Staff
If you have any questions about our programs or preparing a grant proposal, please don't hesitate to contact one of the staff members listed below.
Kirsten Cowal, Program Officer
Kirsten is responsible for the Democratic Governance and Education program areas. She also administers the Tinker Field Research Grants competition and oversees the Tinker Visiting Professorship endowments. Prior to her tenure at the Foundation, she was a doctoral student and managed research projects on women and HIV, violence against women and children, family homelessness, and schools serving low income and minority adolescents in New York City.
(Programs: Democratic Governance and Education)
(212) 421-6858 x.129
kcowal@tinker.org
Meg Cushing, Senior Program Officer
Since joining the Foundation in 1987, Meg has worked in a variety of roles, most recently as program officer for the Foundation’s environmental program initiatives. In this capacity, she oversees the development and implementation of projects that foster sustainable resource use, balancing conservation with the needs of local communities who rely on natural resources for their livelihoods and survival. She has had the privilege of serving on the selection committees for the Kleinhans Fellowships and the Overbrook Conservation Fellows Program and as a member of Philanthropy New York’s Program Committee.
(Programs: Sustainable Resources Management)
(212) 421-6858 x.123
mcushing@tinker.org
Rachel Fagiano, Administrative Assistant
Rachel assists on special projects across Foundation departments. She is also working toward her Master's in Latin American and Caribbean Studies with an Advanced Certificate in Museum Studies at New York Univerisity. She has also worked and volunteered in several organizations with a focus on Latin America, including Central American Legal Assistance, El Museo del Barrio, Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art and Fundación Alma.
(212) 421-6858 x.121
rfagiano@tinker.org
Karen Nassi, Grants and Technology Associate
Karen is responsible for overseeing the Foundation’s website and communications strategies, its information technology needs, and assisting with grants administration. In addition, she serves as the point of contact for applicants and grantees seeking information about the award process and other issues that may arise throughout the grant cycle. Her previous experience includes management of non-profit client accounts for a web consultancy and developing campaigns for a women’s rights organization. Karen has recently joined Philanthropy New York's committee for Increasing Diversity in Philanthropy.
(Programs: Field Research Grants)
(212) 421-6858 x.128
knassi@tinker.org
Jessica S. Tomb, Director of Finance and Administration
Jessica's principal responsibilities entail oversight of the Foundation's finances and endowment as well as the day-to-day administrative operation of the Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation she maintained a managment consulting firm for 25 years. She was also VP for Operations and Personnel at Great Scott Advertising and worked at the New York State Council on the the Arts. She is a member of the Board of Advisors for SoHarlem, a social enterprise that partners with creative thinkers, residents, organizations, as well as public and private industries to provide people living in high poverty neighborhoods with cultural industry jobs and career opportunities.
(212) 421-6858 x.124
jtomb@tinker.org
