Executive mpa 2014 Faculty & Practitioner Biographies 2014-2015
PAF 9136 Urban Economic Development, Year 2
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PAF 9136 Urban Economic Development, Year 2Office: 135 East 22nd Street, Room 422 Phone: 646 660-6736 Fax: 646 660-6831 Email: Robert.Walsh@baruch.cuny.edu Robert Walsh was appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) by Mayor Bloomberg in January 2002. During his tenure, he has reshaped the agency to directly focus on and respond to the needs of the City's nearly 200,000 small businesses. Prior to his appointment, Robert spent five years in North Carolina as President of Charlotte Center City Partners, an organization dedicated to improving and growing Charlotte's central business district. From 1989 to April 1997, he led the Union Square Partnership, and during the 1980's, he worked in the administration of Mayor Edward I. Koch. He began his career in public service as a New York City Urban Fellow, a program he later directed. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and M.P.A. from Fordham University.
jarteaga@qsac.com Johanna Arteaga graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Stony Brook University. After graduation, Johanna occupied the following roles: Manager for Group Homes at New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) facilities, Medicaid Coordinator at Miller and Milone, P.C., and Early Intervention Service Coordinator. Currently, Johanna is the Early Intervention Program Coordinator at Quality Service for the Autism Community (QSAC), where she has developed and expanded the early intervention program and currently manages all administrative duties. She provides direct supervision to the Early Intervention Service Coordinators in QSAC, develops the Non-Medicaid Program, and is a behavior evaluator. Her first job was at Direct Care for individuals with traumatic brain injuries.Johanna’s favorite place to take visitors in New York City is Pier 6 Park. Leydy Avila 
Sports and Arts School Foundations Program Manager leydyavila@gmail.com Leydy will be starting a new position as Program Manager at the Sports and Arts School Foundations. As Program Manager she will oversee the operations of six-eight school sites, to ensure they are meeting contractual obligations. She has been working in the non-profit sector for 16 years, as a Beacon Director the last seven. Leydy Avila received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from CUNY Hunter College. She also holds a Master’s Degree in History from CUNY Queens College. Leydy decided to pursue her Executive MPA degree because she believes it will help her gain the insight necessary to better operate a non-profit organization, as well as other institutions that help communities succeed in their quest for advancement. Leydy's first job was as a group leader in a Winter Camp for a Beacon program. Sarah Axelson 
Women’s Sports Foundation Advocacy and Program Manager axelson.sj@gmail.com Sarah earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. As an athlete, she often recognized life lessons learned through sports. Her experience as a four-year NCAA Division III softball player solidified her passion for sports, and after graduating she strove to weave her passion into her career. Currently, Sarah serves as the Advocacy & Program Manager at the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) in East Meadow, NY, where she is responsible for the daily activities of the advocacy department which includes educating the public on gender equity in sports and Title IX. Sarah manages WSF’s responsibilities within the National Girls and Women in Sports Day Coalition and liaises with the LGBT Sports Coalition. In addition, she manages WSF’s GoGirlGo! national programming, memorabilia and artifact collection, facilities, and IT. Sarah’s first job was as an office assistant at her grandfather’s plumbing business, teaching her grandmother to use a computer. Laura Bauer 
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection and The Life Church And Day School Site Administrator labauer@verizon.net Laura earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, College of Arts and Sciences in Ithaca, NY, where she majored in Chemistry. Subsequently, she earned a degree from St. John's University School of Law in Jamaica, NY. She has utilized both degrees for over 25 years through the practice of patent law in two New York City law firms. Laura's involvement in numerous church leadership roles ultimately resulted in her receiving the honor of becoming the on-site developer of a new church plant. Her responsibilities have evolved as the new congregation takes root in the community. It includes numerous functions such as grant writing and administration, budgeting and financial oversight, and compliance with state and local regulations. Laura's desire to help the surrounding community led her to start and oversee a free after school program and monthly meal preparation for a local soup kitchen. Laura's first job was at the Cuddle Knit sweater factory. Sharon Brooks Weill Cornell Medical College 
First Year Curriculum Secretary, Basic Sciences sbrooks136@aol.com Sharon Brooks earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Sharon is dedicated to supporting other performers transitioning into new fields. Currently, Sharon serves as the First Year Basic Sciences Curriculum Secretary at the Weill Cornell Medical College, where she provides support for the Office of Curriculum and Educational Development. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, Sharon works with course directors and faculty, receives course materials, and distributes it to students via Weill Cornell’s learning management system. Sharon’s first job was in the touring company of “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope.” Samantha Chernyy 
New York City Human Resources Administration Senior Grants Analyst chernyys1@yahoo.com Samantha Chernyy graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Science from Pace University. Today, she is the Senior Grants Analyst at the Human Resources Administration. In this role, she monitors budgets and the progress of current programs, searches for new funding opportunities, assembles proposals and budgets, and provides requesting community-based organizations with letters of support. Samantha has also been the Assistant Director of Grants Management at the Kings County Hospital Center (NYC Health and Hospital Corporation). With her Executive MPA, she hopes to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference, and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our city’s social programs and the dollars that go toward them. Samantha is a New York Rangers fan. Anthony DiRuggiero Metropolitan Transit Authority 
