Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) offers innovative client-centered services to help transform the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families, with a focus on communities of color and other vulnerable populations. They are the largest provider of domestic violence services in the nation.

Non Profit

Urban Resource Institute

Angela Thompson is the Vice President of Programs for Homeless Families at Urban Resource Institute. In this role, Thompson is responsible for the strategic direction, design, implementation, and operation of URI’s programs for homeless families, including transitional housing and comprehensive services. She is a leader with a personal mission and passion for strengthening individuals and families by empowering them to self-sufficiency. Thompson has over twenty-five years of experience in leadership in non-profit and government organizations in homeless services, mental health, developmental disability, and geriatrics.

Thompson leads from a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach in practice and policy implementation, providing a space of opportunity for families and staff to flourish through a deep commitment to serving with integrity. Her experience working within the public and private social services sector has established partnerships and created an ability to shape and drive systems to achieve quality service delivery. Thompson is highly motivated and a driven team player with strong leadership skills and managerial skills that motivates by maximizing individual strengths and developing leaders. Thompson understands the vision of achieving sustainable independence through service engagement and leads with purpose in fulfilling the mission of URI through commitment and dedication. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Lehman College.

Angela Thompson

Chinedu C. Ifudu is Vice President of Accounting & Finance for Urban Resource Institute. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Ifudu is responsible for the overall strategic financial leadership, goals, objectives, and controls at URI. In his role, he oversees the activities and directs the development and management of operating and capital budgets, while protecting the financial assets of the organization. Prior to joining URI, Chinedu worked with Women In Need Inc. where he was responsible for coordinating Contracts & Budget, and Financial teams and supervised the General Accounting and Accounts Payable teams. He also worked for 13 years at 1199SEIU National Benefit & Pension Funds. Mr. Ifudu obtained his MBA from St John’s University and holds a CPA License.

Chinedu C. Ifudu

Deepal S. Chadha is the Deputy General Counsel of Urban Resource Institute. In his role, he advises on matters of corporate governance, procurement, finance, real estate transactions and projects, and labor relations and employment. Deepal also provides counsel to senior management and staff on legal issues relating to programs, including legislative and regulatory issues affecting the organization’s delivery of services. He holds a BA in Mathematics from Cornell University and a JD from Fordham University School of Law, where he served on the Fordham Law Review and was Co-President of the South Asian Law Student Association. Prior to joining URI, Deepal was Assistant General Counsel of Safe Horizon, Inc., a leading victim assistance non-profit, where he served as Co-Chair of both the Anti-Racism Steering Committee Policy Subcommittee and the Persons of Color Leadership Affinity Group. Before joining Safe Horizon, he was an Associate at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP and served as an extern with Hon. Denny Chin, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York City.

Deepal S. Chadha

Jacqueline Gibbons is Vice President of People and Culture. In her role, she is responsible for advising and strategizing with the executive and leadership teams around all employee matters. She will partner with URI leadership to champion HR initiatives that drive employee engagement and satisfaction and develop innovative strategies to address recruiting and retention challenges; build a learning culture that includes staff and management training and development; and create equitable programs and practices.

Prior to joining URI, Jacqueline spent 21 years working for Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens and Affiliate Agencies, where she held progressively senior positions in the Office of Human Resources. Jacqueline advanced to the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer where for the past 13 years she was responsible for developing HR plans and strategies to support business objectives. She provided leadership to the HR function by overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, employee learning and development, compensation, and benefits.

Jacqueline Gibbons

Lauren Schuster joined Urban Resource Institute after serving as Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) for more than 11 years. In that role, Lauren was instrumental in drafting and helping to pass more than 100 pieces of legislation into law.

Managing a small but nimble legislative and community staff, Lauren and her team built and lead winning coalitions on myriad issues, while providing strategic guidance on many others. She is deeply familiar with the Albany budget process and knows how to navigate the state legislative and regulatory processes.

Before that, Lauren worked at the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, including Staff Attorney, Environmental Campaign Coordinator, and Voting Empowerment Project Coordinator.

Lauren received her Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law and graduated from New York University’s College of the Arts and Sciences, with a BA, cum laude, in political science.

Lauren Schuster

Heidi L. Hamilton is General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Urban Resource Institute, overseeing legal and in-house corporate affairs, policy initiatives, and real estate projects. The legal division team designs, implements and manages agency-wide risk management systems supporting URI’s legal, financial, programmatic, strategic, and operational integrity. Heidi strives to create systems that are accessible and client driven.

