Michele Tobiassen is an experienced accounting professional with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from CUNY Staten Island. Her career began in auditing, where she worked across a wide range of industries including healthcare, nonprofit, manufacturing, entertainment, and technology. She later transitioned into corporate accounting, holding roles in both accounting and law firms before joining Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC) in 2013.

For nine years, Michele served as an Associate, providing comprehensive accounting services to nonprofit clients, from transactional work to CFO-level responsibilities. In 2023, she advanced to the role of Client Services Manager, where she continues to deliver exceptional client service while expanding her focus to include internal professional development, business development, and talent acquisition.

Passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations, Michele leverages her technical expertise and strategic insight to help clients strengthen their financial operations and achieve their missions.

David has deep expertise in organizational development, governance, strategy, and philanthropy. Throughout his career he has built successful partnerships with nonprofit CEOs, founders, boards, and executives to advance organizational strategy and impact. As the Founder and President of ASSIST Development Consulting since 2009, he has worked deeply with organizations through periods of growth and transition—helping them design and execute fundraising strategies, build sustainable operations, and strengthen governance and leadership capacity. In his current role of Director of Strategic Partnerships at Community Resource Exchange, David designs, leads, and supports capacity building and professional growth and learning initiatives that promote organizational wellness, innovation, leadership development, and strategic impact while upholding values of equity and social justice.

David’s got a lot of experience. David has experienced organizational change, growth, and crisis from a variety of perspectives: as a staff person grappling with a leader’s resignation, as a fundraiser tasked with filling a huge revenue gap; as a founder wrestling with the implications of moving on; and, for the past ten years, as a thought partner to leaders dealing with change. He has worked directly with dozens of CEOs and boards as a consultant, trainer, facilitator and advisor on organizational strategy and governance, and has engaged more than 500 others in these topics through surveys, interviews, and workshops. Not only does David bring a wealth of hands-on experience and functional knowledge to the role of Lead Consultant, he also has an understanding of the trends, pain points, innovations, and best practices impacting the sector, as well as deep empathy for the nuances, challenges, and (sometimes thankless) rewards of nonprofit management, leadership and governance. David’s goals for this consulting partnership are: to become a trusted advisor to the organization’s leaders; and provide information, knowledge, guidance, and resources that will help them establish a clear, focused strategy and a strong sense of purpose.

An engaging trainer, facilitator, and communicator, David is a frequent contributor to nonprofit thought leadership through written commentary, professional development and learning content, and speaking engagements. He teaches fundraising and grant writing at Adelphi University’s Graduate School of Sports Management, serves on several boards of directors, and supports community initiatives with a range of missions, including health and wellness, youth development, education, community development, racial justice, and the arts.

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Chad L. Reyes is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, coach, global speaker, author, and multiplier of leaders. Since 2003, he has worked with CEOs, entrepreneurs, business leaders, highly successful families, and the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential.

His journey from declaring chapter 7 bankruptcy at twenty-one years old to influencing highly successful leaders all started with a vision for how he and his wife, Danielle, would one day ignite positive change in the world. Dedicating their lives to that vision, they have pioneered three organizations focused on developing leaders:

Lions Pride Leadership, a leadership and business coaching company that awakens, empowers and equips leaders to reach their full potential.

I AM Empowering, a not-for-profit organization that empowers and equips the next generation of
leaders, focusing on those between the ages of thirteen and eighteen.

Wealth & Legacy Group, a generational planning firm that helps highly successful families move from success to significance.

Chad’s motto is simple: Rob the grave and give the world everything you have inside. Die empty.

Joshua Peskay, Co-Founder, Meet the Moment

Joshua Peskay is a technology strategist and nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations harness technology securely and effectively. He’s trained countless nonprofits through platforms like the CyberPeace Institute, TechSoup, NTEN, and many more. Recently featured in the book “AI for Nonprofits” by Darian Heyman and Cheryl Contee, Joshua contributed to the chapter on Cybersecurity in the age of AI. As a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and CISSP, Josh is known for his plain-English explanations and irreverent humor that make complex topics accessible.

Jessica Peskay, Solutions Consultant at RoundTable Technology

Jessica combines many years of nonprofit technology consulting with a unique talent for building meaningful partnerships that turn challenges into successes. As former Customer Success Manager, now Solutions Consultant at RoundTable Technology, she’s guided countless nonprofits through digital transformation by aligning strategic objectives with practical technology solutions. Jessica’s approach focuses on meeting organizations where they are, translating technical complexity into actionable steps, and ensuring that every technology decision serves the mission first. She brings both operational expertise and a deep understanding of how to bring teams along the change journey.