NYC Transit – Subways / Maintenance of Way Engineering Senior Director of Infrastructure tonytony@gmail.com Anthony DiRuggiero earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in civil engineering from CUNY, City College of New York. For the past 21 years he has been employed in various public agencies involved in the construction, reconstruction, and repair of large scale public transportation works. Currently, Anthony has been serving as a senior director in New York City Transit's Subways Maintenance of Way engineering division, assigned to the Structural Inspection Program. Here, he oversees and has technical direction of the inspection of all assets that support the operations of subway traffic, including tunnels, elevated structures, bridges, viaducts, and stations. The results of these inspections are used to allocate and prioritize capital and operational funding for the repair and reconstruction of these facilities, as well as ensuring the system is in a state of operational readiness. He also responds to structural emergencies and provides technical support to in-house maintenance forces, and private consultants and contractors performing work in the subway. Tony's first job was as a sales associate at Gimbel's Department Store in Yonkers, NY. Yvonne Donaldson 
Jacobi Medical Center Research Project Manager Donaldson70@hotmail.com Yvonne earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration from CUNY Lehman College in the Bronx, NY. She has worked in various medical organizations in New York City, which has helped her grow into the leader she is today. Currently, Yvonne serves as Research Project Manager for an emergency department-based HIV testing, counseling and research program at Jacobi Medical Center. Her dedication is focused on providing medical education to the underserved community of the Bronx and helping her employees and volunteers reach their educational goals. She hopes that with her Executive MPA, she will be able to advance her career in the health care field. Yvonne’s favorite building in New York City is the Empire State Building. Leah Hebert 
Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow Director of Public Relations and Strategic Partnerships Leah.Hebert@gmail.com Leah earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Cooper Union in New York, NY. After her experience working in government and higher education, Leah decided to focus her skills and passion working with disadvantaged youth and adults. Currently, Leah is serving as Director of Public Relations and Strategic Partnerships at Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, where she manages external collaborative special projects including new program development, grant writing, and initial implementation oversight. Leah also manages and cultivates relationships with the organization’s Junior Board of Directors, government officials, business leaders and community representatives. She develops and oversees external communications staff and logistics and serves as part of the overall senior leadership team for the agency. Leah is committed to creating new and better opportunities for the students she serves. Leah’s favorite place to take visitors in New York City is Greenwood Cemetery. 
Maria Karlya Charles B. Wang Community Health Center Communications Associate karlyamaria@gmail.com Maria Karlya earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Messiah College in Grantham, PA. She then served in the U.S. Peace Corps as a community health volunteer in a small remote village in Ghana, West Africa from 2008-2010. Currently, Maria is the Communications Associate at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, a health center and nonprofit that serves immigrant communities in New York City. She is responsible for disseminating information to patients, community members, partners, supporters, alumni, elected officials and the media. Maria has also worked as Human Resource Administrator at Books & Rattles, Inc. Her favorite place to take visitors in New York City is the Brooklyn Flea. Dena Libner 
New York City & Company Director of Communications & External Affairs denalibner@gmail.com Dena Libner attended Boston University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Currently, Dena is the Director of Communications & External Affairs at New York City & Company, where she manages media, government, and member relations for New York City’s official marketing, tourism, and partnership organization. After working as a general assignments reporter in New Hampshire, Dena worked as Director of Communications for a New York City Council Member. Until recently, she was the Associate Director of Public Relations at the Central Park Conservancy. Dena hopes that her Executive MPA degree will allow her to play a lead role in helping a non-profit achieve its mission in the realm of either economic development or environmental conservation. Her favorite New York City sports team is the Brooklyn Cyclones. Jason Loughran 
United Service Organization Development Associate jaygloughran@gmail.com Jason earned a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security from St. John’s University. With his Executive MPA, Jason hopes to build his own non-profit organization. As the Development Associate at the United Service Organization (USO), Jason cultivates new, and maintains current, relationships with its donors. He also provides emotional support to military families, veterans and active duty military members through events and other donated resources. While serving four years in the U.S. Navy, Jason traveled to places like Afghanistan, Antarctica, New Zealand, Germany, and various locations throughout the United States. After his military service, he worked for the Department of State at the New York Passport Agency, and then the Department of Homeland Security at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Office. Before his current position, he briefly served as a constituent liaison for Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi of the 28th District. His favorite New York City sports team is the New York Yankees. Danilo Parmegiani 