She previously served as the Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Real Estate, Facilities & Legal Officer for Amber Charter Schools, overseeing school-based operation systems and capital improvement projects. As a commercial law attorney admitted in New York and Connecticut, she has negotiated real estate transactions and litigated cases in state and federal courts. An avid believer in not-for-profit capacity building, Heidi serves on the board of Calvin Hill Day Care, Boundless Literacy, Inc., and TruFund Financial Services. She also advises Barbershop Books, Inc, an organization fostering reading for fun among Black boys.

Heidi holds a JD from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and a BA in Political Science from Wellesley College.

Heidi L. Hamilton

Vicky Hernandez serves as Chief Development Officer at Urban Resources Institute and leads the Development team. In this role, Vicky will especially focus on the expansion and diversification of URI’s private philanthropic efforts, with a focus on corporations, foundations, and individuals, as well as event fundraising, along with grant proposals for government programs at the local and national levels.

Vicky comes to URI with 25 years of leadership experience in the areas of external relations, fundraising, and program leadership. Having dedicated her career to the areas of affordable housing, community development, and community services, Vicky is pleased to join the URI team to support their work on the issues of domestic violence and homelessness.

Vicky is a graduate of Dickinson College, where she earned her B.A. She is also a graduate of New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, where she earned an M.P.A. with a concentration in community development.

Vicky Hernandez

Anthony B. Edwards is Chief Financial Officer at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute), where he has overall financial management responsibility for the organization, including developing and implementing strategies that promote the continued financial health of URI. He is also responsible for assisting in the management of organizational risk, including but not limited to the development, implementation, and monitoring of financial controls, safeguarding against loss, and ensuring that financials are executed in accordance with management’s authorizations and U.S. GAAP. As CFO, Anthony is also accountable for the overall management of the Finance and Accounting Division.

Anthony is a dedicated executive with over 25 years of experience and a record of achievement by improving the financial processes and performance of several nonprofits. Anthony most recently served as CFO and Senior Vice President at Sheltering Arms, which for 190 years has provided services for children, youth, and families. Prior to joining Sheltering Arms, he was CFO at [Brooklyn Community Services](/org/brooklyn-bureau-of-community-service) for a decade, and previously served as the Director of Research Administration and Operations at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, where he played a pivotal role in improving research administration and grant management. Anthony has also worked at 1199/Employment Training & Job Security Program, and Beth Israel Medical Center in an accounting and financial management capacity.

Anthony received his MBA from Dowling College and a BS in Accounting at Brooklyn College. He is a member of the Global Academy of Finance and Management, certified as a Master Financial Planner, Accredited Management Accountant, and Accredited Financial Analyst. He is also a member of the American Academy of Financial Management, certified in Corporate Finance and is a Master Financial Manager.

Anthony B. Edwards

Charles Carroll joined [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute) in 2017 as the Vice President of Operations. In 2020 he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Asset Management. He is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of all [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute)’s 27 properties throughout the New York City. Mr. Carroll negotiates and administers lease agreements and manages capital projects for the construction and renovation of office space and transitional housing facilities. Prior to joining URI, he served people living with HIV/AIDS for 22 years, including eight years at [Harlem United](/org/harlem-united-community-aids-center-inc) where he held multiple positions beginning as Associate Vice President for Adult Day Healthcare programs, eventually advancing to the role of Chief Operating Officer. He holds a Bachelor Science degree from Saint Thomas Aquinas College.

Charles Carroll

Tabitha Williams is a talent acquisition leader at Amazon where she manages recruiting for some of the technology businesses in the Advertising division. Prior to joining Amazon in 2020, she was at [JPMorgan Chase](/org/jpmorgan-chase) for thirteen (13) years in varied roles in recruiting and diversity. Her last role was Head of Talent Sourcing and Operations for the Advancing Black Leaders (ABL) team. ABL is a diversity strategy aimed at attracting, hiring, retaining, and advancing top talent within the black community, and continuing to define [JPMorgan Chase](/org/jpmorgan-chase) as an employer of choice. She joined J.P. Morgan in 2007 to cover the revenue businesses in the Investment Bank, and was Global Recruiting Manager for Equities, Investor Services, and Risk, before transitioning to the corporate team as Head of Recruiting for Firmwide Controls. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan Tabitha worked at Merrill Lynch where she managed recruiting for the CFO’s office. She started her recruiting career in executive and diversity search at Whitehead Mann (now part of [Korn Ferry](/org/korn-ferry)), and holds a Masters in Organizational Change Management from the New School, and a Bachelors in Government from [Wesleyan University](/org/wesleyan-university).