RoundTable Technology is making a free consultation and custom technology plan available to the NPSI network.

Claas Ehlers has more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership. Prior to working in the nonprofit sector, he held corporate director roles and taught as an adjunct professor at colleges in New York and New Jersey.

In 2002, Claas joined Family Promise, the leading national nonprofit addressing family homelessness, working on a Ford Foundation initiative to increase engagement with the Muslim community. From there he moved into roles developing and supporting affiliates before becoming the organization’s second CEO, succeeding the founder. (That transition was cited by Bridgespan as an example of best practices in internal succession.)

As CEO, he guided the organization through rapid and expansive growth. During his six-year tenure, Family Promise tripled the number of people served, its budget, and its staff. He guided the network of 200 independent affiliates through a collective transition from site-based shelter to homelessness diversion and prevention. He spearheaded best practice sharing among other national chapter organizations and advised HUD and the Interagency Council on Homelessness; he has also served on advisory bodies for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Sesame Street in Communities, and Charity Navigator.

Claas worked as a consultant and interim executive from 2022 to 2025, guiding and supporting nonprofits in human services, housing, education, food and agriculture, and philanthropy. His focus was in organizational systems, strategic planning, staffing models and coaching, board optimization, and fund development. In the summer of 2025, he accepted the role of Director of Executive Transition with Support Center, leading the work in transition, succession, and leadership development.

He received his undergraduate degree from New York University and has done coursework at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, as well as completing the Support Center for Nonprofit’s and Third Sector’s Interim Directors programs.

He is a founding board member of Elevate to Even+, which provides students from disenfranchised communities with paid internships with nonprofits. This arose out of another volunteer activity of his, serving as a facilitator for dialogue circles on race and racism. A conversation in one of those sessions turned a discussion about racism into a solution. Claas believes such serendipity is the product of openness, intention, and the belief that change is always possible.

Alexander P. Lutz, Jr., Public Relations and Marketing

Alex has been a valued member of Richmond University Medical Center since 2018, advancing from Director of Public Relations and Marketing to his current position as Vice President. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of advertising and marketing initiatives that promote the hospital’s services, staff, and programs to the Staten Island community and beyond. He collaborates closely with community leaders and key stakeholders to strengthen RUMC’s mission and public reputation, serves as the hospital’s official spokesperson, and directs all public and community relations activities.

Throughout his tenure, Alex and his team have introduced innovative strategies to highlight the hospital’s world-class services across print, digital, and social media platforms. Their efforts include the launch of the acclaimed RUMC Connections podcast series and the RUMC Vital Signs television program, which he hosts. RUMC Vital Signs airs on Community Media of Staten Island, Channel 34, and features conversations with medical professionals that engage and inform the local community.

Under his leadership, RUMC’s Public Relations and Marketing Department has received more than 70 international marketing awards recognizing excellence in creativity, design, messaging, and overall effectiveness.

Prior to joining RUMC, Alex served as Executive Director of the Staten Island Not For Profit Association (now NonProfit Staten Island), where he supported local nonprofit organizations through training, resource development, and funding initiatives. From 2005 to 2016, he held the position of Senior Regional Director of Community and Government Relations for the American Red Cross in Greater New York. During his tenure, Alex was honored by the National American Red Cross for his leadership and extensive community outreach in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Lutz served as a Public Relations Specialist with Zetlin Strategic Communications (2002–2005) and as Chief of Staff to New York City Council Member Alfonso C. Stabile (1996–2001). He also worked in television and print journalism, serving as a reporter and Editor-in-Chief for a local newspaper in Queens, New York—a role he began immediately after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from St. John’s University’s Queens campus.

Mr. Lutz continues to demonstrate his commitment to community service through his role as a board member of NonProfit Staten Island. He previously served on the board of IlluminArt Productions, a Staten Island–based nonprofit organization, including three years as Board Chair.

