Meet the Experts

Heidi Milch, LMSW

Executive Director

Heidi is the founding and current Executive Director of CCNY. She has spent more than 20 years helping community health and human service organizations grow and thrive through advanced analytics, technology implementation, process and quality improvement, and grant management.

With deep knowledge and unmatched expertise in organizational leadership and program development, Heidi and CCNY have helped a variety of value-based care systems effectively demonstrate the profound impact they have on the in-need populations they serve. Through Heidi’s management, CCNY has become a leader in performance measurement and quality improvement for behavioral health and human services.

Heidi has directed CCNY for over a decade, growing the organization more than seven-fold during that time. Prior to that, Heidi was vice president of program development for Gateway-Longview services. A Buffalo native, Heidi received her bachelor’s from American University in Washington, D.C., before returning home to earn a master of social work from the University at Buffalo. Heidi has also been published in various industry journals and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt holder.

Heidi’s passion for innovation in the field of analytics and ability to design programs that reshape the way health and human service organizations serve communities in need comes as no surprise. That dedication to improving the human condition runs in Heidi’s family. Her father, Dr. Robert A. Milch, MD, was an internationally-recognized leader in palliative care.

Sandra Sheppard, LMSW, PhD

Senior Evaluation Associate

Sandra brings to CCNY more than 20 years of experience in community social work education, practice, and research, including asset-based community development in the fields of addiction and prevention, aging, coalition building, crime prevention, grant management, health and wellness, mental health, nonprofit management, program development, and youth sports. 

Additionally, Sandra taught for seven years as an adjunct in the Buffalo State University Social Work Department, and occasionally as a substitute professor at Daemen University and at Canisius University. As a grad student, she worked for the University at Buffalo Center for Urban Studies, developing programs that connected the grade-level expertise of fifth through eighth graders to the resolution of community problems with art, gardening, and city-planning projects.

For CCNY clients, Sandra’s experience brings a mindful and significant depth of understanding that allows for critical and thoughtful exploration of data, so that organizations can tell their stories in a way that is meaningful and useful for the communities they serve.

Max Pilat

Senior Data Strategist

Max Pilat is a Senior Data Analyst at CCNY with a strong background in healthcare analytics, clinical systems, and enterprise reporting. He specializes in transforming complex clinical and operational data into clear, actionable insights that support leadership decision-making and improve organizational performance.

In his previous role at Kaleida Health, Max partnered with clinicians and operational leaders to identify data gaps, build predictive models, and deliver reporting solutions that drove workflow improvements across multiple facilities. He developed and maintained executive-level Tableau dashboards supporting pharmacy, population health, operations, and financial performance, and played a key role in Epic Healthy Planet implementations.

Max brings a deep technical foundation in programming, data science, and healthcare interoperability, with hands-on experience supporting HL7 interfaces, automated data pipelines, and regulatory reporting. He holds a Master’s degree in Data Science & Analytics and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, along with multiple Epic certifications, and maintains CPR/AED certification.

Huiru Chang

Senior Data Analyst

Huiru Chang applies her knowledge and skills in data analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, statistical programming, data visualization, report generation, and data warehouse maintenance.

As Data Analyst at CCNY, Huiru is part of the Evaluation and Analytics team. She aims to prepare thoughtful data analysis by carefully understanding the meaning behind the data to help groups and communities achieve informed decision-making. She provides direct services to our clients and develops models. With a background in business and management, Hairu translates complex programming into more detailed and visualized information for partners and community members.

Bala Annapureddy

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst and Engineer, Bala specializes in designing and implementing scalable, cloud-based data architectures and modern Lakehouse solutions. He brings deep technical expertise in building end-to-end ETL/ELT workflows using Python, SQL, PySpark, and Databricks to ensure high-performance, business-driven data delivery.

With a Master of Science in Computer Science, he focuses on optimizing distributed data processing. Bala is dedicated to maintaining high data trust by automating quality validation, anomaly detection, and schema enforcement frameworks using R, Python and SQL. Beyond backend engineering, he excels at translating complex datasets into actionable insights by developing SQL-driven analytical data marts and semantic layers. By leveraging multi-cloud environments including Azure and AWS, he streamlines operational workflows and reduces manual dependency through robust automation

JT

Digital Strategy and Design Associate

As CCNY’s resident digital strategy and design associate, JT’s role encompasses development and management of Erie County’s flagship mental health resource app, Erie Path, as well as e-learning, dashboard, and reporting design. With a background in anthropology and IT, she merges her love of other cultures, passion for technology, and dedication to advocacy to create social good. JT is particularly focused on technology’s ability to address marginalized populations’ unmet needs and promote equity, leveraging her extensive writing, UX/UI, and volunteer experience to expand resources, enhance education, and champion universal accessibility.

