{"id":6918,"date":"2025-10-17T20:54:53","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T20:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/6918\/"},"modified":"2025-10-17T20:54:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T20:54:53","slug":"the-2025-nonprofit-trailblazers-city-state-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/6918\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2025 Nonprofit Trailblazers – City & State New York"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Melissa Aase<\/p>\n

CEO, University Settlement<\/p>\n

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Melissa Aase
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\n Sean Sime<\/p>\n

With roots at University Settlement dating back to a 1992 internship, Melissa Aase helms the growing $60 million nonprofit serving over 40,000 New Yorkers each year with a focus on the arts and social programs. Aase, who has increased the organization\u2019s investment in mental health services, has spoken out against federal cuts affecting nonprofits and advocated successfully for higher wages in the sector. A longtime champion of the arts and essential services for low-income and immigrant families, Aase previously ran the International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers and continues to serve on its board.<\/p>\n

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\n Leonard Achan<\/p>\n

President and CEO, LiveOnNY<\/p>\n

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Leonard Achan
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\n LiveOnNY<\/p>\n

After taking the helm of LiveOnNY, Leonard Achan turned what was a struggling organ donation organization into a national model. Organ donation rose 70% in three years, with new national firsts in honoring geriatric and Black donors. Achan, an experienced health care executive with a focus on equity, partnered with NYU Langone Health to launch the country\u2019s first fellowship in organ donor management and helped pass a landmark state law requiring organ donation education in driver\u2019s education, set to take effect this month.<\/p>\n

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\n Ana Almanzar<\/p>\n

New York City Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives<\/p>\n

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Ana Almanzar
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\n Caroline Rubinstein-Willis<\/p>\n

New York City Deputy Mayor Ana Almanzar brings cross-sector experience to her role overseeing major citywide initiatives, drawing on past work in government, philanthropy and Latino civic engagement. Almanzar oversees a portfolio that includes CUNY, early childhood programs and nonprofits. She also chairs the Mayor\u2019s Fund to Advance New York City, a city-affiliated nonprofit that partners across sectors to support innovative programs. Previously, Almanzar directed community relations at the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. She has boosted pay for human services workers and taken steps to tackle backlogged contracts.<\/p>\n

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\n Claire Atalla<\/p>\n

CEO, Catholic Charities of Staten Island<\/p>\n

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Claire Atalla
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\n Steve White, StatenArts<\/p>\n

Since Claire Atalla was promoted to lead Catholic Charities of Staten Island in 2022, she hasn\u2019t shied away from bold moves. With a background in residential and day services for people with disabilities, Atalla has expanded her nonprofit\u2019s reach \u2013 bringing in $9 million in grants and collaborating with other organizations. She oversees a wide-ranging portfolio, from senior and food access services to youth programming and community events, while pushing into new areas like marketing. The organization\u2019s emergency food pantry services have also expanded through multiple partnerships.<\/p>\n

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\n Murad Awawdeh<\/p>\n

President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition<\/p>\n

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Murad Awawdeh
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\n New York Immigration Coalition<\/p>\n

As crackdowns on immigrants intensify and local ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deepen, Murad Awawdeh has criticized what he called \u201cmorally corrupt\u201d enforcement practices. His advocacy has sharpened in response to deportations, both nationally and locally. With more than 20 years of grassroots and policy experience, Awawdeh leads the New York Immigration Coalition and NYIC Action, where he has steered pivotal wins like the Green Light Law and Excluded Workers Fund. His organization has fought against efforts to deny asylum-seekers health care and recently filed a lawsuit challenging an executive order undermining birthright citizenship.<\/p>\n

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\n Judith Bailey-Hung<\/p>\n

Behavior Intervention Specialist Coordinator, YAI<\/p>\n

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Judith Bailey-Hung
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\n Kayleigh Hung<\/p>\n

For decades, Judith Bailey-Hung has worked to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities get the services they need. At YAI, she oversees a network of behavior intervention specialists and leads its Center for Innovation and Engagement, supervising multiple grant-funded projects that develop personalized tech solutions to enhance independence. She also contributed to research at Fordham University on informed consent for people with developmental disabilities. With nearly 30 years at YAI, she has shaped clinical training and mentored the next generation of behavior specialists.<\/p>\n

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\n Jenna Bimbi<\/p>\n

Founder and Co-Executive Director, New York Birth Control Access Project<\/p>\n

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Jenna Bimbi
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\n Rochelle Rodney<\/p>\n

Jenna Bimbi didn\u2019t wait for a national crisis to act. She founded the New York Birth Control Access Project years before Roe v. Wade was overturned, recognizing that even in a progressive state, many live in contraceptive deserts. Spurred by her own experience being denied an IUD due to clinic shortages, she was instrumental in passing New York\u2019s Birth Control Access Act. Now, the former strategist and educator is pushing legislation to install emergency contraception vending machines on public college campuses. On reproductive care accessibility, Bimbi believes New York should set the standard.<\/p>\n

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\n Stacy Bliagos<\/p>\n

Executive Director, HANAC<\/p>\n

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\n Dorothy Shi<\/p>\n

Stacy Bliagos brings legal savvy with a deep commitment to social equity as she leads HANAC, a New York City nonprofit originally rooted in Astoria\u2019s Greek community. A former attorney and public sector executive, Bliagos now oversees 650 units of affordable housing and a suite of programs ranging from youth workforce initiatives to elder care services. Her push for intergenerational housing and supportive services reflects a belief in aging with dignity. The nationally recognized, energy-efficient Corona Senior Residence highlights her impact, as does her work advancing housing justice across New York City.<\/p>\n

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\n Troy Boyle<\/p>\n

Chief Operating Officer, Institute for Community Living<\/p>\n

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Troy Boyle
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Troy Boyle launched his career in New York City\u2019s shelter and supportive housing systems before spending 18 years in San Diego leading clinical operations for behavioral health programs. He returned to New York in 2023 to join the Institute for Community Living, rising quickly from senior vice president to chief operating officer, overseeing care for 13,000 people annually. He helped launch STEPS, a $2.3 million pilot program improving housing outcomes for high-need individuals. Outside of the institute, he provides trauma-informed counseling to uninsured New Yorkers, exemplifying his belief that behavioral health care should be accessible to all.<\/p>\n

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\n Ruth C. Browne<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Ronald McDonald House New York<\/p>\n

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Ruth C. Browne
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\n Ronald McDonald House New York<\/p>\n

Ruth C. Browne is supporting families facing pediatric illnesses, expanding Ronald McDonald House New York\u2019s reach with family rooms at area hospitals \u2013\u00a0like the Children\u2019s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx, which now has nap pods, a kitchenette and overnight stays. In its 45th year, the organization added family rooms at NYC Health + Hospitals\/Metropolitan in Manhattan, part of a growing network powered by thousands of volunteers and hundreds of donors and partners. On her watch, the organization\u2019s latest gala raised more than $1 million. She was previously the founding CEO of the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health.<\/p>\n

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\n George Chacon<\/p>\n

President, MCU Foundation<\/p>\n

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George Chacon
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\n Municipal Credit Union<\/p>\n

On George Chacon\u2019s watch, the Municipal Credit Union Foundation has made generous gifts, including a $100,000 donation to the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley and emergency aid to Yonkers residents who faced a natural gas outage. The inaugural president launched the foundation\u2019s core focus areas \u2013 basic necessities, education and homeownership \u2013 aligning with a mission to eliminate poverty and build generational wealth. A banking veteran, Chacon brings 20 years of financial experience to his dual role at Municipal Credit Union, where he is chief strategy officer.<\/p>\n

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\n Ingrid Matias Chungata<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Nuestro Ni\u00f1os Child Development School<\/p>\n

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Ingrid Matias Chungata
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\n Shirley Rodriguez<\/p>\n

When New York City moved to shutter Nuestro Ni\u00f1os Child Development School in Brooklyn, Ingrid Matias Chungata didn\u2019t blink \u2013\u00a0she organized. Mobilizing parents and community leaders, she helped force a reversal, preserving culturally rooted early education. At Nuestro Ni\u00f1os, she\u2019s introduced a progressive Reggio Emilia-inspired learning model and leads a city-funded Family Child Care Network. Additionally, as board chair of El Puente, a human rights group based in Brooklyn and Puerto Rico, she supports a movement rooted in youth power, arts and self-determination for Latino and marginalized communities in Williamsburg, Bushwick and beyond.<\/p>\n

