Next - Herkimer County

Say hello to our Development Manager, Kayla! ??Kayla Hartman is driven by a deep commitment to making the world a better place, starting with her own community. A native of Herkimer County, Kayla grew up in the village of Herkimer and settled in Mohawk, where she is now raising her family. A proud alumna of Russell Sage College, Kayla credits her time at the former all-women’s institution with shaping her broad worldview. ??With more than a decade of experience in fund development, marketing, and communications, Kayla brings valuable expertise from both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. ??Personally, Kayla cherishes time with her husband, three daughters, and rescue dog, Rue, often attending her children’s school activities, sporting events, and dance recitals. Committed to community service, she serves on the School Board and Parent School Association for St. Francis de Sales Early Childhood Education Center and teaches Faith Formation at St. Francis de Sales in Herkimer. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring new recipes, and watching her favorite shows.

?? Board Spotlight on Miriam Curry! ?? ??Miriam has been a Clinical Psychotherapist for more than 34 years and founded her eponymous private practice in 2024. ??She has a wide array of knowledge regarding the mental health of our community and has specialized in advocacy. ??In addition to her long-term history of helping others heal, she brings expertise in groups and program management. Miriam is a founding member of the Next board, joining in 2022, and holds her Master of Social Work degree.

??Mark Your Calendar for a day of camaraderie, education, and collaboration! ??

Calling all local nonprofits ?? You are invited to attend a nonprofit training session hosted by the Community Foundation and presented by Universal Bookkeeper on March 25th at 12:00pm. Nonprofit success isn't just about passion - it’s about financial strength ?? If your organization isn’t leveraging financial data decision-making, strategic budgeting, and proactive cash flow management, you’re leaving impact on the table. This program is designed for nonprofit leaders, executives, and financial managers seeking to strengthen their organization’s financial sustainability. ?? Registration is required and can be completed at foundationhoc.org/events. ??

Real conversations, bold ideas—coming soon. Stay up to date on ????????’?? ??????? - ???????? ??????! #Podcast #ComingSoon #DeepDives #herkimercounty #nonprofitorganization

?? Join us for a special screening of the American comedy-drama “My Dead Friend Zoe” on March 9th at 2:00 PM presented by Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts! ?? The film will be shown at Valley Cinema in Little Falls, followed by a reception at Rock Valley Brewery. Stick around for a Q&A with co-screenwriter A.J. Bermudez!

??Board Spotlight on VP Chris Conover! ??Chris is a Demand Planner for Bonide Products. He has more than 30 years of experience in leading various community groups to improve quality of life for residents in Herkimer County. ??Chris has served as a volunteer firefighter and medical technician for 20 years and is a former member of the United States Airforce where he earned his degree in Accounting and Finance.

??Our team spent the morning at Herkimer College with local leaders hearing about infrastructure challenges, economic development and their favorite local events (including Dolgeville’s Violet Fest, Ilion’s DooDah parade and LF’s Cheese Festival)! Which local events are your favorites?

??Exciting News!?? It’s official – our NEXT chapter! A HUGE thank you to the Kucerak family for their most generous gift of 175 East Main St., Ilion — the future home of NEXT! ??We’re beyond excited to embark on this journey, and we can’t wait to continue serving our community in this amazing space! ??The space is currently undergoing a renovation study to help determine plans and a timeline for us to move in. ??Stay tuned for updates as we build our future together with plans for community event and training spaces, a podcast room, print center, and MORE! ??? #NextChapter #Gratitude #CommunityLove #ExcitingTimes #NewBeginnings #whatsNEXT #welovelocal #315

?? Be an informed resident: Attend the Herkimer County Housing Assessment Public Meeting being held tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19th @ 6:00 PM at Herkimer College.