Syracuse, N.Y. -- Meg O’Connell, executive director of the Allyn Family Foundation for the past 30 years, is retiring at the end of this year.

O’Connell today announced her retirement from the philanthropic organization that has been a force behind some of downtown Syracuse’s resurgence. Maarten Jacobs, currently the organization’s director of community prosperity, will take over her position, according to an email O’Connell sent out today.

"When I started with the Allyn Foundation in 1995, it was a small family effort. Today, the Foundation has grown into a trusted partner and catalyst for change – supporting innovative programs, building community, and investing in the people who make this region such a special place‚" O’Connell wrote.

The Allyn Foundation grew into a community forc

See Full Page