Tabitha Williams

Dr. Vivien L. Salmon has more than two decades of experience in healthcare and has led a wide range of engagements as an executive leader at Health and Hospital, New York City. Her experience extends across acute care and mental health facilities that are publicly recognized as level I and level II trauma center with over 90,000 annual visits. Under her leadership, she has led a combination of modernization projects to improve patient care, patient experience, and revenue cycle initiatives to improve financial outcomes at Health and Hospital – Harlem. In March 2020, Vivien earned her Ph. D., from [Walden University](/org/walden-university), and transitioned to Health and Hospitals-Bellevue to work closely with the emergency department to ensure operational standards, patient, and staff safety are met.

Vivien had previously served in various roles at Woodhull Medical Center Emergency Department, a Level II trauma center, with over 120,000 annual visits in Brooklyn, New York, and at [Kaiser Permanente](/org/kaiser-permanente) in Santa Clara, California.

Vivien earned a Ph.D. from [Walden University](/org/walden-university) – College of Health Services, Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, and Bachelor of Arts in Communication both from [Iona College](/org/iona-college), New Rochelle, New York.

Vivien L. Salmon

Jennifer White-Reid is the Senior Vice President of Domestic Violence Residential and Legal Programs at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute). In this role, she is responsible for the strategic direction, design, implementation, and operation of URI’s domestic violence emergency and transitional shelter programs, and legal services. Jennifer has over 20 years of leadership, management and advocacy experience working for the advancement of underserved children, individuals and families. She has extensive experience with project management, program development, community engagement and education, policy analysis and staff development. Prior to joining URI, she served as a Senior Staff Attorney at South Brooklyn Legal Services where she represented survivors of domestic violence in matrimonial, family court and immigration proceedings. Jennifer has spoken publicly about intimate partner violence throughout her career, and has served on various boards and committees, including the Steering Committee of the NYC Coalition of Domestic Violence Residential Providers, and the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Jennifer obtained her Juris Doctorate (JD) from Fordham University School of Law, where she was a Stein Scholar. She also obtained her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Certificate in Executive Leadership in the Not-for-Profit Sector from [New York University](/org/nyu).

Jennifer White-Reid

Joel is Senior Director of URI’s Economic Empowerment program, responsible for developing and overseeing services to help domestic violence survivors and homeless families achieve sustainable employment with jobs of the future.

Joel has 20 years of experience in the federal, non-profit, commercial, and state government space, and has provided numerous workforce development solutions to meet business and public policy objectives. As the Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives at the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Joel led sector strategies, grant vendor oversight, adult literacy, and employment and training opportunities for special populations.  During his tenure at [SourceAmerica](/org/sourceamerica), he led strategic business development and training for the federal procurement program AbilityOne.gov, the largest source of employment for people with disabilities. He has also led efforts to create career pathways for the opportunity youth and college students. After teaching English in Japan for 2 years, Joel led small business development efforts and the management of labor contracts with several federal agencies. He is also an adjunct assistant professor at [Ocean County College](/org/ocean-county-college).

Joel has a Bachelor’s degree from Bradford College, and received his MA in International Communication from [American University](/org/american-university).

Joel Gregory Thomas

Tania Jospitre is the Vice President of Quality Improvement, Evaluation, and Training at the [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute). In her role, she is responsible for measuring program quality and effectiveness, and manages the development and implementation of client-centered, trauma-informed staff training. Prior to joining URI, Tania was the Assistant Commissioner of Quality Management and Control at the New York City Department of Small Business Services. She led the quality assurance, outcome validation, and fiscal management teams within the workforce development division. She has extensive experience evaluating program data to assess impact, improve performance, and drive future programming for domestic violence and workforce development programs. She holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College, a Master of Public Administration from [Baruch College](/org/baruch), and is certified in Customer Experience Management by the Medallia Institute.

Tania Jospitre

Luis Matos is Senior Director of Prevention Services at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute). Since 1999, Mr. Matos has helped lead the country’s largest school-based teen Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP), expanding its pioneer program to both intermediate and high schools and reaching almost 40,000 students every year. He leads URI’s Crime Victims Assistance program, which facilitates multi-lingual support groups and case management services for survivors of domestic violence, and also oversees URI’s unique Trauma-Informed Abusive Partner Intervention program (APIP). Prior to working at URI, he served as Director of Education and Community Services for 20 years at the Center Against Domestic Violence.