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\n Nolly Climes<\/p>\n

President, People for People Fund<\/p>\n

Nolly Climes helps working families in Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties navigate financial crises at the People for People Fund, a nonprofit offering small, one-time grants with lasting impact. He has expanded the board, driven fundraising efforts and launched community events to sustain the mission. Climes also led Orange County\u2019s Joint Membership of Health and Community Agencies for over 20 years, promoting access to health and recovery resources. Whether organizing recognition breakfasts or mentoring students at SUNY Orange, he is driven by a simple, powerful notion: neighbors helping neighbors.<\/p>\n

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\n Tehra Coles<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Center for Family Representation<\/p>\n

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Tehra Coles
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\n Jayana Photos<\/p>\n

Early on in her career, Tehra Coles defended parents in family court \u2013 now, she leads one of New York City\u2019s most prominent family defense nonprofits. After a decade in various roles at the Center for Family Representation, Coles left, then returned as executive director in 2023, sharpening its focus on dismantling the foster care to prison pipeline. The growing organization now has a staff of over 150 and expanded last year into Staten Island. Coles serves on the Movement for Family Power\u2019s advisory board and was recently appointed to the state Permanent Commission on Justice for Families.<\/p>\n

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\n Marcel Crooks<\/p>\n

Director of Behavioral Health Residential Services, WellLife Network<\/p>\n

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Marcel Crooks
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\n Thomas Claude Photography<\/p>\n

Marcel Crooks brings a ground-up perspective to social work, having risen through the ranks over more than a decade in New York\u2019s nonprofit landscape. At WellLife Network, which he joined in 2011, he oversees residential behavioral health programs while piloting personal care initiatives to build dignity among residents. He recently opened a housing development as part of New York City\u2019s 15\/15 Supportive Housing Initiative, which aimed to create 15,000 units of supportive housing over 15 years. He also led the successful recertification audit of an apartment treatment program.<\/p>\n

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\n Max Denler<\/p>\n

Assistant Vice President and Adviser, Alliant Retirement Consulting<\/p>\n

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\n Kathleen Peachey<\/p>\n

Max Denler brings a long-standing focus on retirement planning for nonprofits, ensuring social services staff and mission-driven employees have access to cost-effective, high-quality benefits. At Alliant Retirement Consulting, he advises on fiduciary standards, vendor selection and employee engagement strategies to boost participation and readiness. A frequent speaker on compliance and plan design, he also serves on the committee for the New York City Imagine Awards, which spotlight the nonprofit sector. His work helps nonprofits turn back-office planning into long-term security for those on the front lines.<\/p>\n

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\n Elise Dowell<\/p>\n

CEO, JCC Mid-Westchester<\/p>\n

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\n Ellen Dubin<\/p>\n

Since taking the helm at JCC Mid-Westchester in 2022, Elise Dowell has revitalized senior programs, expanded early childhood education and launched new STEAM and cultural initiatives. On her watch, the recreational and educational nonprofit has doubled its annual operating income and garnered major capital investments from elected officials and foundations. She also opened additional locations for its special needs preschool across lower Westchester County. The Westchester resident has served on multiple boards in both New York City and Westchester and previously spent nearly two decades\u00a0in key communications roles at the Jewish Theological Seminary.<\/p>\n

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\n Mark Dungan<\/p>\n

Vice President, Employee Benefits, USI Insurance Services<\/p>\n

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\n Sean Kirkland<\/p>\n

Mark Dungan leads USI\u2019s nonprofit employee benefits division, helping mission-driven organizations attract and retain talent through cost-effective plans tailored to their needs. Having grown up watching his father lead a nonprofit and later, having worked at The Independence Center, he brings firsthand knowledge of the sector\u2019s demands to his advisory role. He has appeared on nonprofit panels addressing multigenerational workplace dynamics and retention challenges. Dungan has called for stronger senior leadership training to improve employee engagement at nonprofits.<\/p>\n

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\n Saeeda Dunston<\/p>\n

CEO, Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities<\/p>\n

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Saeeda Dunston in 2014 took over as CEO of Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities,\u00a0a long-standing Black-founded and Black-led nonprofit in Queens that serves over 7,000 residents each year. Elmcor\u00a0led the development of Helen M. Marshall Manor, a housing project for seniors and individuals in recovery, which opened last year amid fanfare, bringing out Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the grand opening. A fierce advocate for equity, Dunston backs the casino proposed for the Citi Field parking lot as part of the Metropolitan Park plan, emphasizing the need for jobs and green space.<\/p>\n

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\n Andrew Dzenis<\/p>\n

Managing Director and Co-Head, Nonprofit, Education and Government Practice, JLL<\/p>\n

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\n Jones Lang LaSalle<\/p>\n

Andrew Dzenis brings mission-driven precision to some of New York City\u2019s most complex nonprofit real estate deals. He led the development of a KIPP Charter School in the Bronx and helped Housing Works expand across Harlem, Brooklyn and Long Island City, Queens. His work relocating Hebrew Union College preserved and modernized a historic institution. He has represented the Robin Hood Foundation, Yeshiva University, Children\u2019s Village and Bronx Defenders. He joined JLL in 2023 from Savills\u2019 nonprofit practice group and serves on the young leadership committee of the Billion Oyster Project, a marine sustainability organization.<\/p>\n

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\n Jeanette Estima<\/p>\n

Director of Policy and Advocacy, Citymeals on Wheels<\/p>\n

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\n AJ Mattioli<\/p>\n

Jeanette Estima employs data-driven advocacy to confront elder hunger. She spearheaded Citymeals on Wheels\u2019 landmark \u201cAging Without Hunger\u201d report, which found that 60% of recipients face food insecurity. The findings spurred initiatives like the Breakfast Box and Mobile Grocery programs. Estima helped lead a push for increased funding, backed by testimony citing 273,000 emergency meals delivered in fiscal year 2024 and support for legislation to mandate year-round daily meals.\u00a0Through her evidence-based advocacy and policy expertise, Estima has helped shape Citymeals\u2019 ambitious new goal: ending elder hunger in New York City by 2040.<\/p>\n

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\n John Eusanio<\/p>\n

Partner and Not-for-Profit Practice Leader, Citrin Cooperman<\/p>\n

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With a background that includes Big Four accounting firm pedigree and national advisory roles \u2013\u00a0including a stint at KPMG supporting nonprofit and government clients \u2013\u00a0John Eusanio brings more than two decades of technical accounting fluency to the nonprofit space. At Citrin Cooperman, he leads the Not-for-Profit Practice, advising hospitals, universities, foundations and government agencies on everything from uniform guidance audits to employee benefit plans and more. His past roles at CohnReznick and KPMG helped sharpen his ability to guide organizations through complex financials with a focus on mission-driven accountability.<\/p>\n

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\n Evelyn Fern\u00e1ndez-Ketcham<\/p>\n

Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Hostos Community College<\/p>\n

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\n Shania Ketcham<\/p>\n

Evelyn Fern\u00e1ndez-Ketcham has built a career advancing education and workforce systems that serve disconnected youth. As a vice president at Hostos Community College, a post she has held since 2022, she oversees a broad portfolio of federal, state, city and private grants supporting literacy and job training. In the role, she has provided free occupational training courses to 1,400 individuals. The academic is also a co-director of The Emerging Adulthood Measured at Multiple Institutions 3: The International Edition, a collaborative study focused on markers of adulthood.<\/p>\n

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\n Jan Fisher<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Nonprofit Westchester<\/p>\n

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\n Maureen Fox<\/p>\n

Jan Fisher has expanded Nonprofit Westchester\u2019s reach and relevance, increasing its membership and amplifying civic engagement across the county. A strategic coalition-builder and an expert on social determinants of health, she pushes for livable wages, timely payments and overhead reform. The 300-member organization also strengthens the sector through professional development, networking and collaborative efforts. Fisher\u2019s advocacy highlights nonprofits as essential to the county, from those focused on early education to elder care. Recently, she spurred Westchester County to launch a nonprofit taskforce to support and address effective nonprofit operations, which she co-chairs.<\/p>\n

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\n Lawrence Fowler<\/p>\n

Acting Executive Director, Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center<\/p>\n

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\n Geto & de Milly, Inc.<\/p>\n

