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.

National Staff

Robert P. 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 2018, Community Options is ranked as the 3rd 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. 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.
 

David P. Sweeney

Chief Financial Officer, graduated from Rutgers Business School with an M.B.A. from LaSalle University. He has a C.P.A. license in PA and is responsible for financial operations. David spent his career working in the healthcare sector managing operations. He has twenty years of comprehensive financial management experience.

Courtney Eidel

Chief Human Resources Officer, has an M.B.A. from Georgian Court University and a B.S. in International Business and Management from Montclair State University. Courtney has over fifteen years of experience in employee relations, talent management and compensation and benefits in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Brian Dion

Senior Vice President,oversees operations in Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland, New Mexico, Tennessee and Utah. Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut. Brian has over 30 years’ experience improving the lives of people with disabilities. His extensive resume includes positions in administration within state government in Tennessee, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Svetlana Repic-Qira

Regional Vice President, oversees operations in New Jersey, New York and, Pennsylvania. She earned 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.

Angelique Rajski Parashis

Vice President of Mission Advancement, is responsible for fundraising, grant development, event operations and public relations. She has twenty years of fundraising and project management experience. She earned a Masters Degree in Public Affairs and Politics from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and a BA from Rutgers University in Political Science and Criminal Justice.

Justin Brown

Arizona State Director, oversees operations in Arizona. Justin earned his Bachelors Degree of Science in Human Services/Counseling from Geneva College. He has over 10 years 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.

Nicholas Carnicella

State Director of Kentucky, is the Executive Director of the Bowling Green office, in addition to overseeing the Alexandria and Paducah regions. Nicholas earned a Masters degree in employment and Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has been a Sr. DSP, CPS, Residential Coordinator, and Strategic Operations Manager during his 4 years at COI.

Dorothy Goodwin

South Carolina State Director, earned 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.

Jessica Guberman

Vice President of Strategic Operations, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the State University of New York, a Master of Science in Addiction and a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology. Jessica has worked in the nonprofit sector supporting vulnerable populations for more than 20 years. She is responsible for the oversight of all the executive directors, budgeting, programmatic direction and advocacy in New York.

Hector Johnson

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.