2024 Nonprofit Power Players

Dr. Kimberly Townsend is president and CEO of Loretto, a continuing care system located in NY that is leading change in a post-health care reform era. Dr. Townsend is defining and creating new value through collaborations across the continuum of care. She is focused on providing high-quality care while delivering top-line growth. Dr. Townsend is dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of the organizational mission well into the future by transforming the face of elder care – one person at a time. Her book, “Lifecircle Leadership,” is based on experiences at Loretto. 

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
My favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector is the immediate and direct impact one sees in the work they do every day. Caring for those who once cared for us is sacred work. 

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers can best support the work in the health and human services sectors by understanding the lived experiences of the front-line caregivers and the individuals entrusted to their care. It has a direct impact on people’s daily lives, and issues like rate insufficiency have a direct impact on the quality of staff hired, the ability to invest in facilities and technology, and all things that impact the lives of the people in our care.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Loretto’s biggest accomplishment in 2024 followed a successful collective bargaining session in 2023. enabling us to raise the wage of our frontline workers by 21% and hire over 500 frontline staff; expand our LPN Apprenticeship program and our frontline paid training for CNAs and CHHAs; and add Leadership Development programs.  The best antidote to poverty is a good job, with a living wage, access to benefits, and the ability to grow personally and professionally.

Bill Ulfelder is responsible for the vision, strategies and culture of the team. Policy is essential to The Nature Conservancy’s success; and the team is focused on local, state and federal policies to reduce carbon pollution (promoting renewable energy and reforestation), advancing climate resilience (moving people out of flood risk areas) and promoting the role of and connection to nature in New Yorkers’ lives. Bill has been with the Conservancy for thirty years, serving as New York Director for 15 years. 

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector? 
The people. The talent, passion, dedication and smarts of my colleagues and trustees makes every day rewarding. 

How can policymakers support your organization?
New York City is developing its first comprehensive urban forest plan for the city’s 7 million trees, which are an essential resource. We hope to see dedicated funding to ensure that the plan is robust and has the resources needed for implementation. New York State has nation-leading climate and conservation goals. We hope to see further investments to ensure we build a clean energy economy by 2050 and conserve 30% of our land and water by 2030. 

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Winning a $6 billion ballot initiative in Suffolk County with 72% of the vote. This non-partisan victory will generate $4 billion to modernize wastewater infrastructure and reduce nitrogen pollution and $2 billion to conserve nature. The campaign highlights what The Nature Conservancy is uniquely positioned to provide – leading scientific research, securing major policy victories, and building diverse coalitions to restore nature for the benefit of local economies, wildlife and our way of life. 

Carlos Velazquez, executive director of the Police Athletic League, has a holistic approach to program-building that has left a profound impression on inner-city communities across New York City. He serves on the Board of Directors of LaSalle Academy in Manhattan and Bank Street College of Education. He is a licensed social worker with both a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University and holds a Master of Education from Bank Street College.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
My favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector is the ability to impact thousands of young people and their families. PAL inspires me and keeps me going. Using my platform to be a voice for so many who often silenced or misunderstood is what makes the work so special. There is no better feeling than watching young people grow. I truly appreciate our extraordinary staff and supporters who make our work possible.

How can policymakers support your organization?
We spend every day making an investment in the future of our city by investing in the future of our children. My leadership focuses on working with partners within the youth development, education, law enforcement and justice systems. Policymakers can support the Police Athletic League by participating in partnerships with us to enhance our programs and initiatives and make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of young New Yorkers.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
PAL celebrated 110 years this summer, and it was an amazing accomplishment. PAL has made an impact in New York City for over a century and continues to provide resources for the community. Bridging the gap between young people and Law Enforcement is a testament to all who have been involved and all who embody our motto that PAL is The Best Friend a Kid Can Have.

Kimberly Watson, president and CEO, is the first Black woman to lead Graham, one of the oldest nonprofits in the U.S. She hails from Brooklyn, attended high school in Edina, Minnesota as an “A Better Chance” scholar, and holds a bachelor’s from Fordham University and an MPA from Baruch College. With four decades in nonprofit leadership, her passion is partnering with communities to innovate solutions and provide helpful help.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
Nonprofits can be nimble enough to adapt services and operations to meet the needs of folks quickly without all it takes to change governmental or corporate structures. The pandemic was a great example of how flexible we could be to meet the emerging needs of our communities. We found ways to cut through red tape that could be sustainable if our sector continues to embrace versatility over business as usual.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Money answers a matter. That is true for staff AND families. Robust support of the #JustPay Campaign would enable us and other publicly funded organizations to sustain fair wages for human services workers. Families need cash assistance. The federal Child Tax Credit was proven to address poverty and needs to continue. Additionally, mandated reporter rules should change so that poverty does not lead to child neglect investigations and families instead get the help they need.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
With several nonprofit partners, we participated in The Reckoning – a series of discussions on transforming systems to achieve family justice and integrity. Our leadership and staff are reckoning with the harm we have inadvertently caused in the name of child welfare and envisioning new paths forward. Additionally, stakeholders across Graham participated in extensive strategy, visioning, and re-branding sessions. Out of these came our ambitious new five-year goals, and a new logo and website.