Elyse Fuerst, LMSW

Senior Project Manager

Elyse Fuerst, LMSW, turns data into impact, bridging trauma-informed practice with rigorous evaluation and strategic leadership to help communities thrive. She leads cross-functional project teams to deliver high-quality, client-centered evaluation and analytics work aligned with mission, timelines, and budgets. With more than five years of experience in research and evaluation within human service settings, Elyse has led projects spanning fidelity assessments, needs assessments, community engagement initiatives, qualitative research, data infrastructure development, and workflow optimization.

Before her evaluation leadership work, Elyse worked in a residential treatment facility for youth at risk of harming themselves or others, grounding her approach in trauma-informed and restorative practices. She is a contributing author to Trauma-Informed Evaluation & Research: A Guide to Understanding and Using Trauma-Informed Principles, where her chapter, “Circle Did What a Focus Group Could Not,” highlights innovative participatory methods. Elyse is committed to advancing racial justice, mental health advocacy, and data-driven decision-making to strengthen community wellbeing. In addition to her professional work, she serves as a Board Member for Journey’s End Refugee Services.

Shannon Wichlacz, PhD, CMP

Senior Evaluation Associate

Dr. Shannon Wichlacz is a research and evaluation leader with over 25 years of experience driving impact across public health, education, and the non-profit sector. She holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology and was trained through an Institute of Education Sciences (IES) fellowship. Specializing in Logic Modeling and mixed-methods research, she builds robust evaluative frameworks that turn complex datasets into actionable, accessible narratives to guide executive decision-making.

Throughout her career, Dr. Wichlacz has served as a federal Co-Principal Investigator securing multi-year NIH grants and has co-authored 16 peer-reviewed journal articles. She currently teaches Understanding Statistical Research to graduate students as an adjunct lecturer at the University at Buffalo, and has assisted in securing multi-million dollar grant funding from federal agencies including HRSA, NIH, NSF, and SAMHSA.

As a Certified Change Management Professional (CMP® via Acuity Institute), Dr. Wichlacz bridges the gap between evaluation and execution. Grounded in Appreciative Inquiry and strengths-based methodologies, she doesn’t just identify organizational challenges, she engages stakeholders to build the strategic roadmaps, data visual stories, and change leadership necessary for sustainable success.

Lalith Adithya Chintagumpala

Data Analyst

Lalith turns data into decisions that matter.
He builds the infrastructure that helps health and human services organizations see what’s working, understand why, and move forward with confidence. From designing data pipelines to developing machine learning models, Lalith creates systems that don’t just collect information but transform it into clarity.

At CCNY, he works alongside our Evaluation and Analytics team to make data more accessible and reporting more reliable. His software engineering background means he thinks in systems, building solutions that scale and adapt as organizations grow and evolve.

Lalith earned his Master of Science in Computer Science from the University at Buffalo. Before that, he developed the kind of technical foundation that now powers better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Doug Nichy

Salesforce Applications & Vendor Support Manager

Doug has spent more than 10 years driving IT success at CCNY. Now focusing primarily on county and client application support, his deep familiarity with our full platform suite enables him to tackle complex technical challenges and ensure seamless application performance across all systems.

Subrot Sundewar

Analytics Manager

Subrot brings a strong background in analytics, technology, and team leadership, with experience developing data-driven solutions, improving analytical workflows, and using emerging technologies such
as artificial intelligence and automation to solve complex business problems. He is passionate about making data accessible and translating complex analytical concepts into clear, practical insights that support informed decision-making.

Subrot earned his STEM MBA in Management Science from the University at Buffalo, where his studies included predictive analytics, statistical analysis, data modeling, artificial intelligence, and
digital product management.

Outside of work, Subrot enjoys theatre arts, soccer, hiking, traveling, and exploring emerging technologies.

Christa Foschio-Bebak, JD, MSW

Director of Quality Improvement & Training

​​As Director of Quality Improvement & Training, Christa leads, facilitates, and manages projects that improve quality outcomes and increase direct staff participation in data-driven decision- making, helping minimize organizational performance gaps that could hinder funding initiatives.

