Teresa Cirelli
Chief Development Officer
Teresa leads all fundraising initiatives for the agency working closely with donors, businesses, community leaders and institutions to advance and support the mission of Seamen’s Society. Teresa was previously the Director of Development at Eden II Programs and served as the Executive Director of Eden II and Genesis Foundation. Teresa also was the Director of Development at On Your Mark, Inc. She began her community outreach career within the office of Assemblyman Matthew Titone, serving as the Communications Coordinator and working outside of the office as the Deputy Campaign Manager. Over the past decade, Teresa has secured several millions of dollars for both organizations from private, public, corporate and foundation sources and has extensive experience with many channels and tools for driving funding to a nonprofit organization.
Teresa has been awarded the Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial Scholarship, been chosen as one of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s (SIEDC) 20 under 40 honorees, been selected by the STAR Network as a Staten Island Top Women in Business honoree, has been recognized by World of Women as a Woman of Distinction, has been honored by Staten Island Center for Independent Living for her work with the autism community, and was recently recognized by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group with their annual council award.
She is currently the President of the Board of Directors for the Staten Island Business Outreach Center and Co-Chairs the annual Women Empowerment Event for the organization. Teresa served as a council member and second Vice President for the NYC Department of Education Community Education Council (CEC) District 31, and at the conclusion of her elected term, was appointed by Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella to continue serving on the council. She also recently joined the newly created board of Staten Island Women.
Teresa has served on many fundraising committees to support local groups including Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Fire Flag EMS, Pride Center of Staten Island, Brooklyn Autism Center, Jewish Community Center (JCC), Bridge Preparatory Charter School, and Nonprofit Staten Island’s Development Affinity group.
Teresa holds a bachelor’s degree from Stockton University where she majored in Political Science and minored in Jewish Studies. She has also received fundraising certifications from Baruch College and University of California, Davis.
While Teresa enjoys being active in so many amazing organizations and the Staten Island community, she loves spending time with her husband, John, their daughter, Madison, and their high energy dog, Bailey.