Lawrence Fowler has built a legacy of impactful leadership, helping steer the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center for years. Known for his pragmatic style and steady counsel, Fowler now manages the organization\u2019s day-to-day operations, oversees staff and runs human resources, information technology and more. The West Harlem-based organization provides health and social support services for residents of the neighborhood in Manhattan and beyond. Fowler negotiated a union contract extension, helped launch an All Are Welcome Here initiative and secured renewed New York City Council funding.<\/p>\n

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\n Tim Fredrick<\/p>\n

Managing Director of Education Programs, Youth Communication<\/p>\n

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\n Adi Kangutkar<\/p>\n

With a career based in student-centered learning, Tim Fredrick brings more than two decades of classroom experience into his leadership at Youth Communication, an educational nonprofit providing teen social and emotional learning programs. A former teacher at every level \u2013 from kindergarten to graduate school \u2013\u00a0he now oversees programs that reach over 50,000 New York City students annually. With Fredrick\u2019s help, the organization created a webinar series supporting young people during the COVID-19 pandemic and created an online portal for its social and emotional learning curriculum.<\/p>\n

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\n William Gettman Jr.<\/p>\n

CEO, Northern Rivers Family of Services<\/p>\n

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William Gettman Jr.
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\n Joanna Pennings<\/p>\n

With decades of experience, William Gettman Jr. is a leading voice in Albany\u2019s budget battles. He runs Northern Rivers Family of Services, a $90 million organization serving 18,000 people across 41 counties. Last year, it invested over $5 million into upgrades, including the renovation of two mental health residences, a new technology classroom and a new pool and aquatic center. Gettman serves on the board of the New York State Coalition for Children\u2019s Behavioral Health and chairs the state Justice Center Advisory Council and the Mental Health Association in New York State\u2019s board of directors.<\/p>\n

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\n Dave Giffen<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Coalition for the Homeless<\/p>\n

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Dave Giffen
\n \/
\n Coalition for the Homeless<\/p>\n

Dave Giffen first joined the Coalition for the Homeless in 1988 as a volunteer and returned in 2012 to lead the venerable organization through one of its most challenging eras. As homelessness in New York City has risen, he has become a critic of city and state leadership, accusing officials of relying on short-term fixes while neglecting permanent housing. In his role, he oversees services reaching 40,000 people a year through 11 direct service programs. He also teamed up with The Legal Aid Society to defend the right to shelter in New York City.<\/p>\n

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\n Jeffrey Ginsburg<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Volunteers of America-Greater New York<\/p>\n

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Jeffrey Ginsburg
\n \/
\n VOA-GNY<\/p>\n

Appointed to lead Volunteers of America-Greater New York in March 2024, Jeffrey Ginsburg leads a $150 million organization serving over 30,000 individuals through more than 65 programs. The nonprofit recently received a $20 million anonymous gift and became a co-developer on Hillside Grove, a project that will turn an old Department of Sanitation depot on Staten Island into a community hub with affordable housing. He previously transformed the East Harlem Tutorial Program into a network of schools backed by $100 million in community investment. A blues and rock musician turned education reformer, he brings creative energy to social challenges.<\/p>\n

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\n Christina Hanson<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Part of the Solution<\/p>\n

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Christina Hanson
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\n Eric Bondoc Photography<\/p>\n

Christina Hanson brings a data-driven approach to the fight against poverty, shaped by her early service in Senegal with the Peace Corps and honed through nonprofit consulting. Since becoming executive director of Part of the Solution in 2019, she has boosted its budget by more than 50% and created a community advisory committee to gather client feedback. She also designed and implemented an indexing tool to scale replicable strategies for long-term stability. Under her leadership, Part of the Solution has helped prevent hundreds of evictions across the Bronx.<\/p>\n

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\n Alexandros Hatzakis<\/p>\n

Chief Operating Officer and Associate Executive Director, FPWA<\/p>\n

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Alexandros Hatzakis
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\n Julia Xanthos Liddy<\/p>\n

Alexandros Hatzakis oversees strategy and systems at FPWA, driving efforts to dismantle poverty and advance racial justice. With his help, the organization has supported wage hikes for human services workers, set the stage for statewide minimum wage increases and championed a ballot measure that established a racial equity office. Hatzakis also spearheaded FPWA\u2019s strategic planning and launched a $5.5 million Roll Up Your Sleeves NY pop-up campaign to address health inequity during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has served as chair of the New York City Procurement Policy Board as well.<\/p>\n

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\n Dede Hill<\/p>\n

Director of Policy, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy<\/p>\n

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Dede Hill
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\n Hannah Berkel<\/p>\n

Dede Hill has emerged as one of the state\u2019s most forceful advocates for universal child care and child poverty reduction, bringing legal expertise and coalition-building skills to Albany\u2019s policy arena. She helped establish the Empire State Campaign for Child Care \u2013\u00a0which is seeking universal child care in New York \u2013\u00a0and recently warned that thousands of families risk losing child care subsidies monthly without urgent state funding. Her team\u2019s 2025 report revealed child poverty rates topping 40% in cities like Syracuse and Rochester. She was also appointed to the governor\u2019s Child Care Availability Task Force.<\/p>\n

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\n Crystal Hudson<\/p>\n

Chair, New York City Council Committee on Aging<\/p>\n

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Crystal Hudson
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\n City Council<\/p>\n

New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson, who represents Brooklyn\u2019s District 35, has carved out a powerful role as chair of the council\u2019s Committee on Aging. Her priorities reflect both a professional focus on and personal experience with caring for a parent with Alzheimer\u2019s disease. She has shepherded an ambitious Age in Place 2.0 package through the council \u2013 six of its 11 bills have passed thus far \u2013\u00a0and helped lead the push for $2.3 billion in additional city funding to expand services for older adults. Her work often focuses on seniors vulnerable to gentrification, and she has co-authored legislation addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults.<\/p>\n

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\n Ellie Hume<\/p>\n

Regional Director, Your Part-Time Controller<\/p>\n

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Ellie Hume
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\n YPTC<\/p>\n

Ellie Hume volunteered to relocate from Washington, D.C., to help deepen Your Part-Time Controller\u2019s presence in New York during a period of expansion. Now a regional director for YPTC, a financial management firm serving nonprofits, she oversees offices in three states and is preparing to launch a fourth. Hume spent two decades strengthening nonprofit financial systems from the inside out \u2013 combining fiscal precision with board service at BoardStrong and regular talks with groups like the New York Council on Nonprofits and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.<\/p>\n

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\n Ronzard Innocent<\/p>\n

Principal and Managing Director of Project Management Services, Denham Wolf<\/p>\n

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Ronzard Innocent
\n \/
\n Denham Wolf Real Estate<\/p>\n

Ronzard Innocent has led capital projects that turn nonprofit visions into physical spaces throughout New York City. At Denham Wolf since 2007, he has overseen the transformation of a Harlem firehouse into a Caribbean cultural center\u2019s landmark hub and guided the launch of Planned Parenthood\u2019s 14,000-square-foot Queens clinic \u2013\u00a0now a prototype for future sites. A board member of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, he pairs technical expertise with community investment. With a background in facilities design and real estate strategy, he remains a trusted partner in mission-aligned development.<\/p>\n

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\n Leonard Jacobs<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning<\/p>\n

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Leonard Jacobs
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Leonard Jacobs leads the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, a multidisciplinary arts center in Southeast Queens. A former theater critic, editor and arts journalist, Jacobs has also served as director of cultural institutions at the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Jacobs founded The Clyde Fitch Report and has held editorial roles at Backstage and TheaterMania. He was also appointed recently to Queens Community Board 12 and has served as a panelist for the state Council on the Arts and the New York Foundation for the Arts.<\/p>\n

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\n Shanda Johnson<\/p>\n

Founder and CEO, The Rick Miller Foundation<\/p>\n

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Shanda Johnson
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Shanda Johnson\u2019s mission is as personal as it is relentless. Inspired by her late father\u2019s acts of service, she founded The Rick Miller Foundation in 2016 to fight hunger and human suffering across New York City. While holding a full-time job, Johnson distributes donated food and toiletries across all five boroughs nearly every day. She has said that \u201chunger never stops\u201d \u2013\u00a0and neither will she, believing no one should have to worry about how they\u2019ll feed their family. She\u2019s also developing a youth music program in Times Square.<\/p>\n

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\n Roderick Jones<\/p>\n

President, Goddard Riverside and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center<\/p>\n

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Roderick Jones
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\n Goddard Riverside<\/p>\n

