TROY, NY (11/28/2012) – The Commission on Economic Opportunity’s (CEO) Board Chairperson, Mozella Irving, officially announced today the role of President/CEO will be filled by Katherine Maciol, currently the Commissioner of the Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health. The role, previously titled Executive Director, is currently filled by Karen E. Gordon, who is set to retire at the end of December after 30 years of service.

Maciol will join CEO in early December, taking lead of the agency employing over 250 individuals with a $21 million budget.  As Commissioner of the Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health for the last 10 years, Maciol has overseen the mental hygiene system in the county and the direct services that the department provides to individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse concerns.

Maciol’s experience in directing and implementing human services programs throughout Rensselaer County make her the optimal candidate to take over Gordon’s role. “Katherine comes to CEO with a wealth of experience in providing services to individuals and families in need.  I look forward to seeing how she furthers the growth and expansion of the programs and services provided by CEO to continue the great work we do every day,” said Gordon.

CEO is a private not-for-profit Community Action Agency whose mission is to preserve and advance the self-sufficiency, well-being, and growth of individuals, children and families through education, guidance and resources. CEO currently offers over 25 different programs that aim to eliminate poverty in Rensselaer County and the surrounding areas.

CEO has a long-standing history of success, and Maciol shared how much she is looking forward to beginning a new chapter in CEO’s history. “I am honored and excited to be the new CEO/President of such a wonderful organization”, said Maciol.  “I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the success of Karen Gordon and the team at CEO and I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of our community.”

While a new leader and a new vision may foster growth and change within the organization, CEO’s mission will always remain the same: to serve the local community in need through CEO’s many high-quality programs.

For more information, contact Emily Cote, Director of Marketing and Communications, at 518- 272-6012 ext. 274, or via email at ecote@ceo-cap.org.