An adjunct professor at Hunter School of Social Work’s graduate program, Mr. Matos teaches courses in clinical practice with individuals, families, and groups. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish Literature from [Colgate University](/org/colgate-university) and a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work.

Luis Matos

Len Leach is the Vice President of Information Technology at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute). In this role, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic vision of IT. Len has more than 25 years of experience managing information technology departments and ran his own IT consulting business where he led, implemented, and supported many for-profit and non-profit organization initiatives in the entertainment, corporate real estate, and non-profit industries. He served as the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology and Services for National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc., and spent 13 years working for MTV as an on-air Technical Director and IT Director.

Len earned his an MS in Technology Management from [Columbia University](/org/columbia-university) and a BS in Computer Science from City College of New York. Len has served as Chair of the Board of Riverside Church and is currently a board member. He is also Treasurer of Teaneck, Englewood, Hackensack, Bogota, and Bergenfield Crime Stoppers.

Len Leach

Beverly M. Riddick is Chief Operations Officer at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute) where she is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Operations Division by working with the CEO and senior management to establish and execute the goals, strategies, plans, and policies of the Operations Division. Prior to joining URI, Ms. Riddick served as Executive Director at Ready To Work Business Collaborative where she built and launched a national nonprofit organization that connected employers to upskilled but overlooked members of the work force to help them achieve their profit and performance goals. Riddick spent the prior twenty years as Executive Director championing Montclair, NJ community values through affordable housing development and community revitalization. She holds a Master’s of Arts degree in Public Policy Analysis from [Claremont Graduate University](/org/claremont-graduate-university). Riddick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies from [Mount Holyoke College](/org/mount-holyoke-college).

Beverly M. Riddick

Nina Esaki is an Assistant Professor at the Springfield College School of Social Work in Springfield, MA and a Research and Evaluation Consultant to Andrus, where she was formerly the Director of Research for the Sanctuary Institute, the training and consulting home of the Sanctuary Model, an evidence-supported trauma-informed organizational change intervention. From 2010 to 2017, Nina built and led the research department within the Sanctuary Institute to collaborate with academic researchers to study the impact the model has on staff and clients. More recently, her research has led to further examining the critical role that leaders play in successful implementation of organizational change.

Prior to Andrus, Dr. Esaki was a Research Assistant Professor at the Ruth H. Young Center for Families and Children at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, where her responsibilities included evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the Maryland public child welfare system.

Dr. Esaki is also a trainer for the Anti-Defamation League and a volunteer Big Sister.

Prior to receiving her doctorate in Social Welfare from the University at Albany in 2008, she spent over 15 years in the corporate Human Resources field for companies such as Genzyme, EMI Music, and [Dun & Bradstreet](/org/dun-bradstreet). Additional degrees include an MSW from [Fordham University](/org/fordham-university), an MBA from [Columbia University](/org/columbia-university), and a BA from The Johns Hopkins University.

Nina Esaki

Vivian Y. Bright has worked as the Business Administrator for Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn for 24 years. She has also served as a lobbyist for United African American Churches.

In addition, Ms. Bright’s professional career includes Community Outreach Development, the development and maintenance of Industrial Parks in the East New York area, the development and implementation of the “World of Work Program” for the high school students in the ENY community and coordinator of the “New Horizon Village” development of 255 new homes in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

Ms. Bright has extensive leadership experience and community involvement as a Lifetime member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority – The National Council of Negro Women, President of Congressman Ed Towns Women’s Caucus and Business Manager of Concerned Women of Brooklyn, Inc.

Recognized for her dedication to her communities, Ms. Bright has received numerous awards such as Who’s Who of American Women, Congressional Record, The Sojourner Truth Award of the National Business & Professional Women’s Club and New Horizon’s Village Homeowners Leadership Award.

Ms. Bright holds a Bachelor of Science from Brooklyn College and a Master of Science from the New School For Social Research.

Vivian Y. Bright

Liliana Velez is the Chief of Staff at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute). In this role, she is responsible for supporting the President & Chief Executive Officer as an advisor and lead project manager. Prior to joining URI, Mrs. Velez spent more than ten years in leadership positions, most recently at [Safe Horizon](/org/safe-horizon-inc) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control. Mrs. Velez has extensive experience with budget management, advocacy, grant development, program design, service delivery, quality control, relationship management, team building, staff development, and community outreach. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology with concentrations in Law and Society, Business and Organization, and Inequality from the College of Arts and Sciences at [Cornell University](/org/cornell-university) where she graduated Cum Laude.