Allison Quigney, Principal, Public Works Partners

As head of Public Works’ Organizational Health practice, Allison Quigney designs solutions that improve service delivery and drive organizational excellence for nonprofit and government clients. Joining as a Manager at Public Works’ inception, she rose to Principal by 2021, overseeing the firm’s extensive nonprofit work, including strategic planning and program design projects for a variety of organizations throughout the city. Allison is an expert facilitator of staff retreats, working sessions, and critical stakeholder conversations, surfacing key insights on a wide array of topics in the arena of nonprofit management. Prior to joining Public Works, Allison advanced initiatives at the NYC Department of Small Business Services and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Allison holds an MPA from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and a B.A. from NYU, and she is a Coro Leadership New York alum and a “40 under 40” honoree by New York Nonprofit Media.

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Center for Hope Staten Island

La Colmena

Nonprofit Staten Island

Northwell Health – Staten Island University Hospital

Partnership for Community Wellness

Staten Island Urban Center

Joseph Cuozzo is the Vice President of Information Technology at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), where he oversees the technological infrastructure across RUMC, Richmond Health Network, and Staten Island Mental Health (SIMH). His comprehensive oversight includes IT, Switchboard, Biomedicine, AV, and Telecommunications. 

In his current role, Joseph is driving significant advancements in strategic technology planning, team leadership and development, cybersecurity and security compliance, and performance monitoring and analysis. His efforts are focused on ensuring RUMC remains at the forefront of healthcare technology. 

A Staten Island native, Joseph joined RUMC in 2016, demonstrating consistent growth and leadership through roles as Systems Analyst, Applications Manager, and Director of IT. Prior to RUMC, he honed his expertise as a CPOE Systems Analyst at Staten Island University Hospital. 

Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from CUNY-College of Staten Island and an MBA with a concentration in Technology Management from Walden University. He further enhances his professional capabilities with ITIL Certification and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University. 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joseph is deeply committed to his community, serving as a board member for Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, Staten Island Business Outreach  Center and Emma’s Place of Staten Island. 

Learn more about the challenges and impacts of implementing cybersecurity at your organization.

Ramona S. Thomas, Ph.D. | she/her | Director of Programs

Meet Ramona. Ramona is an entrepreneurial leader who has held management and consultant positions in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She has extensive experience in education, philanthropy, and nonprofit management, particularly in developing and implementing new initiatives from the ground up.

Find out a little more. Ramona brings over 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector. Previously, Ramona consulted with national nonprofit organizations as an Interim Executive Director, Senior Researcher, Knowledge Management Specialist, and Evaluator. She spent 13 years in traditional foundations and venture philanthropy firms where she was responsible for managing a portfolio of grants and investments and evaluating program outcomes. Ramona has a strong passion for helping nonprofits measure and share their impact. Ramona holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Brown University and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania, where she received the Phi Delta Kappa Award for Outstanding Dissertation in the Graduate School of Education. Her doctoral training focused on higher education, quantitative research methods, and program evaluation.

A little bit more. Ramona is an award-winning chocolatier. She piloted a radio talk show once upon a time. She treasures spending time with family and friends, and loves traveling to new destinations.

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Teresa Gonzalez, Partner

Teresa brings her expertise on stakeholder and community engagement, land use matters and city lobbying to nonprofit, real estate, and corporate clients. As a co-founder of DalyGonzalez, an M/WBE boutique lobbying firm, she has helped public and private institutions build and increase capacity, establish meaningful partnerships, and navigate complex government and community issues. She is also the co-founder and partner at Evolution Strategies, a Latina-owned and operated strategic advising, stakeholder engagement and campaign services firm based in New York.

Teresa has an extensive background in government and public relations in New York City, including serving as Communications Director and Chief of Staff at the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU), and as Deputy Press Secretary at the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs during the Bloomberg administration. She has held several leadership positions at cultural institutions throughout her career including at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the Brooklyn Arts Council and Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York, and at the Museum for Contemporary Crafts in Portland, Oregon. Teresa has been recognized for her work by the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a “Women in Business” award winner, as an influencer on Schneps Media’s Latin Impact and Power Women of Brooklyn Awards and as part of City and State Magazine’s Above & Beyond, Real Estate Power 100, Brooklyn Power 100, Who’s Who in Government Relations and Latino Power 100 list of accomplished leaders. She received her bachelor’s degree in English/Professional Writing from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and received a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Milano – The New School.

Teresa sits on the boards of the New York Immigration Coalition, NYIC Action, The New Majority NYC, the New York Women’s Foundation, ABNY Foundation,

Brooklyn Academy of Music and is a member of the Fund for Public Housing’s Advisory Council. She resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where she was born and raised.

