The powerhouse executives arrive eager to elevate the Foundation’s profile and impact
Two dynamic and accomplished professionals, one with extensive experience in marketing, sales, and global operations and the other a seasoned human resource executive were named to the Farmingdale State College Foundation Board of Directors in October.
The two are Kara Cannon, Chief Operating Officer of Enzo Biochem, Inc., in Farmingdale, and Elizabeth C. Uzzo, Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President of H2M architects + engineers of Melville.
The Farmingdale College Foundation was founded in 1969 to bring together College alumni, employees, friends, corporations, foundations, and local businesses to raise money to help the College implement its mission and programs.
Both will serve as members of the board-at-large.
“Kara and Liz bring a fresh perspective, new skill set, and knowledge base that will prove critical in our efforts to build a first-in-class fundraising organization for the College,” said Vice President of Development and Communications Matthew Colson. “With their efforts and expertise, we’ll move the Foundation to a higher level of performance, operation, and impact for the College while supporting the Foundation’s unprecedented growth in recent years. I’m excited to work closely with them. Their passion to make a difference is inspiring and contagious.”
Kara Cannon has worked at Enzo since 2011 and is responsible for the daily operations of the international healthcare company. She also oversees global business segment strategy, resources, and activities for all Enzo programs, including genomics, molecular diagnostics, drug discovery and development, and clinical services, according to her resume.
Cannon’s interest in the Foundation Board grew from interactions with College President Dr. John S. Nader and her commitment to community service. In 2020, she helped FSC set up its COVID testing program. “I’m a life-long Long Islander, I’ve had a successful career in life sciences for more than 30 years, and I’m looking for ways to give back and connect companies,” she said.
She is a big admirer and supporter of FSC’s mission to prepare work-ready graduates, Cannon added. “Farmingdale is mindful of the fact that its student population wants to make a living after they earn their degrees,” she said.
Elizabeth Uzzo has served as H2M’s Director of Human Resources since 1992, supervising all human resource functions. Chief among her functions has been working with sister organizations to develop a comprehensive approach for the company’s human resources department, including recruitment, training, retention, and regulatory compliance. She supplies the executive leadership team with advice, guidance, and direction on all matters pertaining to the company’s human resource assets.
Uzzo also is responsible for employee communication, employee safety and health, and community relations.
Among her reasons for joining the Board is she is a “legacy,” Uzzo said. Former H2M CEO John Malloy served on the Foundation Board, and was her supervisor and mentor. “I knew if he were there, it had to be a solid Board.”
Approached about a Board positi0n by MaryEllen DeCicco, FSC Director of Corporate Engagement, Uzzo said she liked the idea of connecting more local businesses with the mission of the College. “I’m excited about all that is going on,” she said. “There are a lot of great initiatives that will only make the College stronger. I just feel like to be part of that is really exciting.”
H2M has about 25 FSC graduates working there, Uzzo added, and the company knows it can count on them for outstanding work. “The students we’ve hired have been very resourceful, outside thinkers, good problem-solvers, hard-working, and dedicated individuals,” she said.
The Farmingdale College Foundation has made significant progress in the last few years under the leadership of Colson. As he looks to the future, the board will become more diverse to ensure it matches the ever-growing diversity of Farmingdale State College’s student population. The future for the College is bright and these new additions to the board will ensure that the Foundation continues to pursue its mission and grow the resources available to the campus community and the Long Island region.
