EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ...
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President .............................. Jeffrey Hallenbeck
Vice President ....................... Dan O'Connell Treasurer .............................. Gretchen Guenther-Collins Secretary .............................. Gordon H. Collier |
In 2016, the Board of Directors provided over 1,200 hours of donated time and donated $2,245.00 towards fundraising efforts. |
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Jeffrey Hallenbeck -- President -- is the Clinical Director of Living Resources Corporation. Has 20+ years in the field of mental health and very familiar with the local treatment community and has worked with individuals with HIV/AIDS. Volunteer experience with Stop AIDS, AIDS Council, and ACT UP. Member of Albany County Democratic Party, ACLU and Human Rights Campaign. Committees: Executive (Chair), Space Workgroup (Chair), Board Governance Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, PROS Workgroup. Albany NY 12206. Affiliation: Living Resources.
Dan O'Connell -- Vice President -- has 29 years’ experience in HIV services, having served in a number of increasingly responsible positions during this period with the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute. From 2013-16 Dan was the AIDS Institute's Director where he oversaw the statewide response to the epidemic, as well as programs for STD prevention and control, HCV services, as well as programs for LGBT health and drug user health. He has participated on a number of boards and panels, including serving as chair of the state's Interagency Task Force on AIDS and on the Executive Committee of the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors. Committees: Strategic Planning. Albany, NY 12208. Affiliation: Retired Public Health Manager.
Gretchen E.. Guenther-Collins, J.D., M.S., CPA – Treasurer – Gretchen is a Tax Manager at Teal, Becker, & Chiaramonte, CPAs PC in Albany, NY. She is also a co-owner of a Gourmet Food Distribution Company, Adventure in Food Trading. Gretchen is an alumna of Albany Law School and The College of Saint Rose. Gretchen has served as the past Treasurer for Mental Health Association of New York State and the Capital District Women’s Softball League. Gretchen is a Member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Bar Association, and the NYS Bar Association. Association: Teal, Becker, & Chiaramonte, CPAs, PC; Committees: Audit & Finance Committee (Chair), Human Resources Workgroup. Slingerlands, NY 12159
Gordon Hakim Collier, LMSW, -- Secretary -- Gordon currently works as a Care Coordinator with the Alliance for Better Health- a collaborative network of providers and community based organizations, partnering to transform the delivery of health care with a focus on Medicaid members and uninsured individuals. This is a New York State Department of Health initiative called the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP). Gordon received his Master’s in Social Work from the University at Albany and has experience working with individuals living and coping with HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance abuse. Committees: PROS Workgroup. Latham, NY 12110. Affiliation: Damien Center Volunteer.
Sharon Carter -- Director -- is a Grant Proposal Writer with and for the Schenectady Inner City Ministry, a 50 year-old ecumenical partnership of 50 congregations for ministries of social service and justice. She has a 20+ history with the Schenectady Damien Center - and started the Reiki program at Albany Damien Center 10+ years ago. She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Hill Arts Center, a minority-managed non-profit which has been focusing on African American arts for 45+ years, and is a member of Schenectady Business and Professional Women, Inc. Schenectady, NY 12305. Committees: Board Governance, Strategic Planning Committee. Affiliation: Schenectady Inner City Ministry.
Judy Disco, -- Director – Judy has over 30 years’ experience in the not for profit world. This includes her position as Director of Family Support Services for the NYS Association for the Learning Disabled, Director of Administration for the NYS Coalition against Sexual Assault and the Director of Administration for the Institute for Humanist Studies. She has been involved with social justice, women’s and LGBTQ issues and served 8 years on the Pride Center of the Capital District Board of Directors, the last 3 years as President. She has also served on the board of the Empire State Pride Agenda, Women’s Building Coordinating Council and on the board of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Committees: Human Resources Workgroup (Chair). Delmar, NY 12054. Affiliation: Damien Center Volunteer
Lakia Green -- Director -- is a trainer for the Professional Development Program of SUNY Albany, where she trains for the Office of Children and Family Services across New York State. In addition, Lakia is the founder of One Spark Consulting, a consulting company that caters to the business needs of nonprofit and grassroots social organizations. She has spent the last 20 years working on a variety of social issues, including community arts programs, college access for low-income youth, and HIV/STD prevention. Committees: Strategic Planning. Albany, NY 12210. Affiliation: One Spark Consulting.
Gary Guenther, RPA, FMA, -- Director -- Gary currently works as a consultant and has over forty-five years of comprehensive experience and increasingly responsible leadership in facilities operations, building systems and construction management. Gary has volunteer experience at the Capital City Rescue Mission, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Committees: New Building Committee. East Greenbush, NY 12061. Affiliation: Guenther Consulting.
