leaders signals a strong and collaborative chapter ahead for the Future for Oneonta Foundation, officials said.

“With deep roots in public service, nonprofit leadership, and community development, the board is well-positioned to continue advancing projects and partnerships that enhance quality of life throughout the greater Oneonta area,” the press release reads.

Founded to support initiatives that strengthen the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the community, the Future for Oneonta Foundation remains committed to investing in programs and projects that create lasting impact. For more information, visit www.futureforoneonta.org.