Mission-driven, dynamic, compassionate senior executive with over 20 years of experience in leading innovative, high impact programs in nonprofit social services. Proven expertise in developing and managing multi-million dollar, high-quality programs and services for vulnerable individuals, including those impacted by homelessness, behavioral health, and complex medical needs, to achieve their full potential. A trusted leader who supports, challenges, and inspires staff and clients. Skilled in leading program and organizational change, collaboration, and fostering a rewarding work environment that empowers employees to grow and excel.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Program Officer
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
07.2023 - Current
Lead the strategic vision and oversight of 32 service programs, including supportive and transitional, housing, street outreach, Intensive Mobile Treatment, benefits centers and employment services, serving over 10,000 individuals annually and 500+ staff
Exercise fiscal stewardship over operating budgets totaling more than $90M, including private foundation funding and multiple government contracts, ensuring proper management and compliance with guidelines
Oversee Quality Assurance and Improvement department including research and development, staff training, and program compliance with agency policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Supervise Deputy Chief Program Officers and Director of Quality Assurance and Improvement, ensuring programs are well managed, meet performance standards and outcomes, and staff are well trained and supported
Direct the development of new service programs and initiatives including initial proposal, budget creation, design of staffing and program model, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and successful opening
Initiated the development of services in three new supportive housing programs, adding over 400+ units to the agency's portfolio in the coming years
Report directly to the CEO, contributing to executive-level decision-making on agency-wide fiscal, personnel, and policy matters
Engaged in community board meetings and with elected officials to support the successful opening of a new 84 bed safe haven for unsheltered homeless individuals with a diagnosed mental illness in New York City's Financial District
Co-led the expansion of equitable hiring practices in partnership with HR, by expanding educational qualifications, significantly reducing vacancies and increasing diversity in supervisory and management roles
Initiated improvements to the disciplinary process, creating clearer roles and responsibilities between program managers, HR, and legal, resulting in enhanced efficiency
Play a key role in CUCS' Committee of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging leadership committee, fostering an inclusive and equitable organizational culture
Cultivate and manage relations with external partners, including elected officials, funders, and community organizations
Lead or participate in the development and implementation of agency-wide initiatives
Collaborate with all of the agency's program managers and critical department staff to help ensure the overall effectiveness of the agency's operations
Deputy Chief Program Officer
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
05.2009 - 06.2023
Promoted to Senior Deputy Chief Program Officer in October 2020.
Oversaw overall program operations and social work services for a diverse portfolio of programs including supportive housing, employment services, care management (Health Home), and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) with a total $25M+ operating budget and 200 staff
Successfully launched four new supportive housing programs totaling 900+ units, overseeing program design, budgeting, staffing, implementation, and evaluation
Successfully developed and implemented budget plans, forecasting needs, and making adjustments to maintain financial integrity and meet changing funder and programmatic demands
Supervised Program Directors representing a broad spectrum of CUCS services
Integrated primary medical care services into supportive and transitional housing programs improving medical outcomes for clients
Adjusted program operations, including creating protocols and policies and transitioning to remote work schedule to rapidly respond to the COVID 19 pandemic
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to refine service delivery models, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission
Ensured programs met agency performance standards, contractual obligations, and performance targets
Played a critical role in CUCS' Bargaining Committee negotiating the DC 37 union contract
Managed relations with funders, partner organizations, and other stakeholders
Program Director - The Christopher Supportive Housing Program
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
11.2003 - 05.2009
Managed overall clinical services and program operations for 167 tenants; including personnel management, contract compliance, program development, and implementation and evaluation of program policies and procedures
Supervised 4 senior staff direct reports with oversight of 25 staff members
Screened, Interviewed, and hired all staff members
Managed program budget in excess of $1 million
Collaborated with partner organizations and other stakeholders
Implemented evidence-based practices such as Supported Employment, Motivational Interviewing, and Illness Management and Recovery, enhancing client engagement and outcomes
Facilitated weekly management meetings and monthly staff meetings
Co-chaired agency wide Cultural Competency Committee and developed training curriculum
Participated in agency wide committees including QA, Incident Review, and implementation committees for new initiatives
Assistant Program Director - The Prince George Supportive Housing Program
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
08.2002 - 11.2003
Assisted the Program Director in managing operations and clinical services for 415 tenants, ensuring program standards and documentation compliance
Managed special programming, providing supervision and oversight for intake services, entitlements, and therapeutic activities and groups
Liaison between onsite psychiatrist and social service staff
Clinical Coordinator - The Prince George
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
10.2001 - 08.2002
Led and supervised a core services team providing case management and clinical services for 150 clients
Designed and implemented site protocols, policies, and procedures
Senior Social Work Clinician - The Prince George
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
02.2000 - 10.2001
Delivered comprehensive case management, assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention to 38 tenants with histories of homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and/or chronic medical conditions
Supervised fieldwork placement of MSW students, contributing to the development of the next generation of social workers
Medical Social Worker - Long Term Care AIDS Unit
Coler-Goldwater Memorial Hospital (HHC)
09.1998 - 02.2000
Provided assessment, case management, counseling, and discharge planning to 35 patients diagnosed with AIDS, coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize care
Education
MSW -
New York University School of Social Work
05.1998
BA - Psychology, English Minor
State University of New York at Albany
05.1995
Skills
Program Development and Strategic Planning
Leadership Coaching and Team Development
Budget Oversight and fiscal management
Change Management and Organizational Growth
Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building
Service Delivery Excellence and Continuous Improvement
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Initiatives
Staff Motivation and Positive Workplace Culture
Outcome Measurement and Data-Driven Decision Making
Publications
A. Levitt, K. Mueser, J. DeGenova, J. Lorenzo, D. Bradford-Watt, A. Barbosa, M. Karlin, M. Chernick, A randomized controlled trial of illness management and recovery in multi unit supportive housing., Psychiatric Services, 60, 1629-1636, 12/09
Credentials
New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), License Number 072071-1
Timeline
Chief Program Officer
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
07.2023 - Current
Deputy Chief Program Officer
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
05.2009 - 06.2023
Program Director - The Christopher Supportive Housing Program
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
11.2003 - 05.2009
Assistant Program Director - The Prince George Supportive Housing Program
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
08.2002 - 11.2003
Clinical Coordinator - The Prince George
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
10.2001 - 08.2002
Senior Social Work Clinician - The Prince George
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)
02.2000 - 10.2001
Medical Social Worker - Long Term Care AIDS Unit
Coler-Goldwater Memorial Hospital (HHC)
09.1998 - 02.2000
BA - Psychology, English Minor
State University of New York at Albany
MSW -
New York University School of Social Work
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