Russell Makofsky

Russell Makofsky has served as co-president of the Concordia University Alumni Association’s New York Chapter since 2009.

The Long Island native, studied finance at the John Molson School of Business, played basketball for the Stingers under legendary coach John Dore, was active in the Finance Investment Student Association — and even met his wife in class. Off campus, he coached basketball and soccer at a local school. After graduation, he landed in New York City, earning an MBA at New York Institute of Technology.

A passionate chess player, Makofsky blended his chess and coaching skills with his business training, founding Impact Coaching Network. The award-winning program provides chess education and builds competitive teams in NYC public schools, reaching 20,000 students annually.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Makofsky launched The Gift of Chess. Designed to help people reconnect within their communities amid widespread isolation, the charity initially donated 10,000 chess sets to NYC students. It has since distributed 150,000 sets across 40+ countries. Their goal is to donate 1 million chess sets globally by 2030.

Grateful for his Concordia experience, Makofsky enjoys giving back to him alma mater as chapter co-president, bringing alumni together for networking, fun and fundraising through a vibrant mix of alumni events — from lively pub nights and alumni receptions to festive holiday parties and the annual Terry Fox Run for Cancer in Central Park.

He received the Concordia University Alumni Association’s International Excellence Award in 2025.