Raised in the Cypress Hills projects, Roderick Jones built a career rooted in justice and possibility. After leading Grace Hill Settlement House in St. Louis, he returned to New York City in 2017 to helm Goddard Riverside and later led its full merger with the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center. Together, the organization serves over 22,000 New Yorkers annually across more than 30 programs. He is also an appointed member of the New York City Council\u2019s Charter Revision Commission.<\/p>\n

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\n Paul Joslyn<\/p>\n

CEO, AccessCNY<\/p>\n

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Paul Joslyn
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\n Wainwright Photography<\/p>\n

At AccessCNY, Paul Joslyn has overseen mergers, COVID-19 pandemic recovery and a growing footprint in mental health innovation. He has spent nearly a decade leading the Central New York organization, which has a $50 million-plus operating budget and over 1,200 employees. Drawing on earlier leadership at Unity House and a background managing restitution for fraud victims, he has helped reimagine services for individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental illness. This year, AccessCNY worked with the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities as well as Upstate University Hospital to open an intensive respite program.<\/p>\n

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\n Yolanda Kanes<\/p>\n

Partner and Co-Chair, Trusts and Estates Practice, Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt<\/p>\n

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Yolanda Kanes
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\n Robert Milazzo<\/p>\n

Blending estate law with deep nonprofit expertise, Yolanda Kanes has long positioned her practice at the intersection of philanthropy and service. A champion for women in law and leadership, she advises numerous women-founded nonprofits \u2013\u00a0from children\u2019s programs and charter schools to an ovarian cancer advocacy group \u2013\u00a0on governance and compliance. She frequently presents on board responsibilities and legal best practices to attorneys and nonprofit leaders. At her firm, she co-founded the Women\u2019s Initiative, fostering cross-industry mentorship and business development, and also is on the firm\u2019s management committee.<\/p>\n

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\n Lorena Kourousias<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Mixteca Organization<\/p>\n

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Lorena Kourousias
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\n Cinthya Santos-Briones<\/p>\n

Lorena Kourousias blends deep clinical experience with grassroots organizing to deliver holistic care for immigrant communities. A trained psychologist and social worker, she draws on two decades of binational experience to lead Mixteca Organization, a women-led nonprofit in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Under her leadership since 2019, the group has secured $2.5 million to purchase its first permanent home. The new Casa Mixteca triples service space, adds a dedicated mental health floor, and features a rooftop garden, solar panels and a community kitchen. Kourousias, a former housekeeper, recently joined the board of Brooklyn Org.<\/p>\n

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\n Shari Krull<\/p>\n

CEO, StreetWise Partners<\/p>\n

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Shari Krull
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Shari Krull\u2019s decade at the helm of StreetWise Partners, a mentoring and career mobility organization, has been defined by scale and systems change. She has tripled the budget, expanded its model to new cities and secured major investments,\u00a0including a $1 million commitment from Global Atlantic Financial Group. Under her leadership, the organization has served over 10,000 mentees and 15,000 mentors, delivering a $3 wage gain for every $1 invested. A former leader at Grace Institute and Bigs & Littles, Krull also serves on the board of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition.<\/p>\n

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\n Dan Lehman<\/p>\n

President and CEO, HELP USA<\/p>\n

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Dan Lehman
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\n HELP USA<\/p>\n

Dan Lehman stepped into the top job at HELP USA amid a worsening housing crisis \u2013\u00a0and brought decades of cross-sector experience with him. A former deputy commissioner at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and seasoned nonprofit executive, he now leads an organization that serves 30,000 people annually across more than 60 sites. In 2024, HELP USA launched a $129 million housing complex in East New York, Brooklyn, and, by 2025, expanded its trauma-informed care model with music therapy, adding new dimensions to recovery for those facing homelessness.<\/p>\n

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\n Larry Levine<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Blythedale Children\u2019s Hospital<\/p>\n

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Larry Levine
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\n Blythedale Children’s Hospital<\/p>\n

Larry Levine is a passionate advocate for children with complex medical needs. With more than 40 years of experience in children\u2019s hospitals, he has transformed care for children with chronic conditions. The leader of Blythedale Children\u2019s Hospital in Westchester County since 2001, he established New York\u2019s first pediatric medical-legal partnership and health home for children with complex needs and launched a Center for Assistive Technology to aid children with physical and communication issues. Inspired early by his work with U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, Levine uses policy and innovation to give voice to the voiceless.<\/p>\n

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\n Matthew D. Libby<\/p>\n

Managing Partner, MDG Benefit Solutions<\/p>\n

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Matthew D. Libby
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\n Lawrence Kalbfeld, In A Flash Studio<\/p>\n

Matthew D. Libby brings a regulatory edge to employee benefits \u2013 combining 20 years of industry expertise with fluency in federal health policy. At MDG Benefit Solutions, Libby specializes in helping nonprofits, charter schools and public sector clients build cost-efficient, compliant plans. A certified Affordable Care Act expert and licensed educator for CPA continuing education in New York, he also has spoken on governance as a panelist at Nonprofit BoardCon. His hands-on approach blends his negotiation savvy with policy insight as he aims to make benefits more strategic for mission-driven organizations.<\/p>\n

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\n Gary Linnen<\/p>\n

CEO, PeerForward<\/p>\n

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Gary Linnen
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\n RTW Photography<\/p>\n

Gary Linnen rose through the ranks to become PeerForward\u2019s CEO in 2020. A native of East Harlem and first-generation college graduate with over 20 years of experience in education, he has helped shape the model of the organization, which now serves over 85,000 students annually. He has boosted financial aid applications and helped sustain the mission beyond high school by engaging alumni as lifelong advocates. A former mayoral appointee to the New York City Panel for Educational Policy, he also serves on the Westtown School board.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Garrett Lucien<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Coro New York Leadership Center<\/p>\n

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Garrett Lucien
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\n Coro Portraits<\/p>\n

Garrett Lucien is the first Coro alum to step into the executive director role, bringing more than a decade of internal leadership and community development experience to the position. Lucien, who has increased fundraising and revenue at the nonprofit, had led Coro\u2019s Neighborhood Leadership Program before being promoted to his current role. A second-generation New Yorker with deep Bronx roots, he spent years at SoBro, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing the South Bronx. He also teaches management and leadership at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.<\/p>\n

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\n Marissa Mack<\/p>\n

Managing Director, Marketing and Business Development, Webster Bank<\/p>\n

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Marissa Mack
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

With deep roots in Harlem and a sharp eye on economic equity, Marissa Mack blends banking and civic leadership to empower nonprofits across New York. At Webster Bank, she leads business development and community engagement strategies tailored to nonprofits, combining foundation support with strategic partnerships. She serves on the Imagine Awards committee, recognizing impactful New York City nonprofits. A Coro alum and former community board chair, she was recently appointed to the Temple University Alumni Association\u2019s Metro New York Regional Network Council and as a representative on the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp.<\/p>\n

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\n Laura Marceca<\/p>\n

Director of Older Adult Network, Greenwich House<\/p>\n

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Laura Marceca
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\n Kris Connor Photography<\/p>\n

Over the course of a quarter century in social services, Laura Marceca quietly reshaped how older adults engage with community life in New York City. At Greenwich House, she has transformed the senior center into a vibrant hub reaching tens of thousands annually. She designed an older adult network model, streamlining services across four sites, and helped launch a center at the Westbeth Artists Housing community. She has also driven partnerships with institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she ensured uninterrupted services via Zoom classes, wellness calls and a citywide food delivery network.<\/p>\n

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\n Marina Marcou-O\u2019Malley<\/p>\n

Co-Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education<\/p>\n

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Marina Marcou-O\u2019Malley
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Marina Marcou-O\u2019Malley has spent over 15 years advancing educational equity through budget justice and grassroots advocacy. At the Alliance for Quality Education, she helps steer campaigns to overhaul school funding formulas and protect high-need districts. She helped lead a coalition of more than 100 groups demanding those funding changes and has been outspoken against the Trump administration\u2019s attempt to shutter the U.S. Department of Education. Her push for a $1.2 billion investment in New York\u2019s child care workforce connects school equity to the broader care economy.<\/p>\n

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\n Renato Matos<\/p>\n

Managing Partner, Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld<\/p>\n

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Renato Matos
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\n Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld LLP<\/p>\n

Renato Matos is a higher power when it comes to advising faith-based organizations navigating high-stakes real estate deals in New York. From air rights transfers to affordable housing ventures, his work helps religious institutions steward their properties while advancing their missions. He\u2019s the founder of Religious Law Advisors and regularly represents major denominational bodies across the state. In 2024, he led the $15 million sale of a Brooklyn church and launched the Interchurch Center Conference. He also chairs the Council of Church Advisors, which helps churches define and fulfill their missions.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/a>
\n Amanda Milazzo<\/p>\n

