Friends Of Bassett Welcomes A Familiar Face Back

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Michael Stein, who has served Bassett in various capacities over nearly three decades, has been named Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network. In that role, Stein will oversee philanthropic activity across the Bassett network, as well as pursue government funding opportunities and handle legislative relations at the state and federal level.

“Mike has a wealth of experience that will serve Bassett well, and he enjoys the trust and respect of many given his nearly 30 years of service to the organization,” noted CEO Dr. William F. Streck. “We are pleased that Mike has accepted this position with the Friends.”

Stein replaces Scott Barrett who is leaving Bassett after six years of service to become Vice President of Development at Loretto, a network of facilities and programs that comprise a leading eldercare service provider in Onondaga County. During his tenure with the Friends, Barrett led campaigns to fund the Bassett Birthing Center, the cancer screening coach, school-based health and many other projects throughout the network. His move to Syracuse allows Barrett to be closer to his home and family.

Stein rejoins the Friends of Bassett after spending the past five years as Bassett’s Executive Director for Government Affairs, in addition to serving as an independent fundraising consultant to many not for profits throughout upstate New York. “I was saddened to learn of Scott’s departure. He is a good friend and colleague and has done an outstanding job generating philanthropic support throughout the Bassett network. At the same time, I am honored to once again have the opportunity to work with the Friends of Bassett volunteers and staff. Bassett has been such an important part of my life and I am pleased to do whatever I can to help further its mission.”

Stein joined Bassett in 1982 and later became the organization’s first Director of Public Relations and Fund Development. In that capacity, Stein helped orchestrate Bassett’s first capital campaign, which helped fund construction of the Bassett Clinic. In 1994, he left Bassett to serve as the Vice President for Development of the Presbyterian Hospital in the City of New York. Returning to Bassett in October 1996, Stein served as the Vice President for External Affairs. He successfully managed a $15 million capital campaign in 1997 and later led the Bassett Heart Care Campaign, which raised $12 million in support of the Bassett Heart Care Institute and related construction projects.

Stein serves on the board of O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, the University Council at the University at Albany and is currently co-chair of Planned Parenthood of South Central New York. He has lectured on fundraising topics for many organization and academic institutions throughout the state.