Liliana Velez

Carmen Smith is the Vice President of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering. Ms. Smith is responsible for developing a diverse pipeline of product and people to enhance Imagineering’s consultant talent and its creative processes. Prior to joining Disney Theme Parks and Resorts World-Wide, she served as the Vice President of the Talent Development Programs for the Disney/ABC Television Group.

Ms. Smith was selected as the ABC, Inc. Black Achiever in Industry for 2000 and received the 2005 Theresa’s Haven Award from the Family Support Systems Transitional Housing Services of New York for improving the quality of life for homeless families in New York. Ms. Smith was also listed in 2009 Diversity MBA Magazine’s Top 100 Executive Leaders and the 2011 Uptown Professional Magazines Top 100 Executives in America.

Ms. Smith graduated from Hunter College with a degree in communication arts. She also holds a Master of Public Administration, International Administration and Development from [New York University](/org/nyu) and completed the Simmons Graduate School of Management Certificate Program for Developing Managers and the [Harvard University](/org/harvard) Women and Power Executive Education Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. In 2007, Ms. Smith received an Honorary Doctorate from the [Metropolitan College of New York](/org/metropolitan-college-of-new-york).

Carmen J. Smith

Susan Arnot Heaney is Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute). She is responsible for the development and execution of URI’s marketing, communications and public relations strategy that contribute to URI’s organizational success and mission impact. As CMO, Heaney directly manages communications activities that enhance, promote and protect the organization’s brand and reputation, and expand URI’s reach, visibility and influence in its mission to enhance the lives of vulnerable populations. Heaney brings corporate and nonprofit experience to the URI role. She held leadership roles at Avon Products, Inc. and the Avon Foundation for Women, including Executive Director of Corporate Responsibility and Director of Communications. During her tenure at the Avon Foundation, Heaney helped create and launch the global Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program and was instrumental in the re-branding and growth of the Avon Foundation from a corporate philanthropy to a 501(c)(3) public charity. Most recently, Heaney was Director of Global Marketing and Engagement for the [Rainforest Alliance](/org/rainforest-alliance), an international nonprofit working with leading brands on the environmental, social and economic impacts of agriculture and forestry. Prior, she led marketing, communications and development for The Sustainability Consortium, a global multi-stakeholder organization that develops and promotes the science of consumer product sustainability, including social and environmental impacts.

Susan Arnot Heaney

Dr. Lisa Ross is the Director of Anesthesia at the Harlem Hospital and also serves as Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesia at Columbia University Medical Center.

Prior to her position at Harlem Hospital, Dr. Ross was the Program Director/Vice Chairperson of the Department of Anesthesiology at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center until its closure in 2010. She has presented at several anesthesia conferences around the country and continues to be involved in performance improvement and research at Harlem Hospital.

Since 1998, Dr. Ross has traveled on a yearly medical mission to Milot, Haiti as part of a team sponsored by the Order of Malta. She is a Lifetime member of the National Action Network and the Greater Metropolitan Chapter of Jack and Jill of America.

Dr. Ross holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from [Harvard University](/org/harvard) and received her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where she went on to complete anesthesia residency at Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Ross is in the first year at [Fordham University](/org/fordham-university)’s accelerated Executive MBA program.

Lisa A. Ross

Roy Williams is Vice President of Global Technology Infrastructure at JPMorgan Chase & Co.  In his role, Mr. Williams is responsible for driving technical and architectural transformation, delivering engineering standards, tools, and process improvement, while providing enterprise-level oversight in accordance with internal governance, risk controls, and other firm-wide guidelines.

Prior to joining JPMorgan in 2014, Mr. Williams held various positions at [Goldman Sachs](/org/goldman-sachs), [Morgan Stanley](/org/morgan-stanley), Bell Atlantic (now [Verizon](/org/verizon-communications)), and Grumman Aerospace.  His most notable achievement includes the 200 West Street, New York Global Headquarters Project a 44-story building opposite the World Trade Center and the global headquarters of the [Goldman Sachs](/org/goldman-sachs) investment banking firm.  Mr. Williams has more than 20 years of progressive experience partnering with stakeholders and motivating cross-functional teams implementing infrastructure initiatives. Additionally, Roy has served as Board of Directors and Chairman of the Wall Street Alphas Charitable Foundation supporting youth training and mentorship programs throughout lower Manhattan.  He is an active life member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity a social organization with a service-oriented mission.

