Q&A: Meet Sherrie Streit Ager, CSS’s New VP of Development
We're thrilled to welcome Sherrie Streit Ager as the VP of Development at CSS! With extensive experience in fundraising and donor engagement — and a deep belief in the power of community — Sherrie joins CSS at a pivotal moment for New York, with a clear focus on expanding opportunity and strengthening future of our city and state.
In this interview, Sherrie reflects on what drew her to CSS, how strategic fundraising can help advance economic justice, and the importance of listening as a leadership practice. She also shares her vision for deepening partnerships with donors and supporters, and how philanthropy can serve as a catalyst for meaningful, long-term impact across New York.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background, and what drew you to CSS and this role?
A: I’m an adopted New Yorker — I came here for graduate school and have lived and worked in the city for more than 20 years. New York has profoundly shaped my worldview and my belief in the power of community. Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated by the idea that philanthropy can create real opportunity when it’s aligned with people and communities’ best interests. That belief led me to fundraising work. CSS embodies those values: a deep commitment to New Yorkers and a unique path to create a positive impact at a critical moment. This role offers a chance to help strengthen the city’s future when it’s needed most.
Q: What excites you most about joining CSS as the VP of Development?
A: This is an urgent time for New York with real potential to scale impact across the city and state in meaningful, tangible ways. Strategic philanthropy can play a catalytic role in expanding access and economic security across communities. I’m excited to bring my experience in donor engagement, securing transformational gifts, and building strong fundraising teams to help CSS grow its capacity and deepen its long-term impact for all New Yorkers.
Q: What motivates you personally to work toward economic justice?
A: I’ve seen firsthand how timely support can change the trajectory of a person’s life. What motivates me is helping connect resources to people who haven’t always had access. At its best, philanthropy supports individuals and families as they work toward stability, dignity, and self-determination. CSS’s mission aligns closely with that belief, ensuring New Yorkers have the tools and support they need to succeed and thrive.
Q: What opportunities do you see to deepen relationships with donors and supporters at CSS?
A: With more than 180 years of service to New York, CSS is uniquely positioned to invite donors into a shared vision for the city’s future. There’s tremendous potential to engage supporters not just as funders, but as partners and collaborators in expanding opportunity for New Yorkers. By clearly connecting philanthropy to tangible outcomes, whether access to legal services, healthcare, or education, we can build lasting relationships grounded in shared values and trust. That kind of engagement leads to meaningful, sustained impact.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned during your fundraising career that continues to shape how you lead?
A: Listening is so much more powerful than speaking first. The most effective strategies and strongest partnerships emerge when we take the time to understand what motivates people and what they truly need. Whether working with donors, leading teams, or engaging with stakeholders, thoughtful listening builds trust and helps identify where we can make the greatest difference.
Q: What would you like CSS supporters to know about how their contributions make a difference behind the scenes?
A: Every contribution to CSS supports real, life-changing work — from expanding access to healthcare, reducing crippling educational debt, or promoting economic stability. Supporters help provide flexible resources and infrastructure that allows CSS to respond quickly, strengthen partnerships, and sustain programs that support individuals, families, and communities across New York. I’m deeply committed to ensuring supporters understand the impact of their giving and how it contributes to a more resilient, inclusive city.
Q: What does it mean to you to build a more equitable New York?
A: It means ensuring all New Yorkers have access to the resources they need to thrive — regardless of the barriers they face. Equity is about creating fair pathways to education, healthcare, legal support, and economic opportunity by listening to communities and responding to their strengths and priorities. When we invest in people, we strengthen the city as a whole, and CSS is uniquely positioned to lead that work.
Q: When you’re not working, what’s your favorite way to unwind or recharge?
A: I am constantly organizing some activity or some social event either with my family or friends. Most of my time outside work revolves around my kids sports — whether it’s driving them to their next practice or game, or cheering from the sidelines, I love to be involved in their activities. I also love traveling with my family — we try to go to a new destination together every year. And we are always active, whether that’s hiking or spending time at the shore. I also make time to run, swim, and practice yoga.