Ronald McDonald House Hired New Syracuse Staff
The nonprofit expanded its team to enhance support services for families with children undergoing medical treatment.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
Ronald McDonald House Central New York has appointed Kristine Knutson and Zierra Forbes to new staff positions in Syracuse. These hires support the organization's mission to expand assistance for local families with children receiving care.
Why it matters
The organization is growing its internal capacity to better serve families facing medical crises in the Syracuse area. Expanding the staff allows for more robust program development and volunteer coordination.
The organization added two professional staff roles to manage its expanding family programs and volunteer operations. These additions come as the local branch scales its operational capacity.
The players
Kristine Knutson
She is the new family support specialist who holds a master's degree in community counseling.
Zierra Forbes
She serves as the new volunteer and event specialist and holds a bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism administration.
Ronald McDonald House Central New York
This nonprofit organization provides essential services to families with children receiving medical treatment in the Syracuse area.
The details
Kristine Knutson, a community counseling master's degree holder formerly of Contact Community Services, joins as a family support specialist to spearhead new family-focused initiatives. Zierra Forbes, a hospitality and tourism administration graduate with experience at Sea Island Resort, will oversee the recruitment, training, and management of volunteer personnel.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Staff appointments were officially announced.
Market Landscape
This staff expansion aligns with the broader institutional strategy of Ronald McDonald House Charities to localize management and improve family support outcomes. The addition of specialized professional staff positions the local chapter to better compete for volunteer engagement and charitable funding within the Syracuse nonprofit sector.
Local families utilizing Ronald McDonald House services can expect increased program availability and improved support as the organization bolsters its staff. These changes signal a more structured approach to volunteer and event management, which may provide more consistent aid to the community.
The takeaway
Nonprofits frequently scale their internal teams to meet increasing demands for specialized support services. Implementing a professional staff structure ensures that both volunteers and the families they assist receive consistent, high-quality care.
Further reading
For additional context on leadership and staff updates in the region, visit the Syracuse People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
