Larchmont resident Polly Lagana has been appointed Executive Director of Volunteer New York! Lagana brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep commitment to equity, volunteerism, and civic engagement. She joins Volunteer New York! at a pivotal moment in the organization’s history — in the midst of its milestone 75th anniversary year — with a bold vision for its future and a proven track record of transformational leadership. 

Most recently, Lagana served as Executive Director of the T200 Foundation, a global network advancing women in technology, where she led a strategic expansion that increased revenue by 50 percent and significantly grew volunteer engagement and corporate partnerships. Her previous leadership roles include Chief Resource Development Officer at the Westchester, NY-based STEM Alliance and Director positions at Student Leadership Network, where she helped scale college access and girls education programs that reached thousands of students across New York City. In addition to her executive experience, Polly has served as an adjunct professor of communications at Baruch College and Union County College, bringing a unique combination of hands-on teaching, strategic fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration to her work. Lagana lives in the Village of Larchmont with her husband and three children. 

“Volunteer New York! is a community anchor — empowering people to take action and build stronger, more connected communities,” said Lagana. “It is an honor to join this extraordinary team and lead an organization with such a strong legacy and powerful mission. I look forward to working with our volunteers, partners, and supporters to expand impact and advance our shared vision of a more vibrant and equitable region.” Lagana succeeds Interim Executive Director Suzanne C. Tillman, who has stewarded the organization since early 2025 following the departure of longtime Deputy Director–turned– Executive Director Jeanette Gisbert. 

“Polly’s strategic vision, deep community ties, and passion for service make her the ideal leader to guide Volunteer New York! as it begins its next 75 years of impact,” said Amy Seiden, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome her and excited for the future.” 

Volunteer New York! is a one-stop resource devoted to increasing volunteerism in Westchester and surrounding communities. Last year, Volunteer New York! inspired over 35,000 volunteers to take action and helped coordinate more than 457,000 hours of service supporting 300+ local nonprofits and organizations — an economic value of $16.9 million reinvested into the community.