Who We Are
Michael McCormick has spent over 25 years in the finance industry as a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Gilder, Gagnon, Howe & Co, LLC. He has successfully built an investment strategy and organization focused on finding unique, growth-oriented companies with the management skills to navigate dynamic industries. In 2000, he and his wife, Genine, started the McCormick Family Foundation to support programs that create a positive impact on children’s lives. Over the years this foundation has grown and assisted various programs that are collectively helping to achieve this goal. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Marist University and an MBA in Finance with a Concentration in Investment and Portfolio Management from Pace University.
Genine McCormick serves as both the Secretary and Treasurer of the McCormick Family Foundation which she co-founded with her husband, Michael. A Certified Public Accountant, Genine has a professional background with Arthur Andersen & Co and Morgan Stanley and has previously chaired the Board of Trustees at Holy Child Academy. She has served in various leadership positions on the Board of Trustees for Marist University. In 2024, she was elected Chair, bringing her expertise and dedication to advancing educational opportunities.
Kristen McCormick is a seasoned digital marketing professional with nearly 10 years of experience in digital advertising and paid media. Most recently, she served as a Paid Media Specialist with The Walt Disney Company, where she managed paid social campaigns across international markets. Prior to Disney, Kristen was a Senior Media Buyer at Situation Interactive, a leading marketing agency specializing in the theater and performing arts industry, where she developed and optimized media campaigns for a diverse portfolio of Broadway, arts, and entertainment clients.
In addition to her work in the arts and entertainment sector, Kristen is actively involved with the McCormick Family Foundation, supporting its mission to advance education, community development, and the arts through strategic outreach.
Kristen graduated from Marist University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, holding a dual concentration in Advertising and Public Relations. Her passion for storytelling, combined with a deep understanding of audience behavior, allows her to craft impactful campaigns that drive meaningful engagement and support the missions of the organizations she serves.
For more than two decades, Sue Burton Kirdahy has partnered with non-profit leaders and multiple generations of philanthropic families and organizations to align giving strategies and planning.
At Digital Federal Credit Union, Sue leads member experience and serves on the board for www.dcuforkids.org, a community-based 501c3 dedicated to improving the quality of life for children in need.
Previously, Sue led client experience, including philanthropic giving strategies for the Bank of America Private Bank. Earlier, Sue led enterprise activation for Bank of America non-profit partnerships including: Special Olympics, Better Money Habits financial education, PBS partnerships, and the bank’s (RED) /Global Fund partnership. Sue and her team led the Bank’s efforts to align brand, corporate philanthropy, and influencer engagement across multiple lines of business with the goal of building brand favorability and advancing social progress.
Prior to joining Bank of America, Sue was the Managing Director of product and marketing for American Student Assistance, a national financial education non-profit dedicated to helping students succeed as they pursue and fund higher education goals.
Sue is a graduate of Bentley University and the Smith College Women’s Executive Leadership program.
Sue is active in the Boston community with multiple non-profits. She is a global mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, A MassChallenge social innovation mentor, and a citizen teacher with Citizen Schools in Boston.
Nicole Civello joined the board of The McCormick Family Foundation in 2019 and is based out of New York City.
She has spent her career working in the financial services industry and is currently the Accounting Manager at Recognize Partners, a private equity firm in NYC.
Prior to Recognize Nicole worked as an Auditor in the Asset and Wealth Management practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and graduated from Babson College with a B.S. in Accounting and Finance as well as her Masters in Accounting.
With her passion for continued education, athletics, and financial literacy, Nicole is committed and excited to help further The McCormick Family Foundation's core pillars through the work of the Foundation and the incredible programs it helps serve.
Kimberly Viggiano has over two decades of experience in the finance industry and is currently a Portfolio Manager at Gilder Gagnon Howe & Co (GGHC). Prior to joining GGHC, Kimberly began her career in investment banking at Nomura Securities. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from Marist University in 2002. Kimberly is deeply committed to mentorship and philanthropy. Since 2019, she has served on the Marist School of Management Advisory Board and recently assumed the role of co-Vice Chair. In this capacity, she provides valuable input to the Dean of the School of Management while actively mentoring students as they prepare for their careers. Kimberly is an active supporter of numerous local volunteering and fundraising efforts in Rye, NY where she resides with her husband, Frank and three children.
Jennifer Kempf has spent her career as a leader within the travel industry and has been a dedicated board member of The McCormick Family Foundation since 2014. With a strong background in strategic planning and business development, Jennifer has a personal passion for supporting children and families. Previously, Jennifer served as President of her local PTA, where they worked to connect parents and educators within her community to ensure children received the resources they needed. As a parent of two, Jennifer is committed to making a positive impact and helping families access vital services and support through our work with the foundation.