She is adept at working with senior administration in measuring the specific mission of our clients and using data management to implement QI programs that enhance service delivery. Christa holds certifications from the University of Buffalo School of Social Work and has studied with the Fiscal Policy Studies Institute.

Her formal training in quality improvement and her experience implementing improvement cycles for health and human services agencies make her the perfect fit to lead your quality improvement project.

Sherry Conlan

Senior Coordinator of Training & Development

Sherry Conlan is the Senior Coordinator of Training & Development at CCNY. In her role, she leverages her extensive background in the Wraparound community to design, lead, and optimize educational programs. She specializes in training and coaching professionals entering the world of Wraparound.

In addition to coordinating training, Sherry serves as a Process Mentor for MiiWrap and is a certified State Trainer for Nurturing Families, providing specialized instruction and high-level guidance across multiple evidence-based models.

Kristy Colvin, LMSW

Clinical Support Specialist

Kristy Colvin, LMSW, Clinical Support Specialist has worked in the Children’s System of Care for most of her career. She began to work as a direct care coordinator prior to becoming care coordination supervisor. Most recently, she was the program manager for wraparound care coordination services, preventive services, and parent enrichment at Child and Family Services of Erie County.

Kristy is passionate about child welfare and improving the lives of the children and families served. As well as, providing training and support to child welfare workers. She earned her master’s degree in social work from the University at Buffalo. During that time, she interned with Erie County Department of Social Services and is a National Child Welfare Worker Institute (NCWWI) scholar.

Kim Stewart, EdM

Early Childhood Director

As CCNY’s Early Childhood Director, Kim continues her life’s work of uplifting children, their families, and the communities that nurture them. She has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education with focused expertise in trauma-informed practices and educational leadership.

Kim provides leadership to both the PEDALS and the Help Me Grow WNY teams, supporting their collective efforts to give WNY children the best possible start. She has a unique ability to drive meaningful change through authentic leadership and positive relationships with community partners. 

Kim is known for her passionate advocacy. She serves as an advisory committee member for several regional and statewide collaborations, including Directors as Leaders, United Way Birth to Eight Coalition, and the New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC). In addition, she builds and shares her expertise as an adjunct professor at Empire State College and as a member of the Health Leadership Fellows Program.

Danielle Galenski, EdM

Assistant Director of Help Me Grow

Danielle has decades of experience working with children and families in various capacities. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in early childhood systems, she believes in meeting families where they are and treating parents as the experts on their children. 

Danielle began her career as a teaching assistant in a therapeutic school setting and then as a Wraparound program provider offering intensive in-home therapy and parent coaching in Erie County. Prior to joining CCNY, Danielle worked in the Buffalo Public Schools as a family support specialist for Say Yes Buffalo. While there, she was promoted to the position of early childhood supervisor, where she successfully worked to build early childhood systems of support across the district for close to five years. 

A graduate of the University at Buffalo, Danielle has a master’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University. 

Ann Kinney, M.S.

Centralized Access & Family Engagement Lead of Help Me Grow

Ann is a dedicated early childhood professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting children, families, educators, and communities. Throughout her career, she has been committed to ensuring that young children have the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

Ann currently serves as the Centralized Access & Family Engagement Lead at CCNY, where she connects families of children from birth to age six with developmental screenings and community resources through Help Me Grow WNY. She works closely with families and community partners to identify needs, provide valuable supports, and strengthen connections across Western New York’s early childhood system. Her leadership has also included conducting community outreach and supporting program sustainability through training and professional development.

Prior to joining Parent Network, Ann served as Center Director for Doodle Bugs Children’s Learning Academy, where she led operations, supervised and trained staff, ensured regulatory compliance, and fostered strong relationships with families. She also spent nearly a decade as an elementary school teacher with Prince George’s County Public Schools, teaching both second and fourth grades, and has held leadership and teaching roles in early childhood programs throughout her career, including as a preschool director, lead teacher, and residential counselor.

Ann earned a Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood/Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Early Childhood Development from the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. She has held professional certifications in both New York and Maryland in Early Childhood and Childhood Education.

With a passion for early childhood development, family engagement, and community collaboration, Ann is recognized for her compassionate approach, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping children and families thrive.

Gerald Smith

Assistant Director of PEDALS

Gerald has nearly 20 years of experience working with young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. He believes deeply in understanding how adverse experiences affect children and recognizes the transformative impact that trauma-informed care, protective factors, and developmental screenings can have on ensuring their success.

