About

CEO Leadership

Strong Leadership for a Better Community

Sue Rosa

Sue Rosa

President/CEO

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Professional Experience
  • Graduate of Russell Sage College
  • BA degree in Public Administration
  • With CEO for 30+ years
Why I am Passionate About CEO and its Mission

We’re constantly seeking opportunities to make a bigger impact on our community and improve the lives of our customers and staff alike.

Why I Love My Job

I love my job because of the variety of responsibilities my position at CEO offers me. At CEO, I’m provided an opportunity to utilize an array of skill sets that encourage and support me personally and professionally. I’m allowed to be creative and independent and  that promotes a workforce that is innovative.

Erin Hernandez

Erin Hernandez

Chief Operations Officer

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Professional Experience
  • 15+ years with CEO
  • Began as an Assistant Center Manager and grew career extensively over time
  • B.S. in Community and Human Services
  • Graduate of the Emerging Leaders’ Institute for Training and Excellence
Why I am Passionate About CEO and its Mission

I have always wanted to work in a field that made a positive impact in people’s lives. I get to come to work every day and contribute to something that helps such a large number of people, in so many ways. I quickly fell in love with Community Action; its mission, history and vision for the future inspire me on a daily basis. I have regularly seen CEO’s impact in people’s lives and believe strongly in our dedication to providing high quality services that meet the needs of our community.

Why I Love My Job

Each day is something exciting and new. I have the opportunity to develop myself professionally in a challenging and very rewarding field. I work with a great team of people, both internally and externally, towards common goals that are focused on changing lives and improving the community. I also get to witness the passion and dedication of our staff, which makes me proud to be a part of this organization.

Renata Gwozdz

Renata Gwozdz

Director of Community Services

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Professional Experience
  • 9 years with CEO
  • Began as Food Pantry staff and grew career through various roles within CEO
  • Bachelors in Art and Education
  • ROMA Implementer
Why I am Passionate About CEO and its Mission
I came to CEO without any direct human services experience, but knowing that what I was doing was helping people kept me coming back every day. Over the years I have seen the impact of Community Action and the importance of empowering individuals and families through resources, kindness and respect. I am always excited to share what CEO is doing with my family, friends, and neighbors.
Why I Love My Job

I love my job because I get the opportunity to create impact and instill change for both individuals and families in the community I live in. I love the challenge of navigating multiple programs and working with some of our smallest but mightiest teams. I appreciate the opportunity to help staff grow and develop like my supervisors have done and still do for me. My position gives me the opportunity to wear different hats, pursue interesting and challenging professional development, and incorporate my creativity.

Tia Nunziato

Tia Nunziato

Early Childhood Program/Human Resources Officer

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Professional Experience
  • 12 Years in the Early Childhood Education field
  • Been with CEO since 2009
  • Started with CEO as a Head Start Center Manager
Why I am Passionate About CEO and its Mission

I am passionate about CEO and its mission because our main focus is to assist children and families in times of need. CEO’s services support customers, helps them learn how to access community resources, and empowers them to become self-sufficient.

Our programs make a lasting impact on customers and we truly make a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

Why I Love My Job

Every day I get the opportunity to be part of a program that has the charge of making a difference in the lives of our families and children. We have a huge responsibility and each day we come across challenges, but the end result of ensuring a child and family is safe, healthy, and ready for kindergarten is what matters the most. It is a privilege to be able to do what I do and come to work each day and be part of CEO’s EHS/HS program.

Lori Tantakis

Lori Tantakis

Director of Center Based Operations

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Professional Experience
  • B.S. in Psychology
  • M.A. in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
  • 25 years experience in the field of Early Childhood Education
Why I am Passionate About CEO and its Mission

At CEO, I have the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team of individuals who work with commitment and purpose every day. It’s exciting to see our mission come to life as we empower individuals and build strong communities through our programs and initiatives.

Why I Love My Job

I’ve dedicated my career to working with young children because the first five years of life is the most critical time to establish a strong foundation for future success. Through our early childhood programs at CEO, I get to impact these early years by providing new opportunities to children and families that will strengthen them and equip them to be their very best.

Pearl Higgins

Pearl Higgins

Communications & Technology Director

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Professional Experience
  • BA in English from Skidmore College, MA in Children’s Literature from Simmons College
  • 10 Years in Marketing & Communications, 5 with area nonprofits
  • Been with CEO since 2018
Why I am Passionate About CEO and its Mission

As a resident of Troy, NY, I am passionate about seeing this community thrive. The work that CEO does throughout Rensselaer County is driven by a mission to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities by helping them rise out of poverty. It is truly inspiring to be a part of this work.

Why I Love My Job

I have the opportunity to work with all of our programs and see the great work being done across all of our service areas and centers. It’s wonderful to see how much dedication our staff brings to their work, and how much of an impact each of us can make.

Don Keefe

Don Keefe

Building and Energy Services Team (BEST) Director

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Professional Experience
  • 14 years of property management experience
  • 6 years of plumbing and heating experience
  • 2 years with CEO
Why I am Passionate About CEO and its Mission

It is fulfilling to be part of a team that is dedicated and passionate in helping the community. To be able to go to a job every day that impacts people in the community in a positive way is highly rewarding. CEO really cares about its customers and staff.

Why I Love My Job

I love my job because there is always something that needs to be fixed. It is great to be challenged on a daily basis allowing me to be creative while also continuing to learn and grow professionally. I work with a great team of dedicated and passionate people who share the same belief of having a personal and professional balance.

The CEO organization is comprised  of over 200 employees, who together run over 15 different programs that help people rise out of poverty. Our employees come from many walks of life, but we all share one thing in common – we are all dedicated to making the Capital Region of New York a healthier and happier place. We understand the complex factors that contribute to poverty in our area, and we work tirelessly to help people in need to achieve success.

But, CEO is more than the organization itself. CEO works with many community partners to ensure the highest level of care possible.