National staff

The strength of Community Options has always been its people. The careful selection and training of staff members has created a culture based on commitment to community-based support and respect for individual dreams. The corporate structure provides national support and local autonomy. The early decision to maintain one corporate entity nationwide and to centralize functional departments has proven effective. Planning, human resources, fiscal services, technology, training and public relations support are all based in Princeton, New Jersey.

This allows executive directors to concentrate on people and program issues. National staff members maintain a sharp focus on the corporate mission through connections with the people receiving services. This convivial atmosphere allows employees at every level to celebrate individual triumphs and to understand the direct link between job performance and the quality of life for people with disabilities. Employees are valued for the professional and personal talents they bring to their positions.

A composite bond application was approved by the Economic Development Authority of the state to maximize future capital acquisitions. Insurance costs have been reduced through membership in an insurance pool. National vendors are utilized to reduce unit price costs, thereby taking advantage of volume discounts. The goal of the business office is to identify opportunities to allocate maximum funding to direct service expenditures.

National Staff

Robert P. Stack Robert Stack

Robert Stack is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Options. According to the New Jersey Business Journal’s Book of Lists for 2016, Community Options is ranked as the 4th largest non-profit in New Jersey. He has an M.B.A. and is a graduate of the University of Dayton, Robert also attended the University in Friborg, Switzerland, University of Rome and the University of London. He also taught at Kent State University where he received the Graduate Student Teaching Award and he is an Adjunct Professor for the graduate school at Kean University. He is the author of two books: I Matter-So Does Your Cause – Starting a Nonprofit and Meaningful Day: Day Program Services Curriculum and Staff Guidebook.

Robert has extensive international experience in entrepreneurial business development and non-profit management. He has spoken throughout the world on employment for persons with disabilities using a social entrepreneurial model. He was a keynote at the Yale Goldman-Sachs School of Management and has given the plenary session at the National Council of Negro Women USAID conference in Cairo, Egypt, and at Perspectiva in Moscow, Russia on entrepreneurial management, business development and advocacy. In 2015, Stack was the keynote speaker at the University of Oxford Roundtable.

 

David P. SweeneyDavid P. Sweeney

Chief Financial Officer, graduated from Rutgers Business School and an M.B.A. from LaSalle University. Currently, he has a C.P.A. license in PA. David is responsible for all financial responsibilities and assists in performing all tasks necessary to achieve the organization’s mission. David spent his career working in the healthcare sector managing operations and resolving debt issues. He brings seventeen years of comprehensive financial management experience, with special skills in cash flow management, bad debt control, admission procedures, auditing and accounting processes, and building effective leadership.

Justin Brown Justin Brown - Arizona State Director

Arizona State Director, oversees operations in Arizona. Justin holds a Bachelors Degree of Science in Human Services/Counseling from Geneva College and will soon be completing his Masters of Business Administration from Geneva College in the upcoming year. He has over 10 years of experience in providing housing, transition, and employment supports to people with disabilities. Justin began his career at Community Options as a Day Program Specialist. He then transitioned to Director of Employment Services. Most recently, Justin held the title of Executive Director of the Poconos region in Pennsylvania.

Michael CarnicellaMichael Carnicella New York State Director

New York State Director, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a Master’s Degree in Employment and Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Michael started with Community Options in 2011 as a Program Manager and was appointed State Director of New York on July 1, 2016, where he is focusing on budget and talent recruitment, program and advocacy.

Catherine CarrollCatherine Carroll Regional Vice President oversees the operations in Texas

Regional Vice President, oversees the operations in Texas, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Charleston Southern University. She has spent over 20 years in the Human Services field. Her past positions include Director, Director of Quality and Compliance and State Director for several nonprofits in Texas and North Carolina. She was appointed as Regional Vice President of Texas in March 2016.

Brian Dion2015 Brian Dion

Senior Vice President, oversees operations in Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland, New Mexico, Tennessee and Utah. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Connecticut. Brian brings over 30 years’ experience working to improve the lives of people with disabilities. His extensive resume includes positions in administration within state government in Tennessee, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. He has held numerous executive positions in nonprofit agencies.

Dorothy GoodwinDorothy Goodwin - South Carolina State Director

South Carolina State Director, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and has extensive experience working with people with disabilities throughout South Carolina. Dorothy has over 25 years of experience in administrative and programmatic services and a long-standing relationship with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.

Bridget HaneyBridget Haney Community Options’ State Director of Pennsylvania

Regional Director, of Western PA. has a dual Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation from West Virginia University. She was the first Executive Director of Bucks County, Pennsylvania office and assisted in the establishment of the Pittsburgh office.

Hector JohnsonHector Johnson New Mexico State Director

New Mexico State Director, has a proven track record in the development of housing and employment supports for people with disabilities. A native New Mexican, he began his career at Community Options as the executive director of Las Cruses. After several years of building the programs in the local area, Johnson’s responsibilities expanded for state oversight including Albuquerque and Santa Fe with planned expansion into Rio Rancho.

Cindy LindgrenCindy Lindgren is Maryland’s State Director

Maryland State Director, oversees all operations in Maryland. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University. Cindy brings 25 years of experience in leadership roles within non-profit organizations, with a strong emphasis on operationalizing quality enhancement systems and ensuring person first service delivery. She has overseen multiple departments and has a strong commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create lives of their choosing, in their community.

Svet Repic-QiraSvet Repic-Qira 2015

Regional Vice President, oversees operations in New Jersey, New York and, Pennsylvania. She holds an M.A. in Psychology, a B.A. from the University of Connecticut and is also a licensed Professional Counselor. Svetlana is not new to Community Options, she was an executive director for North Jersey for three years; a community support coordinator; and administrative coordinator; and in 1998 she was an assistant manager at Community Options. Svetlana was a social worker and before that a discharge planner at Summit hospital.