First Vice President and Senior Banker, Valley Bank<\/p>\n

Amanda Milazzo blends financial expertise with a people-first approach, drawing on nearly two decades of experience across institutions like JPMorgan Chase & Co., M&T Bank and Citibank. Now a senior banker at Valley Bank, she supports nonprofits through tailored strategies, including the New Markets Tax Credit and construction financing. At Nonprofit BoardCon, she emphasized the role of process streamlining \u2013\u00a0like automating workflows and standardizing finances \u2013\u00a0in boosting mission outcomes. Her career continues to center on building relationships that move organizations and communities forward.<\/p>\n

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\n Kalilah Moon<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Drive Change<\/p>\n

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Kalilah Moon
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\n Janet S. Kim<\/p>\n

Kalilah Moon is a seasoned nonprofit leader and advocate for equity, currently serving as executive director of Drive Change, a Brooklyn-based, social enterprise organization advancing economic mobility for justice-involved youth. Raised in Oakland, California, in a working-class family rich in community and mutual aid, Moon brings over 20 years of workforce development experience. Under her leadership, Drive Change has launched its first strategic plan and celebrated major milestones, including completion of a capital plan, renovation of its new headquarters in Bedford-Stuyvesant and the organization\u2019s recent 10-year anniversary.<\/p>\n

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\n Theodore Moore<\/p>\n

Executive Director, ALIGN<\/p>\n

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Theodore Moore
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\n Sean DiSerio<\/p>\n

As New York confronts the twin challenges of climate change and economic inequality, Theodore Moore is helping ALIGN turn big-picture demands into policy wins. He\u2019s leading efforts to pass the Climate Change Superfund Act and expand clean energy jobs, with a focus on ensuring they\u2019re union jobs. Under his leadership, the coalition has secured state-level protections for warehouse and retail workers. A Brooklyn native and early ALIGN staffer, he helped pass the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act and the Retail Worker Safety Act, which were both signed into law last year.<\/p>\n

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\n Michelle Moraz\u00e1n<\/p>\n

Vice President of Policy and Strategy Development, Somos Community Care<\/p>\n

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Michelle Moraz\u00e1n
\n \/
\n Somos Community Care<\/p>\n

Michelle Moraz\u00e1n\u2019s strategic policy work is informed by decades of front-line nonprofit leadership to the push for a more equitable health care system. At Somos Community Care, a physician-led network focused on value-based care, Moraz\u00e1n is shaping strategy based on New York\u2019s 1115 Medicaid Waiver, helping to link primary care with local organizations to address housing, food and transit access. Known for building cross-sector partnerships, she pairs on-the-ground experience with systemic change. Her doctoral research on nonprofit funding adds another layer to her work: building models that are both impactful and financially sustainable.<\/p>\n

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\n Sara Ogger<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Humanities New York<\/p>\n

As Humanities New York marks its 50th anniversary with a bold rebrand and digital overhaul, Sara Ogger\u2019s leadership remains firmly rooted in using the humanities to strengthen democratic society. At the helm since 2007, Ogger has increased grantmaking, modernized operations and expanded the organization\u2019s statewide reach to over a million New Yorkers annually. A former academic, she steers programs beyond traditional venues\u00a0into libraries, hospitals and prisons. Her latest effort: a Mellon Foundation-funded initiative supporting formerly incarcerated people through storytelling, performance and new rituals of reentry.<\/p>\n

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\n Carolina Oleas<\/p>\n

Workforce Development Coordinator, Catholic Charities of New York<\/p>\n

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Carolina Oleas
\n \/
\n Catholic Charities NY<\/p>\n

Carolina Oleas built Catholic Charities of New York\u2019s day labor program from the ground up, connecting directly with workers in Yonkers and the Bronx to strengthen ties between laborers and employers. An immigrant from Ecuador herself, she brings lived experience and trust to the job, mentoring participants to step into leadership roles and offering skill-building workshops. Backed by experience with the organization\u2019s Immigration Court Help Desk, she understands the systems newcomers must navigate. Her work reflects Catholic Charities\u2019 mission to serve the poor and oppressed \u2013\u00a0regardless of faith \u2013\u00a0in New York\u2019s immigrant communities.<\/p>\n

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\n Alyzza Ozer<\/p>\n

CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester<\/p>\n

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Alyzza Ozer
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\n Carolyn Simpson, Double Vision Photographers<\/p>\n

As the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester marks its 85th anniversary, veteran nonprofit leader Alyzza Ozer is writing its next chapter. She has implemented a comprehensive mental wellness program that includes\u00a0trauma-informed and dialectical behavioral therapy training for staff, age-appropriate curriculum development and the addition of more staff. She also has advocated for more state funding for youth mental health services. With prior leadership roles at United Way and the American Cancer Society, she brings seasoned nonprofit strategy to the table.<\/p>\n

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\n Curtis Palmore<\/p>\n

CEO, United Charter High Schools<\/p>\n

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Curtis Palmore
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\n Axis Talent Partners<\/p>\n

Curtis Palmore took the helm of New York City\u2019s largest charter high school network in 2023, rebranding and launching United Charter High Schools across three boroughs. Under his leadership, the network maintained a 96% graduation rate while continuing to serve students from underserved communities. Earlier, he founded a Brooklyn charter school where students from low-performing schools saw math scores rise by over 50%. A Bronx native and Teach for America alum, he also led a charter system in Paterson, New Jersey, through a successful five-year renewal and major campus expansion.<\/p>\n

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\n Brian Parchesky<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Together for Youth<\/p>\n

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Brian Parchesky
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\n Tyiesha Ford, Fullness of Joy Photography<\/p>\n

A year ago, the Berkshire Farm Center rebranded as Together for Youth, reflecting a revamped mission to serve young people and families. What hasn\u2019t changed is the steady leadership of Brian Parchesky, who has been at the helm since 2019 and has guided the organization through the transition and ensures delivery of services for child welfare, adolescent substance use, foster care and more. Parchesky previously led Glove House and held key roles at The Jewish Board. Together for Youth has a staff of over 600 and serves 2,000 children and families a day.<\/p>\n

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\n Wesner Pierre<\/p>\n

CEO, Partnership with Children<\/p>\n

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Wesner Pierre
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\n Partnership with Children<\/p>\n

As mental health needs surge among New York City\u2019s children, Wesner Pierre is leading a response grounded in both urgency and care. At the helm of Partnership with Children, he has expanded support to over 27,000 students and oversaw the opening of a new headquarters at One Battery Park to deepen citywide impact. Focused on the root causes of trauma, he\u2019s building cross-sector partnerships to foster long-term resilience. He\u2019s also pushed back against looming budget cuts, reframing schools as ecosystems of healing, agency and opportunity.<\/p>\n

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\n Mark Piszko<\/p>\n

Partner-in-Charge of Not-for-Profit Practice Area, PKF O\u2019Connor Davies<\/p>\n

For almost 40 years, Mark Piszko has helped nonprofits translate complex financial demands into clear, sustainable strategies. As partner-in-charge of PKF O\u2019Connor Davies\u2019 Not-for-Profit Practice Area, he guides a client base of nearly 4,000 mission-driven organizations spanning health care, education and the arts. When the Department of Government Efficiency moved to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development \u2013\u00a0threatening $40 billion in funding \u2013\u00a0Piszko issued guidance to help nonprofits prepare for funding volatility. He also advised on New York\u2019s Nonprofit Revitalization Act, ensuring compliance amid evolving regulatory landscapes.<\/p>\n

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\n Arnie Preminger<\/p>\n

Founder, President and CEO, Sunrise Association<\/p>\n

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Arnie Preminger
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\n Bonnie Preminger<\/p>\n

Arnie Preminger drew on his early years as a youth worker in the Bronx nearly 50 years ago to envision something new for children with cancer and their siblings: an accessible, joyful alternative to traditional treatment settings. In 2006, he launched Sunrise Day Camp with 96 campers. Today, the organization has reached nearly 65,000 children annually through free summer camps, hospital visits and virtual programming. Now in its 20th year, Sunrise operates in 133 hospitals across the U.S.<\/p>\n

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\n Sharon Prise Azurin<\/p>\n

Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP<\/p>\n

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Sharon Prise Azurin
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\n KC Kratt Photography<\/p>\n

As co-leader of her Buffalo-based firm\u2019s Not-For-Profit Practice, Sharon Prise Azurin advises foundations, schools and health care organizations on restructurings, governance and complex transactions. She brings deep boardroom experience to that work, serving as chair for the Foundation of Catholic Health and vice chair of the Mercy Hospital Foundation. In 2025, she spoke on the \u201cResponsibilities and Expectations for Serving on a Nonprofit Board\u201d panel at Nonprofit BoardCon. She also joined a 2021 roundtable on post-pandemic nonprofit operations \u2013 illustrating her role as a trusted voice in nonprofit governance.<\/p>\n

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\n Mohammad Razvi<\/p>\n

Founder and CEO, Council of Peoples Organization<\/p>\n

After the 9\/11 attacks upended his Brooklyn business and community, Mohammad Razvi shifted from entrepreneur to advocate \u2013\u00a0founding the Council of Peoples Organization in 2002 to support Muslim and South Asian New Yorkers confronting discrimination. More than two decades later, the group serves thousands annually with food access, immigration aid and health services. In 2024, the organization secured nearly $1 million to expand its halal Meals on Wheels program. Razvi has also grown the organization\u2019s civic engagement efforts, from voter registration to countering disinformation.<\/p>\n

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\n Jeffrey Reynolds<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Family & Children\u2019s Association<\/p>\n

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Jeffrey Reynolds
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\n Sara Miller<\/p>\n

With more than 30 years in the nonprofit space, largely taking on addiction, mental health, HIV\/AIDS, youth violence, and health care disparities, Jeffrey Reynolds has transformed Family & Children\u2019s Association into a modernized hub of innovation. He has secured over $20 million in funding for the group and launched programs spanning numerous issues, including addiction recovery, violence prevention and senior care. Reynolds also led a full rebrand of the 140-year-old Long Island agency and expanded its digital footprint. Under his leadership, FCA opened a federally funded certified community behavioral health clinic. Reynolds also serves on task forces addressing opioids, mental health and family violence.<\/p>\n

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\n Xellex Rivera<\/p>\n

Chief Program Officer, Housing Solutions of New York<\/p>\n

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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Xellex Rivera brings more than a decade of work at New York City-based homeless shelters and housing programs to her role strengthening statewide housing programs at Housing Solutions of New York, where she has developed trauma-informed models to better support families in crisis. As founder of #iAmSHE Women\u2019s Empowerment, she launched the Caterpillar Girls Mentorship Program to support high school students through sisterhood and healing. She also represented the organization at the 53rd Congressional Black Caucus. Her book, \u201cNobody Listens to Me,\u201d explores self-awareness and reclaiming one\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

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\n Gregg Roberts<\/p>\n

Executive Director, New York City Police Foundation<\/p>\n

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Gregg Roberts continues to support the New York City Police Department through the New York City Police Foundation, guiding programs like NYPD Options \u2013\u00a0an initiative pairing teens with officers to build trust and life skills. That program now includes borough-based youth and wellness centers.\u00a0His support has helped launch Gun Stop, which has removed thousands of illegal weapons from the streets, and strengthen the Crime Stoppers tip line, which has aided the NYPD in solving thousands of violent crimes. The foundation contributed $1.8 million in early funding for the NYPD\u2019s Real Time Crime Center, a national model for data-driven policing.<\/p>\n

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\n Debbie Roman<\/p>\n

Managing Director, New York, Per Scholas<\/p>\n

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Debbie Roman
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\n Richard Rosario<\/p>\n

At Per Scholas, Debbie Roman has driven a 40% enrollment surge and expanded no-cost, industry-recognized training to nearly 1,000 New Yorkers through six new satellite classrooms \u2013\u00a0advancing equity by diversifying the tech workforce and increasing economic mobility. Roman previously oversaw a $3.8 million city-funded workforce program at the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island. Roman also chaired the New York City Employment and Training Coalition\u2019s 2024 Conference Planning Committee, serves on the Tech Sector Network at JobsFirstNYC and sits on the boards of Women Creating Change and the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.<\/p>\n

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\n Alexander Roque<\/p>\n

President and Executive Director, Ali Forney Center<\/p>\n

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Alexander Roque
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\n Elevate Studios<\/p>\n

Alexander Roque is someone who has lived the mission of the Ali Forney Center. A former client turned executive, he grew its budget from $3.5 million to $25 million and turned a $400,000 deficit into a $5 million surplus. He launched a pioneering residential treatment model and a social enterprise initiative for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth. AFC now delivers over 100,000 services annually across 18 sites, partners with New York City\u2019s schools and supports more than 50 providers in 22 countries. Roque also serves on the board of the Born This Way Foundation.<\/p>\n

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\n Michael Rosenblut<\/p>\n

President and CEO, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation<\/p>\n

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Michael Rosenblut
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\n Parker Jewish Institute<\/p>\n

Michael Rosenblut, the longtime leader of New Hyde Park-based Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, is a key leader in New York. Rosenblut, who has served as president and CEO for over two decades, has spearheaded efforts such as establishing an onsite vascular center for surgery and launching a program to provide in-home care to adults who are unable to travel. The award-winning health care executive also runs the Queens-Long Island Renal Institute and is the board chair-elect of the Association of Jewish Aging Services.<\/p>\n

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\n Brian D. Sackstein<\/p>\n

Partner and Leader of Not-For-Profit and Healthcare Groups, Anchin<\/p>\n

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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Brought on in August 2024 to lead Anchin\u2019s growing Not-For-Profit and Health Care practices, Brian Sackstein is sharpening the firm\u2019s focus on mission-driven financial strategy. He most recently served as a partner at Armanino and previously held leadership roles at major firms including Marcum LLP. With three decades of experience advising health centers, residential care providers, adoption agencies and drug treatment programs, he\u2019s known for guiding organizations through audits, cost reporting and funding compliance. He recently moderated Long Island Business News\u2019 State of the Not-for-Profit Industry event and serves on the New York State Society of CPAs\u2019 Not-for-Profit Committee.<\/p>\n

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\n Dylan Saperman<\/p>\n

Partner, Moritt Hock & Hamroff<\/p>\n

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Dylan Saperman
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\n Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP<\/p>\n

Dylan Saperman plays a pivotal role behind the scenes of New York\u2019s human services sector, helping nonprofits serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities grow strategically and sustainably. He facilitates real estate acquisitions, tax-exempt bond financing, and program development for residential, educational and day services. As co-chair of Moritt Hock & Hamroff\u2019s Not-For-Profit Practice, he also advises agencies exploring mergers and strategic alignment. A panelist on sector challenges, Saperman recently joined nonprofit leaders on Long Island to address fiscal preparedness during a turbulent funding moment as they face federal spending cuts.<\/p>\n

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\n gabriel sayegh<\/p>\n

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Katal Center for Equity, Health & Justice<\/p>\n

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gabriel sayegh
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As deaths mount at Rikers Island, calls for federal intervention have intensified. At the forefront is gabriel sayegh, a co-founder of the Katal Center, who leads an effort to shutter the jail and redirect investments in it toward housing, health care and community safety. A veteran organizer, he has helped pass landmark reforms, including the repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws and the Less Is More Act on parole reform. From 2015 to 2023, he served as a trustee of the New York Foundation, backing grassroots movements for systemic justice across the city.<\/p>\n

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\n Michael Sedillo<\/p>\n

Executive Director, New York City Mayor\u2019s Office of Nonprofit Services<\/p>\n

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Michael Sedillo
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\n Michael Appleton<\/p>\n

In January, Michael Sedillo was appointed to his role ensuring nonprofits get paid faster. In April, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Sedillo announced intentions to provide\u00a0nonprofits with $5 billion in advance payments in fiscal year 2026 to help deliver critical services. The move builds on reforms Sedillo engineered as a senior adviser. In 2022, he helped unlock $6 billion in backlogged contracts, and by late 2024, those reforms had cut payment delays by nearly 90%. He also helped established chief nonprofit officers in city agencies, convened a ContractStat meeting and works closely with the city\u2019s Nonprofit Advisory Council.<\/p>\n

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\n Surjeet Seehra<\/p>\n

Partner and Practice Director, BTQ Financial<\/p>\n

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Surjeet Seehra
\n \/
\n Snapshot Interactive<\/p>\n