About Bolton-St. Johns

Bolton-St. Johns (BSJ) is a leading statewide government relations consulting firm with offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and an emerging practice in Washington D.C. BSJ specializes in local, state, and city government relations, with long standing experience working with the Governor’s Office, the New York State Senate and Assembly, New York City Hall, the New York City Council and state and local agencies. BSJ is ranked as the number three lobbying firm in Albany by the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE). Our firm is also currently ranked as the number two lobbying firm in New York City by the City Clerk’s Office.

Our partners and lobbying team have decades of experience working across New York – allowing us to deliver the best results possible for our clients. BSJ has a depth and breadth of experience which is unrivaled. We have worked with key governmental officials and agencies to help our clients achieve their goals, identify growth opportunities, as well as advocate for positive budgetary and legislative outcomes.

We provide a full complement of lobbying services, including legislative and budgetary advocacy, regulatory representation, issue-based campaign management, procurement and business development. For more information, please visit our website at www.boltonstjohns.com

Alana Tornello (she/her) is the Director of Resilience at HSC, where she has led their crisis resilience portfolio since 2022. She has served disaster-impacted communities since 2012—internationally and in her home communities in NYC. Notably, Alana served in grassroots Hurricane Sandy recovery in NYC, and in the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene’s responses to COVID-19, measles, and Hurricane Maria. Alana serves on the Board of NYC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and has taught and published on community resilience and crisis-driven social movements.

Marianela Diaz joined the Human Services Council (HSC) in June 2022 and has since been a fierce voice for equity, leading the groundbreaking #JustPay campaign and pushing for better compensation and recognition for New York’s underpaid human services workforce.Prior to joining HSC, Marianela served as an External Relations Associate for NYS Senate Democratic Conference where she focused her work on immigration and housing-related issues. She also has successfully worked as a Regional Field Director for a highly contested State Senate Race, as well as a Hispanic Outreach coordinator for a special elections Senate Race in 2018.

Marianela graduated with Honors from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 2017.

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Susan Madon is the CEO and founder of Minerva Nonprofit Management Consulting, where she supports nonprofits in achieving organizational stability. Her clients include education, arts, health, faith-based and social service agencies both in New York and around the world. Previously, Susan worked internationally in Hong Kong with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and served as Executive Director for the University of Southern California during its record-setting $6B campaign. Her earlier roles include Vice President of External Relations at the French Institute-Alliance Française and Director of Educational Development for the Archdiocese of New York. Susan holds an MBA from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, a BA in Theatre from Jacksonville University, and the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential. She is a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, NYC Chapter, mentors young professionals, and serves on the faculty of Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is also the author of “The Disappearing Donor,” a light suspense novel of fundraising best practices. Susan is an occasional actor and singer and makes her home in Manhattan.

Michael De Vito Jr. is the Executive Director of New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID). He previously served as the Senior Director of Workforce Initiatives and before that he was Program Director for NYCID’s Staten Island Young Adult Borough Center and has been with the SIYABC since January 2006 and the Program Director since June 2007. Michael received his bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies while serving as a United States Marine in Okinawa, Japan. After over eight years of service, Staff Sergeant De Vito returned to civilian life and took a position in sales with the Overseas Military Sales Organization. During this time, he pursued a second Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and a Master of Secondary Education. Michael is certified as an English Teacher (secondary education) in New York State. He also earned a Compassion Systems Masters Practitioner Certificate and an advanced certification in Holding Spaces from the Center for Systems Awareness.

Michael’s commitment to community service is evident in his involvement in various collective impact projects and coalitions. He sits on the steering committees for Tackling Youth Substance Abuse (TYSA), and Youth WINS (Workforce Initiative Network of Staten Island). He also contributes to the New York Training and Education Association board and is a member of the NYATEP DEIAB Board. His dedication to running is reflected in his role as the Vice President of The Staten Island Running Association. He is on the Advisory Board for VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

A 2015 American Express Non-Profit Leadership Academy Alumni, Michael was Inducted into the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2017 for his service after service. He is a Kiwanian, a grassroots community group Occupy the Block member, a 2:42 marathon runner, a published short story writer, and a former candidate for United States Congress.

Learn more about the Body~Mind~Heart Connection, and view/download the Body Budget worksheet:

Honors leaders who amplify underrepresented perspectives and move decision-makers to listen and act. These advocates elevate community voice, build power, and advance meaningful, inclusive change.