Mr. Williams graduated from [Hofstra University](/org/hofstra-university) and received a Master’s in Business Administration from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Roy Williams

Adrienne Peterson is a career auditor and is currently an IT Audit Manager at [HSBC](/org/hsbc), one of the world’s largest banking and financial institutions.

Ms. Peterson has held prior Operations and IT Audit management positions at other major financial institutions including [Prudential Financial](/org/prudential-financial) and Wachovia Corporation. Ms. Peterson was also as a Business Resumption / Disaster Recovery Officer for a subsidiary of the Industrial Bank of Japan and has separately worked in China as an Audit Manager.

Ms. Peterson has been engaged in community services for over twenty years. She has mentored and performed fund raising activities for economically disadvantaged youth, is benevolent towards senior citizens, and has volunteered at a hospice comforting and assisting terminally ill patients and their families.

Ms. Peterson’s professional affiliations include [ISACA](/org/isaca) (formerly referred as the Information Security Audit and Control Association), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).

Ms. Peterson received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting from [Howard University](/org/howard-university), where she passed the CPA examination. She also has a Master of Business Administration Degree in Management Information Services from Long Island Universit

Adrienne Y. Peterson

Corinna C. Grant has devoted her personal and professional career to public service experiencing a long, fruitful career at King’s County Hospital Center, first as the Principal Liaison Worker to the then East New York Neighborhood Family Care Center, and then as the Associate Director of the Department of Volunteer Services.

Ms. Grant’s accomplishments are many, under her leadership 598 units of housing were completed in the East New York community, including 182 units of housing for senior citizens (Vandalia Houses) and transportation for the frail and handicapped. She was instrumental in the opening of the East New York Industrial Park, now designated as an Economic Development Zone. Ms. Grant was involved in the development of the East New York Skills Training Center and in the rehabilitation of the New Lots Avenue Branch, in addition to many parks throughout the community, including Livonia Avenue Playground and Highland Park.

Ms. Grant graduated from the [New York Institute of Technology](/org/new-york-institute-of-technology).

Corinna C. Grant

DeCosta Headley, Sr., a Brooklyn, New York native, is an award-winning philanthropist and entrepreneur with a long career as a leader in East New York and Brownsville. His numerous posts include District Leader for the 40th Assembly District in the East New York section of Kings County, where he was an active grassroots organizer and trained hundreds of community residents interested in serving on political campaigns. Mr. Headley also served on Community School District 19 School Board for 16 years and implemented the first bilingual education program in that district.
 
He has served on various local boards, including Community Board 5, and was the founder of the community’s first Local Development Corporation and the Federation of Block Associations for East New York. He remained focused on the needs of his constituents, including employment opportunities, affordable housing, increased public services, college scholarships, access to health care services, and an extensive network of social services.

DeCosta Headley Sr.

Philip Tugendrajch is a principal of E T Partners LLC, a real estate development and consulting firm with a focus on affordable housing. He has extensive experience with New York City government land use matters having directed the City’s acquisition program for the Department of General Services. In the private sector, Mr. Tugendrajch has been involved in multiple development projects requiring complex subsidy financing and government approvals. He is also a long-serving board member of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater New York, Inc. which mentors high school students in the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering. 

Mr. Tugendrajch has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology/Archaeology from the University of Michigan and received a JD from New York University School of Law.

Philip Tugendrajch

Amanda Eckhardt, Ph.D. is Chief Program Officer for [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute), leading the Programs Division, setting the strategy and overseeing the implementation of the comprehensive portfolio of trauma-informed, client-centered services for those impacted by domestic violence and homelessness. She will direct the full range of prevention, intervention, education, and direct services programs.

Dr. Eckhardt is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and ensuring that staff delivers culturally sensitive trauma-informed services. She is also committed to the professional development, growth, and training of staff members. A researcher by trade, she is impact-driven and leverages data analytics as a key tool of programmatic operations and excellence.

Dr. Eckhardt brings a wealth of experience and expertise to URI. She was most recently Executive Director for Restore NYC, Inc., an agency that provides client services, housing (emergency, transitional, and independent living), and economic empowerment to individuals who have experienced human trafficking, which overlaps with the issues of domestic and intimate partner violence and homelessness. She previously served as Chief Program Officer and Director of Programs for the agency.

