BST & Co. CPAs, LLP, one of the Capital Region’s leading accounting and management consulting firms, and the area’s market leader in outsourcing solutions, today announced that Ellen Sax has joined the firm as Philanthropic Strategy Consultant for its CMO for Hire division.
Sax brings 30 years of experience in corporate philanthropy to BST, having previously served in senior executive roles at Key Bank and MVP Heath Care where she was charged with developing and implementing strategies that expanded community presence through charitable giving.
“Ellen’s extensive experience helping corporations build and implement strategic philanthropic and community engagement programs, and her leadership in developing community partnerships and initiatives makes her the perfect addition to CMO for Hire as we expand our services into those areas,” said BST Chief Marketing Officer and Leader of CMO for Hire, Susan Radzyminski.
“Many companies include community giving as part of their marketing budgets. By creating a clear philanthropic mission and focus, organizations can align their brand with their giving efforts, making a greater impact on the community. Ellen will guide clients in developing philanthropic missions, create stronger corporate alliances, and she will be instrumental in connecting businesses with nonprofit organizations to drive growth and betterment across the Capital Region,” Radzyminski added.
In addition to corporate contributions, Sax has helped countless not-for-profit organizations develop and implement new programs, identify funding sources and engender board engagement.
“Targeted giving can transform our communities as well as encourage engagement and therefore enhance the overall identity of a business. I am looking forward to working with BST’s talented professionals and sharing my expertise with clients whose giving goals and strategies will be advanced with a customized approach,” Sax said.
CMO for Hire added a marketing service line to BST’s outsourcing offerings in 2021. The division has more than doubled in size since then, and now offers expanded marketing, brand communications, public relations and philanthropic and community engagement strategy services on a consulting or fractional basis. Clients benefit from a higher level of expertise from professionals with a proven track record of success.
Sax is actively involved in a number of community initiatives and currently serves as board chair of the B’nai B’rith Gideon Foundation; trustee for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Upstate Northeastern New York Chapter; 2024 Honorary Chair of Schenectady Community College’s annual fundraiser, Food For Thought & All That Jazz; committee member for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Evening to Remember Gala; committee member for the Whitney M Young Capital Campaign; and serves on the Board Emeriti of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.
She has received numerous awards for community service, including the Regional Food Bank’s Mark Quandt Service Award; Outstanding Philanthropist Award from Hudson Valley Community College; the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year; Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Inspirational Leadership Award and the Foundation Chair’s Citation Award; Trinity Alliance Community Champion Award; the Women Against MS Community Achievement Award; The Stakeholders Community Mentor Award; Women’s Employment Resources Center (WERC) Pearls of Wisdom Award; and HATAS (Homeless & Travelers Aid Society) Champion of Compassion Award.
For more information about CMO for Hire, visit BSTco.com.