With two decades bridging nonprofit missions and financial integrity, Surjeet Seehra approaches nonprofit finance from strategic and operational angles, drawing on a foundation in economics and accounting. At BTQ Financial, a firm specializing in outsourced chief financial officer and fiscal services for nonprofits, she serves a diverse portfolio of clients. After early roles in entertainment and public accounting, she spent over 16 years at BDO leading its Greater New York Health Care and Nonprofit practices. In 2024, she was named partner and practice director, overseeing fiscal strategy for health and human services organizations.<\/p>\n

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\n Pat Singer<\/p>\n

Founder and Executive Director, Brighton Neighborhood Association<\/p>\n

Pat Singer didn\u2019t just witness Brighton Beach\u2019s transformation \u2013 she led it. In 1977, a series of street rallies launched what became the Brighton Neighborhood Association, now a decades-strong hub for tenant advocacy, affordable housing, youth programs and immigrant outreach. Under Singer\u2019s leadership, the group has brought millions in reinvestment, rebuilt community trust and hosted the annual Brighton Jubilee, southern Brooklyn\u2019s largest and longest-running street fair. Singer has successfully lobbied in Albany for fair housing legislation, including tenants\u2019 right to organize.<\/p>\n

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\n Tucker Slingerland<\/p>\n

CEO, Hudson Headwaters Health Network<\/p>\n

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Tucker Slingerland
\n \/
\n Hudson Headwaters Health Network<\/p>\n

Dr. Tucker Slingerland combines front-line medical practice with executive leadership, overseeing a sprawling 25-site health network that serves 7,900 square miles across upstate New York. A family physician by trade, he helped transform Hudson Headwaters Health Network into a regional anchor for rural health since becoming CEO in 2017, expanding from 17 to 26 health centers and now reaching 162,000 patients a year. Hudson Headwaters recently opened the state\u2019s first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, that is sponsored by a federally qualified health center.<\/p>\n

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\n Kimberleigh Smith<\/p>\n

Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center<\/p>\n

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Kimberleigh Smith
\n \/
\n William J. Nazareth, Jr., Callen-Lorde<\/p>\n

Kimberleigh Smith entered Callen-Lorde Community Health Center as a patient, and now leads its advocacy arm. Her career spans over 20 years in HIV and LGBTQ+ health justice, from running GMHC\u2019s Women\u2019s Institute to directing public policy at Harlem United. Today, she leads efforts to expand access to long-acting HIV prevention, housing protections and affirming care for Black, Indigenous, people of color, transgender and nonbinary communities. A veteran of early HIV\/AIDS policy work, helped pass legislation last year that prohibits commercial insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for the treatment or prevention of HIV or AIDS.<\/p>\n

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\n Nick E. Smith<\/p>\n

Former Executive Director, Communities Resist<\/p>\n

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Nick E. Smith
\n \/
\n Davaughn Cunningham<\/p>\n

Few nonprofit leaders have brought as much legislative firepower to housing justice as Nick E. Smith. Since he took the helm of Communities Resist last June, he guided an expansion while keeping tenant rights front and center. Previously as first deputy public advocate for New York City, he helped push through more than two dozen laws tackling issues ranging from construction worker safety to penalties for landlord harassment. Communities Resist also added attorneys, organizers and policy staff on his watch. Smith left the organization this month to pursue other opportunities.<\/p>\n

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\n Ibrahima Souare<\/p>\n

Executive Director, New York Professional Advisors for Community Entrepreneurs<\/p>\n

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Ibrahima Souare
\n \/
\n Richard A. CEO, Lead Photographer All Rich Images<\/p>\n

Ibrahima Souare understands the barriers that limit access to capital and mentorship for underrepresented entrepreneurs. At New York Professional Advisors for Community Entrepreneurs, he has helped deliver over 5,000 hours of pro bono business advising and has connected over 400 community members through strategic networking. By linking emerging business owners with seasoned professionals, he has built a model that drives both access and accountability, contributing to a 94% survival rate among supported ventures. Through a career grounded in community investment, he previously worked at LISC NY, where he led a $4 million relief fund.<\/p>\n

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\n Anne Sperling<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, NewYork-Presbyterian<\/p>\n

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Anne Sperling
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\n NewYork-Presbyterian<\/p>\n

At NewYork-Presbyterian, a 10-hospital system spanning New York City and Westchester County, Anne Sperling leads government and community affairs. She recently spearheaded a partnership with Breaking Ground that housed over 85 individuals and trained hundreds of staff to engage with unhoused New Yorkers. She also launched the NYP Community Fund to back grassroots solutions. A former intergovernmental affairs director at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, she now serves on the Spark Prize Committee and on the board of the Prospect Park Alliance, while also volunteering for CHiPS\u00a0and Heights and Hills.<\/p>\n

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\n Stephan Spilkowitz<\/p>\n

Director of Engagement and Culture, Westchester Jewish Community Services<\/p>\n

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Stephan Spilkowitz
\n \/
\n Cornell University Alumni Affairs Staff<\/p>\n

At Westchester Jewish Community Services, the county\u2019s largest outpatient mental health provider, Stephan Spilkowitz leads staff engagement and organizational culture for over 600 employees. He recently oversaw change management during the agency\u2019s acquisition of Family Service Society of Yonkers. Previously at Andrus, he launched a therapeutic recreation department and co-led COVID-19 pandemic wellness efforts, including by producing over 1,000 face shields for first responders. Spilkowitz also serves as vice chair and development co-chair of Groundwork Hudson Valley. A frequent speaker, he addresses topics like ethical artificial intelligence, trauma-informed leadership and intergenerational workforce strategy.<\/p>\n

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\n Kim Sweet<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Advocates for Children of New York<\/p>\n

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Kim Sweet
\n \/
\n Linda Yassky<\/p>\n

Since 2007, Kim Sweet has expanded the impact of Advocates for Children of New York. She brought together over 120 groups to push for equitable school funding and co-created the School-Justice Partnership Task Force, reducing suspensions and expanding behavioral supports. She recently launched the Newcomer Education Network to aid immigrant students and helped form a statewide coalition to expand graduation pathways. A member of New York City\u2019s Literacy Advisory Council, she also positioned her organization as a leading source of data on student homelessness. She will step down this summer, leaving a legacy of reform.<\/p>\n

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\n Taj Tabassoom<\/p>\n

Partner, SeaChange Capital Partners<\/p>\n

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Taj Tabassoom
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\n City Headshots<\/p>\n

At SeaChange Capital Partners, Taj Tabassoom leads three funds that provide low-cost, flexible financing options to New York City nonprofits, including the New York Pooled PRI Fund, Contact Fund and The New York Impact Opportunities Fund. In 2024, she helped launch the New York Shelter Acquisition and Predevelopment Fund, which issued its first $3.75 million loan to support a nonprofit-owned shelter and housing project in Harlem. A former JPMorgan Chase & Co. credit analyst, she also served on the board of Life Story Club, promoting social connection among older adults.<\/p>\n

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\n Henry Thompson<\/p>\n

CEO, Community Health Center of Richmond<\/p>\n

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Henry Thompson
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\n Christina Nuzzo, LifeMosaic Photography, LLC<\/p>\n

Henry Thompson transformed a modest one-site clinic into a multicampus hub for equitable care on Staten Island, quadrupling the family health center\u2019s budget during his tenure and expanding its reach to over 36,000 patient visits annually.\u00a0He has championed maternal and child health through programs like Healthy Start and a community-based doula initiative. In 2025, he brought the national Thrive Maternal Health Tour to Staten Island, spotlighting racial disparities in maternal care. He\u2019s leading $63 million in capital projects over the next four years \u2013\u00a0including a birthing center \u2013 to reduce emergency room visits and close equity gaps.<\/p>\n

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\n Theory Thompson<\/p>\n

Chief Program Officer for Education and Vocation Programs, Good Shepherd Services<\/p>\n

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Theory Thompson
\n \/
\n Shala Graham<\/p>\n

Theory Thompson has spent nearly two decades at Good Shepherd Services advancing college access, career readiness and equity for young people across the five boroughs. He began as a senior program director and now, as chief program officer for education and vocation programs, he helps run over 90 programs serving 30,000 New Yorkers. A former adjunct professor and longtime youth development leader, Thompson is also a co-chair of the Bronx Opportunity Network, a coalition of organizations and CUNY schools in the borough focused on increasing student enrollment and graduation rates.<\/p>\n