Amanda Eckhardt

As Chief Executive Officer of [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute) (URI), Nathaniel Fields is responsible for leading the organization’s long-and short-term strategy and the implementation of its vision and mission.

Informed by two decades of practical work and achievement in social and human services, Nathaniel has spearheaded the transformation of URI in size, scope and services for vulnerable populations in New York City, particularly victims of domestic violence. Since taking the helm of the organization in 2012, he has transformed it into a dynamic, multi-service agency, nearly tripling the budget and building it into the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the country.

Under his leadership, URI has focused on innovation, exemplified by groundbreaking programs focused on prevention as well as services, such as People and Animals Living Safely (PALS), Legal Education Advocacy Program (LEAP), Career Exploration Program, Abusive Partner Intervention Program (APIP), and Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) targeting youth and teens. To further his vision, Nathaniel is committed to a Culture of Excellence and an environment with data-driven, measurable outcomes.

Nathaniel serves in leadership roles for numerous organizations and councils, including: the Board of the Human Services Council; NYC Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services 2020 Nonprofits and Social Services Advisory Council on “reopening” New York City;  the special COVID-19 domestic violence task force of the New York State Council on Women and Girls; the COVID-19 Response Work Group of the New York City Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV); the Fatality Review Committee of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence; and the New York City Mayor’s Nonprofits and Social Services Advisory Council.  He has led the New York City Coalition of Domestic Violence Residential Providers as co-chair for over ten years, and in 2019 was named to the New York City and State “Nonprofit Power 100” list.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a focus on black and Hispanic studies and a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University, and completed an executive leadership and certificate program in the not-for-profit sector at New York University. Born and raised in New York, Nathaniel has firsthand knowledge of the challenges affecting New York’s most vulnerable communities, as well as the positive work being done to effect structural changes. Working directly with marginalized groups, Nathaniel has seen that when investments are made in communities, they can thrive. At URI, Nathaniel enjoys being part of a community of people committed to improving the lives of others. When asked to identify his vision for URI, he states, “Hope is at the cornerstone of everything we do.”

Nathaniel M. Fields

Whittaker Mack III is a Vice President at JP Morgan Chase, one of the world’s largest financial institutions, since 2010 and specializes in the management of high-net-worth clientele including both individuals and small business enterprises. Mr. Mack previously served at several top financial firms including Merrill Lynch, LPL, and Guardian.

Prior to his financial career, Mr. Mack held leadership positions for more than 19 years controlling operations and relationship management in the pharmaceutical industry at Barr Laboratories and Pfizer, Inc.

In addition to serving as Chair of the URI Board of Trustees, Mr. Mack’s community leadership is extensive and includes serving as Chair of the Next Level Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, President of the Westchester County Alumni Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Chair of the Duke University Alumni Advisory Committee, Orange and Rockland Counties. He is also a Lifetime member of the National Black MBA Association and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Whittaker Mack III

Reina Yasuoka currently works at IBM, a global information technology company headquartered in New York. She is on the Global Strategic Partnerships team, working in Program Management and Business Development for IBM’s global Cloud and Watson resellers. She started at IBM as one of 30 members of a sales leadership development program.

Prior to IBM, she had a stint at [The New York Times](/org/new-york-times), focusing on project management and developer outreach programs. She discovered [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute) and its work from a New York Times article she read in 2016.

Reina Yasuoka

Kenneth Pollak was the Chief Financial Officer of [Eileen Fisher](/org/eileen-fisher-inc), Inc., a woman’s branded apparel company selling to department stores and specialty stores and operating 60 stores of their own stores. He previously had a 22-year career in public accounting with BDO, LLP, where he was an audit partner and worked on family-owned  entrepreneurial companies, mostly in the apparel, textile, and retail business. Mr. Pollak served as the audit partner on the [Eileen Fisher](/org/eileen-fisher-inc) account.

Mr. Pollak holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from [Bowling Green State University](/org/bowling-green-state-university).  He is a Certified Public Account.

Kenneth Pollak

Alan Kolod is Chairman of Moses & Singer’s Management Committee, chair of the firm’s Corporate Trust practice group, and a partner in the Business Reorganization, Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights and the Banking and Finance groups.

Alan has over forty years’ experience resolving complex disputes for his clients in the banking and investment advisory industries. He advises banks, indenture trustees and investment advisors on business, litigation and risk management issues.

