With extensive experience in both nonprofit leadership and international trade, Carole S. McDermott serves as president and chairman of the board of Meals on Wheels of Greater Newburgh. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in accounting from Orange County Community College, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA, as well as completed coursework toward a bachelor’s degree at Mount Saint Mary College. Since 2006, Ms. McDermott has applied her financial acumen and passion for service to the organization, demonstrating her dedication to improving the lives of individuals in her community.
Ms. McDermott’s professional journey has taken her from the world of international trade to her current role in nonprofit leadership. As a former vice president and international trade specialist with The Bank of New York and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), she has traveled extensively, representing the interests of U.S. businesses abroad. She excelled in a field dominated by men, earning the Governor’s Award from former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, in recognition of her contributions to international trade. This achievement, along with her role as the only woman among New York’s five representatives that year, remains a proud milestone in her career. In her work with banks, she trained commercial credit departments and earned the praise of Wall Street bankers for her analytical skills, establishing herself as one of the most reliable credit analysts in her field.
At Meals on Wheels of Greater Newburgh, Ms. McDermott has shaped the organization’s mission by streamlining board meetings, revising bylaws, and guiding the team on operational matters. She believes in the importance of preparation and ensures that meetings run smoothly by setting agendas in collaboration with the executive director. Her focus on governance and strategic planning has contributed to the organization’s growth and efficiency, allowing it to serve more seniors and individuals in need within the community.
A lifelong resident of Newburgh, Ms. McDermott’s connection to Meals on Wheels originates from her childhood, when she met Frederica Warner, the organization’s founder. This encounter left a lasting impression on young Ms. McDermott, inspiring her to remain engaged with the organization she now leads. Her civic involvement spans numerous organizations, including as president of the Hudson Valley International Trade Association, and as director emeritus of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the board of directors for United Way, Meals on Wheels of New York State, and the Junior League of Newburgh, consistently applying her expertise and leadership to enhance community services.
Ms. McDermott’s accomplishments have been widely recognized. Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus awarded her the Citizen of the Month Award in 2019, and she has received multiple honors for her community service, including the Everyday Hero Award from the Kiwanis Club of Newburgh. She credits her success to her parents, especially her mother, who instilled in her the values of hard work and compassion. Ms. McDermott’s life also reflects a love for music, reading, and time spent with her husband, whom she credits as a source of joy and support.
Family remains central to Ms. McDermott’s life. Her son, a minister in Edmonton, Canada, studied at Princeton Theological Seminary, a journey his mother supported wholeheartedly. Her daughter, an accountant, shares her mother’s interest in finance. These family bonds are a source of pride for Ms. McDermott, whose legacy of dedication and service will continue to inspire those around her for years to come.