Rachel Watts leads ArtsConnection, one of NYC’s oldest and largest arts education organizations. She has worked as director of education at Ballet Hispanico and director of The MYC Youth Center in California. She graduated from Williams College and received her M.A. at New York University in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She taught in the arts management and entrepreneurship M.A. program at the New School and Art Education Program at City College in Harlem.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
To work with a group of people equally as passionate about our mission and eager to continue learning in order to ensure we continue to make a positive impact. 

How can policymakers support your organization?
Help ensure the arts are a part of every child’s education. Currently 300 of the NYC’s 1800 schools do not have a certified arts teacher and NY state is one of the states that do not require the arts as a subject in schools. The arts not only help students build creative thinking and problem solving skills, they also support mental health and well being, helping to form fully grounded young people. 

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
In 2024 even in the face of significant cuts in government funding, we were able to launch our framework for teaching and learning which emphasizes equitable learning experiences while also maintaining the quality of all our programs. We hope to grow and be able to share what we know beyond NYC in order to help educators and young people across the nation.

As president and CEO of Animal Care Centers of NYC, Risa Weinstock has worked to transform NYC’s municipal animal shelters into a world-class animal welfare organization. Ms. Weinstock has overseen initiatives that reduce animal homelessness, focus on the human/animal bond, enhance community engagement and promote responsible pet ownership. Under her leadership, NYC has become a national model for animal sheltering, making NYC a safer, more compassionate place for animals and residents across all five boroughs.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
I love the mission-driven purpose of our work and the tangible impact we have on NYC’s animals and the people who love them. There is pure joy in connecting thousands of homeless animals with families and helping thousands of families navigate the responsibility of having a pet. Collaborating with passionate partners who share a commitment to our mission to end animal homelessness in New York City gives this work greater purpose.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Policymakers play a key role in amplifying to their constituents the vital resources ACC provides in each of the five boroughs. By raising awareness about ACC’s many programs and services – like adoptions, volunteering, pet surrender prevention, local pet wellness clinics, and job opportunities – policymakers can ensure their communities avail themselves of all that ACC offers its residents. Our mission to end animal homelessness in NYC is a collaborative endeavor with NYC’s policymakers.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
In July, ACC unveiled a modern, 50,000 square foot, full-service animal care center in Ridgewood, Queens. Having never had an animal shelter in the borough, this significant milestone is a step forward, expanding access to all aspects of animal welfare, from adoption to critical animal care services. It brings our mission of ending animal homelessness closer to reality, fostering stronger bonds between ACC and this vibrant borough, in an innovative and welcoming new space.

As president and chief executive officer of Union Settlement, Dr. Darlene Williams is the first person of color in Union Settlement’s nearly 130-year history, to lead the largest social services organization. Dr. Darlene Williams is a visionary and transformational executive leader with a strong commitment to service and empowerment for under-resourced communities, equity, and social injustice. Dr. Williams’ three decades of executive leadership experience provides her with insight into the needs of nonprofit organizations.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
Throughout my career in New York City government and academia, I have prioritized roles serving vulnerable populations to enhance the overall quality of life, with an intentional focus on alleviating the effects of poverty, promoting equity, addressing racial disparities, and providing opportunities for individuals to thrive. With my steadfast passion and emotional intelligence, I elevate my voice for the needs of the community and have successfully transformed organizations to higher levels of impact, sustainability, and success.

How can policymakers support your organization?
Organizations can support our advocacy efforts by ensuring that critical resources are available to the community.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Our biggest achievement is preparing for our journey to our 130th-anniversary celebration.

Michelle Yanche is the CEO of Good Shepherd Services, supporting over 30,000 individuals annually. Previously, she led the organization’s compliance, fundraising, government relations, and advocacy efforts. Michelle serves on the boards of the Council of Family and Child-Caring Agencies and National LGBT Cancer Network. She is also part of several advisory groups, including the Research Alliance for NYC Schools. Michelle holds a B.A. from Fordham and an MPA from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service.

As COO of The Rockefeller Foundation, Natalye Paquin leads operations across the U.S., Italy, Asia, and Africa. Formerly president and CEO of Points of Light Foundation, she leverages 30 years of experience from the public, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Paquin served on boards of Bloomerang, Univest Financial, and National Penn Bancshares. A litigation and civil rights attorney for over 15 years, she holds a J.D. from DePaul University and a B.S. from Florida A&M University.

What is your favorite thing about working in the nonprofit sector?
I am typically drawn to mission work. Whether it’s ensuring equal access to education, uplifting girls, or providing access to the arts, I am inspired by working with people driving positive change. That work continues at The Rockefeller Foundation, where we are working to slow climate change and advance opportunity. To meet those goals, we support amazing grantees trying to expand access to clean energy, nutritious food, quality healthcare, and sustainable financing.

How can policymakers support your organization?
The Rockefeller Foundation uses spaces and places to connect unlikely partners and drive progress on the world’s most pressing challenges. At our headquarters in New York City, our Bellagio Center, and elsewhere, we bring leaders with unique skills, experiences, and resources together to develop impactful solutions. We invite a variety of leaders, experts, partners, and policymakers to attend those convenings because we understand that information enables solutions to be scaled and sustained.

What was your organization’s biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Late last year, as part of our $1-billion, 5-year climate strategy, The Rockefeller Foundation made a commitment to ensuring our operations meet a science-based net zero target. This year, we made important progress on our strategy for establishing and meeting that target. As part of that journey, we hosted our peer philanthropies for the first in a series of discussions about decarbonizing our own operations and helping accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon future.