Alan has also served as an independent director on the Boards of Telemundo Group, Inc. and Daticon Inc., and, as such, was active in the successful sale of each company. He is rated AV® Preeminent™ in his field by Martindale and has repeatedly been listed in Law & Politics’ New York Super Lawyers®.

Alan Kolod

Esther Lainis is Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at [Capital One](/org/capital-one).  In her new role, Lainis  provides lending and commercial banking services to the region’s middle market customers, with a focus on the apparel industry.

Prior to joining [Capital One](/org/capital-one) Bank, Lainis served as First Vice President at Israel Discount Bank (IDB), where she focused on developing new middle market client acquisitions and managing client relationships. Before IDB, Lainis served as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking at HSBC Bank.

Esther Lainis

Phyllis Arnold recently retired from her position as General Counsel at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute), where she served for four years. Prior to her tenure at URI, Ms. Arnold worked as General Counsel and Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Department of Buildings and litigated for both New York City and New York State Law Departments. She has taught in clinical programs at [New York University](/org/nyu) and St. John’s Law Schools, as well as practiced privately as a land use lawyer. Ms. Arnold has also worked in the nonprofit sector.

She received her JD from Columbia Law School.

Phyllis Arnold

Dr. Carla Smith is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at [Urban Resource Institute](/org/urban-resource-institute), where she is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of URI, the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the U.S., and a leading service provider for homeless families. She joined URI in 2015 as Senior Vice President of Programs, quickly rising to Chief Program Officer and now Deputy CEO during a time of dynamic organizational growth. In her role, she oversees Executive Team members responsible for the Operations, Finance and Programs Divisions of the organization, which includes more than 20 shelters across New York City housing more than 2,200 adults and children each night. She shares responsibility to facilitating the development and execution of trauma-informed programming, impacting over 40,000 individuals annually through direct service, prevention, and intervention programs.

Dr. Smith has been instrumental in developing and expanding URI’s innovative, impactful programs by working to secure funding for each of these initiatives. Two of these include trauma-informed Abusive Partner Intervention Programs (APIP), which are both accountability program for individuals who cause harm — one for individuals mandated to participate by the criminal justice system and one for nonmandated individuals. Both are designed to reduce future incidents of domestic violence and promote engagement in healthy relationships. Dr. Smith was also integral to securing a 5 million dollar grant that allowed for the expansion and redesign of the economic empowerment program, which allowed for the provision of services to homeless families in addition to the URI domestic violence clients. She also continues to partner with leadership and staff to expand and increase awareness about the landmark People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program, the only NYC program that offers co-living for survivors and pets, including expansion within the URI shelters and technical assistance nationwide to shelters wishing to adopt the program model.

In the sphere of prevention and breaking the cycle of violence, Dr. Smith has helped drive the visibility of URI, the mission and programs, by speaking about the programs such as PALS, at NYC City Council, the Department of Criminal Justice Conferences and through CUNY’s Institute for State and Local Governance Technical Assistance Initiative. Dr. Smith provides valuable commentary on individual and societal impacts of intimate partner violence, notably featured recently in media such as The Telegraph (UK), ABC News, and Bustle. She utilizes her professional background as a platform to passionately speak publicly about domestic violence and to advocate for New York’s underserved and underrepresented populations. Specifically, she has worked in the Bronx with law enforcement leadership to discuss the rise in intimate partner homicides over the years, and developed a collaborative community response to address this issue.

Dr. Smith’s career spans 25 years devoted to social services, during which her personal goal has been to serve New York’s most vulnerable populations. She has worked to improve the lives of domestic violence survivors, homeless individuals and families, individuals with HIV/AIDS, and victims of hate violence and sexual assault.

Dr. Smith completed her Doctorate of Education in Executive Leadership from Saint John Fisher College in 2014, while working full time, electing to focus her dissertation on Examining Shelter Access Barriers for Transgender Identified Survivors of IPV. This work and her commitment to ensuing an open access model of care, enabled her to spearhead URI’s effort to reduce barriers, enhance shelter access and initiate the provision of culturally competent services for members of the LGBTQIA+ community through the development of ongoing staff training and institution of protocol revisions. In 2020, Dr. Smith received an appointment to the Advisory Panel for the Lubin School of Business Transformative Leadership Program at Pace University.

Urban Resource Institute

Org chart

Teams

Board of Directors

Leadership Team

CEO and Executive Team

Discover similar companies