Gerald’s career began as a preschool teacher before he advanced to child care center director. Drawing from these foundational experiences, he worked on improving classrooms across Western New York through mentoring, onsite coaching, professional development, and screening program development with the Niagara Quality Improvement Project, PEDALS, and Help Me Grow WNY.

Gerald has a bachelor’s from the University at Buffalo as well as master’s coursework from Empire State College and Niagara University.

David Monroe, MPA

Director of Evaluation and Analytics

David leads CCNY’s evaluation and analytics work, managing data integration projects, developing performance dashboards, and helping organizations get their data into a usable form for funders, boards, and program staff.

He held this role before. In between, he served as CCNY’s Director of Business Development, which meant a year and a half of listening to executive directors and program leaders describe the same set of problems. Reporting that eats the first week of every month. Systems that do not talk to each other. Data that looks fine until someone asks a real question of it. He came back to evaluation and analytics because that is where those problems get solved.

David works in SQL, Power BI, R, and Azure, and he is comfortable in rooms where nobody wants to talk about any of them. Most engagements start with a conversation about what a program is trying to demonstrate and who needs to be convinced, and the technical decisions follow from there.

Anna Loewer

Marketing Manager

Anna transforms complex data analytics into compelling content for health and human services organizations. With over four years of experience in project management and communications, she creates engaging digital marketing campaigns at CCNY that showcase the real-world impact of data-driven decision-making.

Her expertise spans content creation, email marketing, social media management, and campaign analytics. Anna excels at translating complex program evaluation and data analytics concepts into clear, actionable content that helps organizations leverage their data for community impact.

Anna holds bachelor’s degrees in Communication (Public Relations) and English from SUNY Fredonia, and has specialized training in social media marketing.

Andrea Minor

Director of Operations and Grants Management

Andrea Minor is the Director of Operations and Grants Management for CCNY. She is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations necessary for the success and growth of CCNY. Andrea collaborates with department directors to develop, maintain, and improve operational plans. She has over 20 years of experience implementing process improvement through Lean Six Sigma, including 10 years of grant management with CCNY.

As Director of Grants, she is responsible for managing and supporting grant requirements and implementation. Andrea works directly with foundations, government agencies, program staff, evaluation teams, and subject matter experts to guide the implementation, fiscal, and administrative management of grants. Certified in grants management, she has managed over $23 million in grant funding. She is an active member of the Grants Professional Association of WNY.

Martha Helwig

Senior Operations Associate

Since joining CCNY in 2010, Martha has played an integral part in creating CCNY’s policies and procedures, establishing the Grants Department and assisting with the startup of CCNY’s three affiliate organizations that include a nonprofit, for-profit, and foundation. Martha has over 15 years of experience in operations and 10 years of grant management with CCNY.

As a trained Lean Six Sigma professional, Martha successfully transitioned the accounts payable process in-house from an outsourced accounting firm and helped manage $23 million in grant funding. As the Senior Operations Associate, her multitasking abilities and attention to detail facilitate CCNY’s effectiveness. Although Martha’s work is typically behind the scenes, her impact is nevertheless substantial.

Melissa Milch, MA

Administrative Operations Assistant

As Administrative Operations Assistant, Melissa handles the day-to-day administrative operations for CCNY, including managing accounts payable, communicating with vendors, purchasing, scheduling and facility oversight. As grants associate, Melissa’s responsibilities include supporting the fiscal and administrative aspects of the implementation of grant management between funders, program staff, evaluation teams, and subject matter experts. 

Melissa joined CCNY with over 25 years of experience in the field of education. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and master’s degree from Binghamton University.

Kelly Stephenson

Finance Manager

Kelly Stephenson is an experienced accountant and the Finance Manager at CCNY. She is also the president of Stephenson Accounting Solutions and serves several area nonprofit organizations. Kelly has over 30 years of experience in accounting, including 15 years of grants management. She is a specialist in architecting accounting software to assist in grant tracking and is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Trained in federal grants management, Kelly has successfully prepared for over 10 Single Audits (formerly A-133 Audits) and managed over $50 million in grant funding. Kelly received an Award of Honor from the New York State Society of CPAs and the Distinguished Service Award as a volunteer for the Western Region PTA.

Bernarda Arias

Director of Community, Outreach and Engagement at Roswell Park

Bernarda Arias, hailing from the Dominican Republic and now based in Buffalo, NY, embarked on her American journey early on. As the Director of Community, Outreach, and Engagement at Roswell Park, she takes the helm of the CARES (Community Alliance to Reach, Empower and Sustain) program, cementing the institution’s bonds with Buffalo’s community.