Legion of Good Will Executive Director dparmegiani@gmail.com Danilo earned a bachelor's degree in Education and Languages from the University of Brasilia (UnB), Brazil. For the past two decades, he has been working in the non-profit sector, where he learned the importance of becoming an adaptive, creative, and committed leader in various social and educational causes. In 2004 Danilo was designated to globally represent the Brazilian international organization Legion of Good Will (LGW) to the United Nations, as their spokesperson and main representative. He moved to the US in 2007, and was assigned as the LGW-USA Executive Director. For seven years now, he provides overall strategic direction, guidance, and control over a diverse team of professionals and volunteers. Danilo’s favorite New York City sports team is the New York Giants 
Dennis Pilla Freelance Consultant Self-Employed dennispilla@gmail.com Dennis earned a bachelor's degree in General Sciences from Fordham University in the Bronx, NY. After a successful career in Corporate Information Technology, and strategy consulting, Dennis turned his focus to the public sector. Dennis served as the elected Mayor of Port Chester, NY (pop. ~40,000) for 3 terms, from 2007-2013. Here, he developed a Comprehensive Master Plan, implemented a downtown revitalization strategy, improved village financial performance & bond rating, and rooted out employee corruption. He is currently a freelance consultant, serving clients in the private and public sectors. He aspires to deepen his education in public policy and administration and pursue a full-time leadership role in the government or non-profit sectors. Dennis’ favorite place to take visitors in NYC is the Cambell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal. Sara Sullivan 
Vera Institute of Justice Senior Program Associate sarasullivan26@yahoo.com Sara earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Since that time, she has devoted herself to improving the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Currently, Sara is serving as a Senior Program Associate at the Vera Institute of Justice, Center on Sentencing and Corrections. She provides states with technical assistance in an effort to implement policies and practices in probation, prison, and parole systems. She also manages a team that analyzes and recommends changes to state's corrections policies and practices regarding their use of segregation. Sara has worked for the Governor of Illinois, where she was responsible for managing the Governor's press conferences, meetings, and public appearances. Sara then transitioned to the adult system when she joined the Illinois Department of Corrections as a Policy Analyst. Sara enjoys taking visitors to New York City on boat tours around the city. Matthew Weiler 
AHRC New York City Program Director mcw1173@gmail.com Matthew Weiler received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from CUNY College of Staten Island. He is committed to the development of enduring service models for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and other complex, lifelong needs. Matthew has had a number of positions within AHRC NYC as he worked towards his current position of Program Director. Over the past 15 years, he has developed the infrastructure for community based support for young people with intellectual disabilities in New York City. He is currently responsible for the overall management of Day Habilitation Services at multiple locations, including college campuses throughout Staten Island and Brooklyn. Matthew develops policies and procedures for the smooth function of Day Habilitation Services, and develops and maintains positive community relations. He represents AHRC both within the community at large, and at meetings with different service providers. Matthew’s favorite sports team is the New York Yankees. Alicia Walton 
New York City Administration for Children’s Services Administrative Director Aliciawalton90@gmail.com Alicia earned a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Master of Social Work from New York University. Currently, Alicia serves as the Administrative Director from the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). In this role, she manages non-attorney staff in the ACS division of Family Court Legal Services. Alicia has previously worked in the Young Adult Borough Centers Program. This is an alternative high school program for youth between the ages of 17-21. Prior to this, she worked as a Family Therapist with the Vera Institute of Justice. In this capacity, she conducted drug treatment sessions with youth, and their families, that were involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Alicia’s favorite New York City building is the Museum of Natural History. Erica Wszolek 
CUNY, City College of New York/School of Architecture Executive Assistant to the Dean ericawszolek@yahoo.com Erica Wszolek received her Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from The City College of New York. Erica’s responsibilities have evolved since her appointment to the CUNY, City College of New York/School of Architecture four years ago. In her current position, she manages a staff of employees, and works closely with the Dean and Chair of the School of Architecture in order to assist and maintain the mission of accessibility and compliance. She works on school exhibits and semestral lecture series. In addition, Erica handles public relations and communication outreach. Erica’s favorite New York City building is the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Harlem. Cohort 30 Biographies Christian Cabrera 
Broome Street Academy Charter High School Director of Student Services Christian.Cabrera@baruchmail.cuny.edu Christian attended SUNY University at Buffalo, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Community Mental Health. Currently, Christian is the Director of Student Services at Broome Street Academy Charter High School, where he leads the guidance department, student activities, and athletics. Prior to this position, Christian worked and rose within The Door- A Center of Alternative, Inc, ultimately becoming part of senior management. Christian aspires to become an education program administrator, or the Executive Director/CEO of a non-profit. Christian has tried to learn as much as he can through his work experiences, and believes the next level in fostering his professional development is to cultivate his network further, and to create opportunities to master specific leadership skills and develop himself, his network, and his team. Christian strives to create and sustain collaborative environments that respect diversity, while learning how to increase productivity through creative programs and skilled workers. Directory: mspia mspia -> Public Service & Teaching Fellowships Overseas Opportunities Peace Corps mspia -> Opportunities for Undergraduates Download 142.4 Kb. Share with your friends:
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