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\n Lisa Toback<\/p>\n

Head of Consulting Services, Kiwi Partners<\/p>\n

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Lisa Toback
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\n Kiwi Partners<\/p>\n

Lisa Toback helps nonprofits improve how they work, often from the inside out. A former Ernst & Young senior manager, she\u2019s now a force at Kiwi Partners and leads its consulting efforts. Toback has worked with over 300 nonprofits, supporting operations through visioning sessions, systems reviews and implementation strategies. Her \u201cBest Practice Reviews\u201d identify process bottlenecks and elevate efficiency, often through tech like NetSuite and Intacct. Kiwi Partners specializes in finance\u00a0and operations consulting for mission-driven organizations.<\/p>\n

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\n Eileen Torres<\/p>\n

CEO, BronxWorks<\/p>\n

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Eileen Torres
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\n Russ Campbell<\/p>\n

A Bronx native with legal training and community roots, Eileen Torres has guided BronxWorks from a midsize nonprofit into one of New York City\u2019s largest social services providers. She joined BronxWorks in 1995 and became CEO in 2023, and she has helped expand the organization\u2019s reach to 60,000 residents across 60 sites. Her tenure includes launching a legal department, expanding aquatics and youth programs and securing multimillion-dollar grants for housing and health equity \u2013\u00a0including $5 million from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund and another $5 million National Institutes of Health partnership.<\/p>\n

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\n Carole Turnyanszki<\/p>\n

Chief Experience Officer, JMT Consulting<\/p>\n

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Carole Turnyanszki
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Carole Turnyanszki has spent more than 20 years turning client support into a strategic advantage for JMT Consulting, which provides outsourced business services like financial management, business intelligence and software integration exclusively for nonprofits. A specialist in CRM systems and enterprise software, Turnyanszki helped shape the company\u2019s service model for more than 2,000 organizations, including Long Island Head Start and Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. She leads cross-departmental efforts to align teams and ensure that every client experience, from implementation to long-term support, advances mission-driven goals.<\/p>\n

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\n Caroline Tweedy<\/p>\n

Executive Director, St. John\u2019s Bread & Life<\/p>\n

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Caroline Tweedy
\n \/
\n Giselle Nunez<\/p>\n

When a third of New York City\u2019s food pantries shuttered early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Caroline Tweedy transformed St. John\u2019s Bread & Life into a hub that helped launch over 20 new pantries in underserved neighborhoods. Under her leadership, the agency\u2019s food distribution surged to over 5 million pounds annually, with meals and staples delivered to shelters, schools and senior centers. She stockpiled shelf-stable food, rented cold storage and tailored meal plans to meet the needs of intergenerational households \u2013\u00a0using logistics, compassion and community partnerships to feed over 100,000 New Yorkers each year.<\/p>\n

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\n Carlos Velazquez<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Police Athletic League<\/p>\n

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Carlos Velazquez
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\n Vanessa Joy Photography<\/p>\n

Raised in East Harlem and rooted in youth development, Carlos Velazquez leads the Police Athletic League with a clear mission: build strong kids by investing in strong communities. A licensed social worker, he brings over 20 years of public service to the role \u2013\u00a0including leadership positions at the Boys\u2019 Club of New York, Let\u2019s Get Ready and the Harlem Children\u2019s Zone. Under his leadership, PAL serves over 15,000 children annually. He often speaks about the ripple effect one act of support can have \u2013\u00a0and through PAL, he\u2019s making that impact felt citywide.<\/p>\n

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\n Augustina Warton<\/p>\n

Director of Programs, Oyate Group<\/p>\n

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Augustina Warton
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Launched in response to the inequities laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic, Oyate Group remains rooted in closing resource gaps across New York City. Augustina Warton is at the helm of the nonprofit\u2019s youth programs and leads Beyond Rising, the city\u2019s first paid internship program for undocumented students. Through Rise Leadership, she helps Bronx teens explore arts, science and global cultures. Warton, a first-generation Peruvian American, also brings her vision into the classroom at City College, training future educators in culturally responsive teaching through art and social change.<\/p>\n

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\n Caura Washington Richardson<\/p>\n

Director, State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services<\/p>\n

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Caura Washington Richardson
\n \/
\n Dante Simmons<\/p>\n

A former special education teacher and Harlem-based assistant pastor, Caura Washington Richardson now leads the state agency whose goal is to enhance the grantmaking processes across New York. After a tour of all 62 counties she translated input into action, overseeing $2.1 million in tech grants and connecting over 10,000 organizations to resources while building partnerships with clergy, elected officials and government agencies. Washington Richardson also helped launch the New York State Interfaith Council, advancing efforts to confront hate crimes, expand mental health access and address the growing demand for affordable housing.<\/p>\n

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\n April Watkins<\/p>\n

Chief Program Officer, Path to Jobs<\/p>\n

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April Watkins
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\n David Nager, Path to Jobs<\/p>\n

As chief program officer for Path to Jobs, April Watkins oversees a statewide employment initiative that connects front-line workers with hospitals, health centers and community organizations. In December, she spoke at the White House\u2019s Quality of Life Symposium about the impact of her program, which is under the nonprofit Alliance for Positive Change. Previously, Watkins spent nearly two decades at GMHC, where she led workforce programs serving over 600 clients annually and helped develop enduring job readiness models. Watkins also serves on the board of directors of the National Working Positive Coalition.<\/p>\n

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\n Laurie Wheelock<\/p>\n

Executive Director and General Counsel, Public Utility Law Project<\/p>\n

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Laurie Wheelock
\n \/
\n Celeste Sloman<\/p>\n

Laurie Wheelock is protecting low-income utility customers as bills rise across New York state. At the helm of the Public Utility Law Project, she has pushed for accountability following billing scandals, advocated against double-digit rate hikes and helped secure the state\u2019s first low-income water discounts. In 2025, her advocacy helped reopen the Home Energy Assistance Program after a sudden closure, and her team fielded a 46% spike in service requests. A former New York Public Interest Research Group advocate and legislative staffer, Wheelock also spotlighted the risks of smart meter errors and intervened in eight major rate cases last year.<\/p>\n

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\n Larisa Wick<\/p>\n

Partner, Hollis Public Affairs<\/p>\n

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Larisa Wick
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\n Mark Reinertson<\/p>\n

Last year, Larisa Wick came on as a partner at Hollis Public Affairs, a growing consulting firm where she represents a client list composed of mission-driven organizations. She previously spent 14 years at The Wright Group NY, most recently as president, leading public funding campaigns for New York City\u2019s cultural institutions and grassroots providers while developing citywide initiatives aimed at expanding equity in underinvested communities. A licensed attorney, Wick also serves on the board of LiveOn NY and leads the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills in New Jersey.<\/p>\n

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\n Patrick Yurgosky<\/p>\n

Partner, Moss Adams<\/p>\n

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Patrick Yurgosky
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\n Moss Adams<\/p>\n

Patrick Yurgosky has long operated at the crossroads of data and mission, helping nonprofits build the internal systems they need to scale impact. A pioneer in Salesforce consulting for the sector, he led his own firm \u2013 Yurgosky \u2013 through a strategic acquisition by Moss Adams in 2024. He now steers the national Salesforce practice at his new firm. His tools (including YES, Loom and Turnout) have transformed how organizations enroll students, mobilize communities and track relationships. A regular NYU instructor and public speaker, he\u2019s also published widely on analytics and performance strategy.<\/p>\n

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\n Jane Zemon<\/p>\n

CEO, The ARC Rockland<\/p>\n

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Jane Zemon
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\n The Arc Rockland<\/p>\n

Over 30 years, Jane Zemon rose from program officer to CEO and helped steer The ARC Rockland through a period of transformation. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its footprint to nearly 40 locations, supporting 600 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her Arc in Motion model replaced traditional workshops with opportunities tailored to each person\u2019s passions \u2013\u00a0from volunteering to fitness. Zemon combines strategic vision with a commitment to ensure every individual can thrive across all stages of life.<\/p>\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Melissa Aase CEO, University Settlement Melissa Aase \/ Sean Sime With roots at University Settlement dating back to…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6919,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[9,11,10,49,51,50,6202,805,926],"class_list":{"0":"post-6918","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-york","8":"tag-new-york","9":"tag-new-york-headlines","10":"tag-new-york-news","11":"tag-new-york-state","12":"tag-new-york-state-headlines","13":"tag-new-york-state-news","14":"tag-nonprofits","15":"tag-publishers-section","16":"tag-trailblazers"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6918"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6918\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}