Bernarda passionately orchestrates a multitude of initiatives throughout the year, catering to various communities in Buffalo and beyond. With a robust professional tenure spanning over two decades and holding a bachelor’s in business administration from Buffalo State University, complemented by a certification in Diversity and Inclusion, she’s garnered numerous prestigious recognitions for her outstanding contributions.

Bernarda is a fervent advocate for young women, co-founding the L.A.D.Y.S (Leadership, Advancement, and Development of our Young Sisters) program, and serves as an alumni advisor, inspiring the next generation. Beyond her impactful role, she wholeheartedly cheers for her son, Christian, in his baseball pursuits, embodying the belief that kindness and perseverance can transform lives.

Her message resonates: we must remain humble, work tirelessly, and always give back to others, especially in times of life’s unexpected events.

“Helping one person might not change the world, but it can change the world for that one person.“

Christine E.B. Howard

Founder and CEO of E.B. Howard Consulting, LLC.

Christine is the founder and CEO of E.B. Howard Consulting, LLC, a certified M/WBE that helps startups and small businesses secure non-dilutive grant funding. She is passionate about creating equitable access to funding for historically underrepresented entrepreneurs and believes inclusivity drives innovation and economic growth.

Christine mentors through prestigious programs including the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps™), Columbia Technology Ventures, and NYSERDA’s EIR Program. She serves as a pitch judge for major startup competitions like 43North and Female Founders in Tech.

She currently sits on the boards of The Upstate Capital Foundation and The Collaborative Center for Social Innovation, and has previously served on Buffalo/Niagara NAWBO and Ten Thousand Villages boards.

Danielle M. Marzo

Director of Learning & Development, Media Americas for dentsu international

Danielle serves as Director of Learning & Development, Media Americas for dentsu international, where she implements learning initiatives that accelerate organizational performance and drive business transformation. She specializes in LMS management, training design, compliance, and using data analytics to implement large-scale change initiatives.

With 12 years of public sector experience spanning non-profit and education, Danielle’s expertise includes Human Resources, Change Management, Workforce Development, and Organizational Development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and completed Harvard Business School of Buffalo’s Healthcare Management Program.

As a DiSC certified trainer, Danielle has served in various leadership roles including Racial Equity Coach for The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, PTA Vice President of Finance, and business mentor for Clarence High School’s Business Academy. She has also held leadership positions with Alpha Gamma Delta, Order of Omega, and the Association for Talent and Development.

Edward L. Arcara, CPA

Managing Director of Edward L. Arcara, CPA PC

Ed is the Managing Director of Edward L. Arcara, CPA PC, a Buffalo-based firm with three Western New York locations serving over 1,400 individuals and 250 businesses. His firm provides comprehensive services including financial preparation, tax consulting, financial planning, payroll processing, and audit representation.

A dedicated community leader, Ed serves on the boards of two non-profit organizations and as President of a Western New York foundation. He is an active member and board member of the NY Chapter of NATP, where he also serves on the Education Committee.

In 2012, Ed received the Distinguished Service Award from the Buffalo Chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants for his outstanding service and dedication. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Canisius College.

With 12 years of public sector experience spanning non-profit and education, Danielle’s expertise includes Human Resources, Change Management, Workforce Development, and Organizational Development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and completed Harvard Business School of Buffalo’s Healthcare Management Program.

As a DiSC certified trainer, Danielle has served in various leadership roles including Racial Equity Coach for The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, PTA Vice President of Finance, and business mentor for Clarence High School’s Business Academy. She has also held leadership positions with Alpha Gamma Delta, Order of Omega, and the Association for Talent and Development.

Ericka N. Bennett, Esq.

Attorney

Ericka N. Bennett, Esq. is an Western New York attorney with experience in civil litigation and health care, having worked in private practice, government and health care settings.

Glenn Spencer MS, MBA

Managing Partner & Chief Consultant at Accelerated Results LLC.

Glenn is the Managing Partner and Chief Consultant at Accelerated Results LLC, specializing in technology training and workforce development, and Managing Partner at Family Community Services LLC, both based in Buffalo, New York. As a professional trainer, change management champion, and leadership development consultant, he partners with Fortune 100 companies globally to create learning and development solutions that drive performance and exceed expectations.

