02/26/2026
Todd H. Vandervort Named President of the Board of the Pioneer Foundation for Service and Art
The Pioneer Foundation for Service and Art is pleased to announce Todd H. Vandervort was named Chair of the Board of Directors. The Pioneer Foundation for Service and Art is a 501(c3) charitable foundation established by the Cathedral of All Saints. Its mission is two-fold: to focus on the preservation of the Cathedral’s historic buildings as a community asset and to provide non-sectarian programming to benefit the community. Restoring the Guild House as a center for Community Outreach with an emphasis on early literacy is the current focus. Mr. Vandervort, a longtime advocate for community service and historic preservation, has helped lead the Foundation’s efforts to support the restoration and future revitalization of the historic Guild House at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany.
"Todd brings exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to community service," said The Very Rev. Leander S. Harding, Dean of the Cathedral of All Saints. "His experience navigating public policy and regulatory environments, combined with his longstanding involvement in nonprofit leadership, will be invaluable as we move from planning to implementation in preserving this historic community asset."
The Guild House, which is adjacent to the Cathedral was constructed in 1902 and designed by noted Albany architect Marcus T. Reynolds. The Guild House served for decades as an immigrant settlement house, cultural center, and school. Following years of dormancy, it is now the focus of a renewed community effort to return the building to active service, supporting literacy, workforce development, and other vital neighborhood programs.
The restoration project recently received a major boost through a $675,000 grant from the New York State Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). That grant was on top of other major donations, including a $250,000 initial grant from Senator Neil Breslin in 2024 and two $100,000 grants from Senator Pat Fahy and Assemblywoman Gabriella Romero in 2025. Thanks to other additional supporters, more than $1 million has been secured to date for structural stabilization and initial restoration efforts.
"I am honored to serve as Chair of the Pioneer Foundation’s Board at such an important moment," said Mr. Vandervort. "The Cathedral campus and the Guild House are more than historic buildings. They represent Albany’s legacy of service, opportunity, and community connection. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members, the Cathedral leadership, and our partners to ensure these remarkable structures are restored and reimagined for future generations."
As restoration planning advances around the Guild House, the Pioneer Foundation will continue working with preservation experts, architects, and community stakeholders to ensure that it will once again serve as a hub of education, service, and neighborhood engagement.