President of the College of Staten Island (CSI)

A distinguished historian and accomplished higher education administrator, Dr. Timothy G. Lynch assumed the permanent role leading CSI after 18 months as its interim president, effective July 1, 2023. As interim president of CSI, President Lynch increased diversity among the college’s faculty and staff, and established a new role on his cabinet overseeing diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging. He also reduced the college’s structural deficit by 75% in a one-year period, closing a $12 million budget shortfall, and worked with local elected officials and community leaders to secure funding for campus improvements, including an overhaul of the campus track and field complex.

President Lynch has held a range of leadership roles in higher education.   As chief academic officer at QCC, Dr. Lynch was responsible for all matters related to academic programming, including assessment and accreditation, and to ensuring the college’s continued trajectory of academic excellence. Queensborough was recently selected among 150 top schools to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s most prestigious honor for community colleges. In addition to managing 17 academic departments and 900 faculty, Dr. Lynch is responsible for providing oversight to QCC’s nationally recognized student success initiatives. As interim president of QCC, he oversaw several successful re-accreditation efforts including the campus Middle States self-study, and implemented the campus’ response to COVID-19, including a pivot to fully online education.

Before joining QCC, Dr. Lynch served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at SUNY Maritime College, with prior teaching and administrative experience at the California Maritime Academy, a specialized campus of the California State University system. 

A native New Yorker, and first-generation college student, he earned degrees from Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate School and University Center, all in history. Dr. Lynch is an award-winning historian and scholar whose research interests focus on immigration and ethnicity, and on American maritime history and America’s relationship with the sea. He has developed numerous courses over his academic career, which includes nearly two decades in teaching at the collegiate level.

Recognizes individuals and organizations that step up in moments of need, acting quickly, compassionately, and effectively to mobilize resources, solve problems, and support Staten Islanders through adversity.

Executive Director, Community Resources Staten Island

Mary Rafferty is a visionary leader and dedicated advocate in the field of human services, currently serving as Executive Director of Community Resources Staten Island since November 2020. With more than 30 years of experience, Mary is widely recognized for her ability to drive meaningful change, foster inclusive communities, and elevate standards of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Since stepping into her role at Community Resources, Mary has led a remarkable organizational transformation. Under her leadership, the agency emerged from Early Alert status and entered a period of renewed growth and innovation. Her strategic restructuring efforts have strengthened financial stability, expanded program offerings, and improved outcomes for the individuals and families the agency supports.

Before joining Community Resources, Mary spent over three decades at Life’s WORC, where she advanced through numerous leadership roles. She played a pivotal role in the expansion of the Residential Department, contributing to the organization’s growth and reputation for high-quality, person-centered services.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University and an MBA with a concentration in Strategic Healthcare Management from Hofstra University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies (IAC).

A collaborative and purpose-driven leader, Mary is celebrated for her integrity, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to empowering people and building stronger communities.

Celebrates the catalysts who bring partners together, strengthen relationships, and create conditions where organizations and neighbors thrive, laying foundations for connected, resilient communities.

Dr. Gerenser began working at Eden II in 1982 as a speech therapist. She received her Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing at the Ohio State University and her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science at the City University of New York Graduate Center. She is an adjunct Assistant Professor at Brooklyn College as well as Penn State University. Dr. Gerenser is a member of the Scientific Advisory Council for the Organization for Autism Research. She is on the boards of Heaven’s Hands Community Services, the Interagency Council of New York, the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis, and the Staten Island Not for Profit Association. Dr. Gerenser has also co-authored the interactive CD-ROM entitled ‘Behavioral Programming for Children with Autism. She has authored several book chapters and articles on autism and developmental disabilities. She is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis. She sits on a number of Professional Advisory Boards for several programs serving children and adults with autism in the US and abroad. She has received numerous awards for her work with children and adults with autism, including the Nassau Suffolk Autism Lifetime Achievement Award, the Mosaic Foundation’s Educator of Excellence Award, the Elija Chariot Award, and the Lou Miller Business Leadership Award.

Nominees are active in Staten Island’s nonprofit ecosystem, demonstrate sustained commitment and impact, and are not current NPSI board members or prior recipients.

NPSI members, community groups, businesses, and individuals may submit nominations describing accomplishments, impact, and alignment with one or more categories by the posted deadline (to be set in early 2026).

A diverse conference committee reviews nominations against clear criteria; the NPSI Board reviews the slate to ensure alignment with NPSI’s values. Honorees are announced at the annual conference.