Brian Frasier, MS, CHFP -- Director -- is the Director of Finance at VNS of Northeastern New York. Brian has been working in accounting for not-for-profit organizations for more than 25 years, mainly in healthcare but also with community action. Brian has served as treasurer for two church congregations for a combined 13 years, along with two terms on a church council. Years of creating and presenting financial statements to various boards have prepared Brian to be part of the Audit & Finance Committee. Mechanicville, NY 12118. Affiliation: Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern NY, Schenectady, NY 12305
Jason Mazzuca -- Director -- is the Director of Medicaid Service Coordination for Living Resources Corporation and almost 25 years experience working with individuals who have developmental disabilities and dual diagnoses. He has substantial experience in quality assurance systems and individual rights advocacy. Jason has volunteered for various youth organizations in the Capital District. Committees: Strategic Planning Committee (Chair), PROS Workgroup. Guilderland Center, NY 12085. Affiliation: Living Resources Corporation.
Henri Williams - - Director - - As the Director for the Bureau of Housing Services at NYS OASAS, Mr. Williams has oversight and responsibility for the funded/contracted Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) initiatives and providers across the state of New York. The PSH program with dedicated supportive services reduces homelessness and promotes recovery for individuals and families affected by chronic homelessness and SUD disorders. The PSH portfolio includes eight (8) distinct housing initiatives with approximately ~ 2,800 apartment units and an approximate budget of > $28 million. Before coming to OASAS, Mr. Williams was a member of the Department of Consumer Affairs at the NYS Office of Mental Health focusing on cultural competency and the elimination of health and treatment disparities in mental health service delivery. This included participation in the NYS OMH Commissioner’s Multicultural Advisory Committee. Mr. Williams is a current member of the Albany County Community Service Board, Albany taskforce at the SUNY Center for Elimination of Minority Health Disparities University at Albany, and Board Member of Girls Incorporated of the Capital Region. Prior to entering public-service, Mr. Williams directed an outpatient mental health and substance abuse adolescent clinic for adolescents; and has been a Grant Application Reviewer with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. With a focus on community-based participatory research, and a professional degree in Public Health, Mr. Williams has over 25 years of training and experience to include facilitating the implementation of public health initiatives and efficacious healthcare delivery systems that include constructs with a focus on quality service delivery, evidence-based practices, and culturally infused trauma informed services. Affiliation: NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). Albany, NY 12208
Dan O'Connell -- Vice President -- has 29 years’ experience in HIV services, having served in a number of increasingly responsible positions during this period with the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute. From 2013-16 Dan was the AIDS Institute's Director where he oversaw the statewide response to the epidemic, as well as programs for STD prevention and control, HCV services, as well as programs for LGBT health and drug user health. He has participated on a number of boards and panels, including serving as chair of the state's Interagency Task Force on AIDS and on the Executive Committee of the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors. Committees: Strategic Planning. Albany, NY 12208. Affiliation: Retired Public Health Manager.
Gretchen E.. Guenther-Collins, J.D., M.S., CPA – Treasurer – Gretchen is a Tax Manager at Teal, Becker, & Chiaramonte, CPAs PC in Albany, NY. She is also a co-owner of a Gourmet Food Distribution Company, Adventure in Food Trading. Gretchen is an alumna of Albany Law School and The College of Saint Rose. Gretchen has served as the past Treasurer for Mental Health Association of New York State and the Capital District Women’s Softball League. Gretchen is a Member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Bar Association, and the NYS Bar Association. Association: Teal, Becker, & Chiaramonte, CPAs, PC; Committees: Audit & Finance Committee (Chair), Human Resources Workgroup. Slingerlands, NY 12159
Gordon Hakim Collier, LMSW, -- Secretary -- Gordon currently works as a Care Coordinator with the Alliance for Better Health- a collaborative network of providers and community based organizations, partnering to transform the delivery of health care with a focus on Medicaid members and uninsured individuals. This is a New York State Department of Health initiative called the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program (DSRIP). Gordon received his Master’s in Social Work from the University at Albany and has experience working with individuals living and coping with HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance abuse. Committees: PROS Workgroup. Latham, NY 12110. Affiliation: Damien Center Volunteer.