Glenn holds a Psychology degree from the University at Buffalo, a graduate degree in counseling from Canisius College, and an MBA from UB’s Executive program. He serves on the YMCA of Western New York board of directors and the Erie County Arts and Cultural Advisory Board, driven by his passion for organizations that create economic prosperity in their communities.

An active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Glenn has served as a guest lecturer at universities and corporations nationwide. When not consulting or teaching, he enjoys traveling with his wife and four children, playing bass guitar, singing, acting, and exercising.

Jamie Bono

Former Paramedic & Healthcare Data Engineer

Jamie is a healthcare data engineer and former paramedic who advocates for reshaping health and social care through data-driven prevention strategies. Drawing from his frontline experience witnessing how ambulances were often dispatched for social problems rather than medical emergencies, he now uses healthcare data and community partnerships to address health-related social needs before they become crises.

Jamie received the Business First Excellence in Healthcare Award in 2024 and has made significant contributions to Medicaid delivery system and value-based payment reform initiatives in Western New York. He studied Writing and Technical Communication at the University at Buffalo and University of Pittsburgh, where he served as a Homeland Security Research Fellow at the Center for National Preparedness.

He lives in East Aurora, NY, with his two children.

Kelley Swann

Associate Chief Operations Officer for The Arc of Erie County

Kelley Swann serves as Associate Chief Operations Officer for The Arc of Erie County, bringing over 30 years of non-profit experience advocating for vulnerable individuals and families through both direct service and leadership roles. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Policy, providing strong expertise in policy development and operations.

An active leader throughout Western New York, Kelley serves on the boards of CCNY Inc. and NAMI Buffalo & Western New York, and currently serves as President of the Starpoint Central School District Board of Education.

Kevin Bidtah

Chief Information Officer of Evergreen Health

Kevin Bidtah is the Chief Information Officer at Evergreen Health in Buffalo, NY, where he has built his career since 2000, beginning in case management before transitioning to healthcare information technology in 2010. He has led his teams in developing robust data, technology, and cybersecurity infrastructure that aligns with and enables the organization’s mission.

Kevin is actively involved with healthcare information organizations including CHIME, ACHE, HIMSS, TechBuffalo, and InfoTechWNY. He holds two CHIME certifications: Certified Digital Health Executive (CDH-E) and Certified Healthcare CIO (CHCIO).

Arica Rouse

Director of Community Engagement at BestSelf

Raised on Buffalo’s East Side, Arica Rouse brings over 20 years of health and human services experience and is passionate about health literacy, inclusion, and bridging community gaps through collaboration. Her diverse background spans direct care, administration, and project management across non-profit, for-profit, and government sectors.

As Director of Community Engagement at BestSelf Behavioral Health, Arica builds support for service delivery while informing programs and operations. She works across all departments to deepen community relationships and strengthen multi-year neighborhood connections and grassroots partnerships, with a strong focus on underrepresented communities to advance health equity and achieve greater impact for the families BestSelf serves.

Frank Gullo

Chief Technology Officer

Frank Gullo is the Chief Technology Officer at Aleron, where he provides strategic technology leadership and drives innovation for the company and its global clients. With extensive experience in information management, data and analytics, software development, and cybersecurity, he is a trusted voice in the technology sector.

Beyond his executive role, Frank is a prominent thought leader and writer. He is the creator and host of the TechXY Turbo podcast, where he hosts unfiltered conversations with industry guests to explore AI and technology trends shaping the future. His nonfiction articles have been featured in a range of publications, including Business Insider, Computerworld, and Reworked. He is also the author of the young adult sports sci-fi audiobook “Only Human” and other fiction.

Frank is committed to giving back to his community. He is actively involved with the University at Buffalo, the University of Ottawa, and technology groups, where he regularly mentors students on professional development and career readiness. He formerly served as President and volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Reserve Hose Fire Company.

Joshua Havrda

Controller

Joshua Havrda serves as Controller at the Barber National Institute, where he oversees financial operations that support the organization’s mission to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live full and meaningful lives. With a strong background in financial stewardship, compliance, and operational efficiency, Joshua plays a critical role in aligning fiscal strategy with programmatic goals, ensuring resources are managed responsibly to enhance quality of care and service delivery.

Joshua brings a values-driven approach to leadership, rooted in transparency, accountability, and community impact. His experience in nonprofit financial management and commitment to inclusive services make him a strong advocate for organizational excellence and equity. As a member of the Board of Directors at CCNY, Joshua is dedicated to advancing initiatives that promote sustainability, innovation, and access to care across diverse populations.