DANIELLE LEONARDO
Staten Island,N.Y
Summary
Senior operations and workforce development leader with extensive experience overseeing day-to-day program operations, compliance, staffing, and service delivery within nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities. Proven partner to executive leadership in ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, fiscal accountability, and high-quality, person-centered services. Recognized for building accountable teams, strengthening internal systems, and driving continuous improvement across programs.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator for Workforce Development
AHRC- NYC
Staten Island, N.Y
03.2024 - Current
- Serve as senior operational lead for a multi-component workforce development program, overseeing daily operations, staffing, compliance, and participant outcomes
- Partner closely with executive leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders to address operational needs and problem-solve in real time
- Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with DYCD, funder requirements, and internal controls
- Supervise, train, and evaluate staff; conduct onboarding, performance reviews, and professional development planning
- Monitor program expenditures, approve timesheets, and ensure fiscal accountability within program budgets
- Maintain audit-ready participant and personnel records; coordinate internal and external audits, and compliance reviews.
- Collaborate with academic, job development, and administrative teams to improve systems supporting service delivery and participant outcomes
- Oversee data tracking related to attendance, staffing, compliance, and performance metrics to inform leadership decisions
- Lead community and employer partnerships to support program sustainability and quality outcomes
Community Support Supervisor
AHRC- NYC
Staten Island, N.Y
07.2022 - 03.2024
- Oversaw daily operations for community-based disability services programs, ensuring ethical, person-centered, and compliant service delivery
- Supervised multidisciplinary staff teams; conducted training, performance evaluations, corrective action, and coaching
- Ensured compliance with NYS HCBS Waiver regulations, OPWDD standards, and agency policies
- Developed individualized staff action plans aligned with participant goals and regulatory requirements
- Led risk management efforts including safety protocols, incident response, and participation on Safety and Fleet Committees
- Managed petty cash, tracked expenditures, and supported financial accountability for program operations.
- Served as a liaison between administration, program staff, and leadership to ensure alignment of operational priorities.
Employment & Community Services Coordinator
AHRC- NYC
Staten Island, N.Y
11.2021 - 07.2022
- Managed intake, documentation, and compliance processes for supported employment programs
- Coordinated criminal background checks and funding documentation (ACCES-VR, OPWDD, OMH)
- Prepared monthly operational and compliance reports for multiple funding sources
- Assessed participant goals and partnered with program leadership to align services with outcomes
Buyer
Lord & Taylor
New York, N.Y
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Managed $30M annual operating volume, forecasting budgets, inventory flow, and financial performance
- Negotiated vendor contracts, pricing, and markdown allowances to meet fiscal targets
- Analyzed performance data to improve efficiency, reduce liability, and maximize outcomes
- Partnered cross-functionally with marketing, finance, and operations teams
Associate Buyer
Lord & Taylor
New York, N.Y
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Responsible for purchase order and shipping management.
- Weekly best-seller recaps and presentations.
- Extensive use of price management POS markdown and RTV systems.
Merchandise Analyst
Lord & Taylor
New York, N.Y
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Effectively distributed merchandise to 68 stores.
- Strategized sales and stock needs to ensure sales plans were maximized and stock liabilities were minimized.
Service Assistant
Macy's
New York, N.Y
01.1996 - 12.1996
- Communicate with customers about their needs and tastes to identify items in the store that they might enjoy.
- Retrieving clothing, accessories and shoes for customers to try on according to their preferences.
- Shopping for specific items according to lists provided by customers and holding them for the customer to collect after they finish their other shopping.
Education
(IAC) - Certified Incident Investigator -
Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, Inc
01.2023
Master of Science - Elementary Education
St. John’s University
Staten IslandBachelor of Science - Marketing
St. John’s University
Staten IslandSkills
- Nonprofit Operations Leadership
- Disability Services & HCBS Compliance
- Staff Supervision & Performance Management
- Budget Oversight & Fiscal Controls
- Policy Development & Internal Controls
- Risk Management & Safety Oversight
- Audit Readiness & Regulatory Compliance
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Data Tracking & Operational Reporting
- Process Improvement & Systems Implementation
- Person-Centered Service Models
- Cross-Functional Leadership Collaboration
Timeline
Coordinator for Workforce Development
AHRC- NYC
03.2024 - Current
Community Support Supervisor
AHRC- NYC
07.2022 - 03.2024
Employment & Community Services Coordinator
AHRC- NYC
11.2021 - 07.2022
Buyer
Lord & Taylor
01.1999 - 01.2000
Associate Buyer
Lord & Taylor
01.1997 - 01.1999
Merchandise Analyst
Lord & Taylor
01.1996 - 01.1997
Service Assistant
Macy's
01.1996 - 12.1996
(IAC) - Certified Incident Investigator -
Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, Inc
Master of Science - Elementary Education
St. John’s University
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
St. John’s University