Sharon Carter -- Director -- is a Grant Proposal Writer with and for the Schenectady Inner City Ministry, a 50 year-old ecumenical partnership of 50 congregations for ministries of social service and justice. She has a 20+ history with the Schenectady Damien Center - and started the Reiki program at Albany Damien Center 10+ years ago. She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Hill Arts Center, a minority-managed non-profit which has been focusing on African American arts for 45+ years, and is a member of Schenectady Business and Professional Women, Inc. Schenectady, NY 12305. Committees: Board Governance, Strategic Planning Committee. Affiliation: Schenectady Inner City Ministry.
Judy Disco, -- Director – Judy has over 30 years’ experience in the not for profit world. This includes her position as Director of Family Support Services for the NYS Association for the Learning Disabled, Director of Administration for the NYS Coalition against Sexual Assault and the Director of Administration for the Institute for Humanist Studies. She has been involved with social justice, women’s and LGBTQ issues and served 8 years on the Pride Center of the Capital District Board of Directors, the last 3 years as President. She has also served on the board of the Empire State Pride Agenda, Women’s Building Coordinating Council and on the board of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Committees: Human Resources Workgroup (Chair). Delmar, NY 12054. Affiliation: Damien Center Volunteer
Lakia Green -- Director -- is a trainer for the Professional Development Program of SUNY Albany, where she trains for the Office of Children and Family Services across New York State. In addition, Lakia is the founder of One Spark Consulting, a consulting company that caters to the business needs of nonprofit and grassroots social organizations. She has spent the last 20 years working on a variety of social issues, including community arts programs, college access for low-income youth, and HIV/STD prevention. Committees: Strategic Planning. Albany, NY 12210. Affiliation: One Spark Consulting.
Gary Guenther, RPA, FMA, -- Director -- Gary currently works as a consultant and has over forty-five years of comprehensive experience and increasingly responsible leadership in facilities operations, building systems and construction management. Gary has volunteer experience at the Capital City Rescue Mission, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Committees: New Building Committee. East Greenbush, NY 12061. Affiliation: Guenther Consulting.
Brian Frasier, MS, CHFP -- Director -- is the Director of Finance at VNS of Northeastern New York. Brian has been working in accounting for not-for-profit organizations for more than 25 years, mainly in healthcare but also with community action. Brian has served as treasurer for two church congregations for a combined 13 years, along with two terms on a church council. Years of creating and presenting financial statements to various boards have prepared Brian to be part of the Audit & Finance Committee. Mechanicville, NY 12118. Affiliation: Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern NY, Schenectady, NY 12305
Jason Mazzuca -- Director -- is the Director of Medicaid Service Coordination for Living Resources Corporation and almost 25 years experience working with individuals who have developmental disabilities and dual diagnoses. He has substantial experience in quality assurance systems and individual rights advocacy. Jason has volunteered for various youth organizations in the Capital District. Committees: Strategic Planning Committee (Chair), PROS Workgroup. Guilderland Center, NY 12085. Affiliation: Living Resources Corporation.
Henri Williams - - Director - - As the Director for the Bureau of Housing Services at NYS OASAS, Mr. Williams has oversight and responsibility for the funded/contracted Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) initiatives and providers across the state of New York. The PSH program with dedicated supportive services reduces homelessness and promotes recovery for individuals and families affected by chronic homelessness and SUD disorders. The PSH portfolio includes eight (8) distinct housing initiatives with approximately ~ 2,800 apartment units and an approximate budget of > $28 million. Before coming to OASAS, Mr. Williams was a member of the Department of Consumer Affairs at the NYS Office of Mental Health focusing on cultural competency and the elimination of health and treatment disparities in mental health service delivery. This included participation in the NYS OMH Commissioner’s Multicultural Advisory Committee. Mr. Williams is a current member of the Albany County Community Service Board, Albany taskforce at the SUNY Center for Elimination of Minority Health Disparities University at Albany, and Board Member of Girls Incorporated of the Capital Region. Prior to entering public-service, Mr. Williams directed an outpatient mental health and substance abuse adolescent clinic for adolescents; and has been a Grant Application Reviewer with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. With a focus on community-based participatory research, and a professional degree in Public Health, Mr. Williams has over 25 years of training and experience to include facilitating the implementation of public health initiatives and efficacious healthcare delivery systems that include constructs with a focus on quality service delivery, evidence-based practices, and culturally infused trauma informed services. Affiliation: NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). Albany, NY 12208
JOINING THE BOARD ...
Interested in becoming a member of the Damien Center Board of Directors? Download the Board Member Application Form by clicking here or on the PDF icon below.
After downloading and completing your application, you may e-mail the finished application to PerryJ@albanydamiencenter.org for review.
After downloading and completing your application, you may e-mail the finished application to PerryJ@albanydamiencenter.org for review.
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