Institutional Advancement

 

Rachel Forsyth, Senior Division Director, Partnership Schools, joined the Good Shepherd Services (GSS) leadership team in January 2004, when she took immediate leadership of opening a Bushwick Academy Off-Site Suspension Program. In that position, Rachel had overall responsibility for the operational management of community-based programs and worked with program staff to develop and integrate new program models into the current community-based structure, as well as monitor the effectiveness of current services. In 2005, as GSS launched our transfer school replication activities, Ms. Forsyth became Director of Transfer High Schools. In 2015, she became Senior Division Director, Partnership Schools, and in 2017, she began to supervise GSS' Brooklyn LifeLink, Young Adult Borough Centers, and Rebound programs. In this capacity, Rachel provides overall leadership in the running of GSS partnership high schools and the above-mentioned programs as well as GSS' intermediary role in supporting the agency's transfer high school model at non-GSS schools. In addition, Rachel assesses service delivery needs, makes recommendations for change, initiates new program development and oversees budgeting. Prior to joining GSS, Rachel spent four years as Director of Crisis Services, and a member of the Executive Council of Covenant House. Her career at Covenant House began in 1994 as a Resident Advisor for older male youth, and she held progressively more responsible positions each year, including being Deputy Director of Research from 1997-1998, Deputy Director of Outreach from 1998-1999, and Director of Program Development from 1999-2000. Rachel has both a Master of Public Administration Degree, with a concentration in Finance from Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs, and a Master of Social Work Degree from Fordham University. Rachel is also a certified Social Work Field Instructor for Fordham University. 

As a Vice President in charge of CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) and Business Banking for Ridgewood Savings Bank, Domenico joins the Board with the desire to align with our mission and pursue opportunities to share the good works of the foundation. He is committed to helping individuals in their educational journey. Born in Sicily and living in New York since 1996, Domenico’s free time is spent with his lovely wife Vincenza and two beautiful daughters Alessia and Arabella.

Suri Duitch joins Kingsborough Community College as interim president.  

Most recently, Dr. Duitch served as dean of the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. Dr. Duitch also held the additional title of vice president for academic innovation, and played a leadership role in the development and deployment of new digital courseware and learning platforms for the university as a whole. Under her leadership, the school took a fresh look at how it (and Tulane University) could best meet the needs of working adults and employers in New Orleans and beyond, through both classroom-based and online courses and degree programs.

She joined Tulane from the City University of New York, the nation’s largest urban public university system, where she was an administrator from 2004 to 2016. At CUNY, she was University Dean for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, as well as the deputy to the senior university dean for academic affairs. Her portfolio there included continuing education, workforce development, adult literacy and language courses, programs for students on public assistance, several student employment initiatives and special projects, such as CUNY’s Early Childhood Professional Development Institute as well as its Creative Arts Team. The total annual enrollment in all these endeavors was over 250,000 students.

Prior to joining CUNY, she held policy and program oversight positions in New York City government agencies, and worked with nonprofits and private foundations to conduct research in areas such as the arts and economic development, children’s health services and nonprofit advocacy.

Her passions relate to opening up higher education, and the life-transforming benefits of the knowledge, skills and credentials gained from college to people who wouldn’t otherwise have that access. She is also deeply committed to helping adult students gain knowledge and skills to advance in their careers and to further develop as members of their families and communities.
 
Dr. Duitch holds a B.A. in English literature from Columbia College, Columbia University, an M.S.W. in community organizing from Hunter College–CUNY, and a Ph.D. in urban education from the CUNY Graduate Center.

A KCC alumnus, Dr. Alexander is the director of Infection Prevention and Control at New York City Health and Hospitals/Harlem, having previously worked in infection control at Mount Sinai Health System. In addition, she is an adjunct lecturer in biology at KCC. Born and raised on Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Alexander came to the U.S. to pursue her college education.

After graduating from KCC in 1998 with a degree in biology, she earned a bachelor of arts in biology/chemistry from Hunter College, a master of public health from East Stroudsburg University, a master of science in medical microbiology from Richard L. Conolly College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and a doctorate of public health from New York Medical College Graduate School of Health Sciences and Practice & Institute of Public Health. As director of Infection Prevention and Control, her duties require that she research, evaluate, and incorporate evidence-based protocols into routine practice. She also consults and collaborates with community health organizations and local, state, and federal public health officials to advocate for patient safety, health worker safety, and safe practices. 

 

Joan Bartolomeo was promoted to Director of Community Development, Vice President of Signature Bank in April 2022, after serving several years as the Department’s Assistant Director. She joined the Bank in 2013, after serving for 29 years with the not-for-profit Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), the last 23 years as its president. At Signature Bank, she has been committed to engaging the community on behalf of the Bank, through involvement in activities such as financial literacy education, Women and Minority entrepreneurship, and expansion of affordable housing. She also serves on the boards of several locally-focused not-for-profit organizations. Through these activities, she worked to ensure the Bank is meeting its lending, investment and service obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).  

Joan is a career-switcher, working for several years in medical research following her BS in Biology from Long Island University, until her interest in all things urban – architectural, cultural, sociological and political – impelled her to seek a Master’s Degree in Urban Studies. Following graduation under a National Science Foundation fellowship, she embarked on a new path towards community-building projects and the not-for-profit sector. Work in that area gave her the skills to build a bridge to her work at Signature Bank, which she finds personally and professionally gratifying

Dr. Kwesi W. Blackman was born in Georgetown, Guyana and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY. After graduating from Clara Barton High School in June 2001, Dr. Blackman joined the United States Army in September 2001. Dr. Blackman served as a Field Artillery Sergeant in the United States Army 10th Mountain Division, deploying twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003-2004 (Kirkuk, Iraq) and 2004-2005 (Baghdad, Iraq). After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, Dr. Blackman earned his Associate's of Science degree in Biology from Kingsborough Community College (‘07), in Brooklyn, NY, and his Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from Northeastern University, in Boston, MA. He is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Long Island University, in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Blackman completed his medical training in Internal Medicine at SUNY Downstate/Kings County Hospital, and currently works as an Attending Physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at New York Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital serving the Brooklyn community. Dr. Blackman currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife, son, and twin daughters.

A former district leader and longtime community advocate, Diaz is currently the associate commissioner of special initiatives for the NYC Department of Homeless Services. She is also the former New York City councilwoman for Brooklyn’s 37th district, which includes Brownsville, Bushwick, City Line, Cypress Hills, East New York, and Ocean Hill.

“I am a firm believer that education is the key to success. Which is why I am glad to have been chosen to join the Kingsborough family — a family with strong beliefs in providing students with the tools needed to be successful in life,” said Diaz.

“As a board member, I hope to promote the importance of higher education throughout many communities. They deserve the opportunities offered at Kingsborough Community College,” she added.

Born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents, Diaz currently resides in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Cypress Hills. She earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Long Island University and a bachelor’s degree in human services from Boricua College. Her personal experience overcoming homelessness, and as a domestic violence survivor, provides Diaz with a unique insight into addressing the adversities of these vulnerable groups, including the increasing number of CUNY students facing housing insecurity.

Derby St. Fort | Captain NYPD

As a native New Yorker and an executive member of the NYPD, Captain Derby St.Fort's advocacy for community engagement and youth well-being has been a driving force throughout his career. He actively champions alternative public safety models that address issues such as public health, poverty, and equity. His leadership is distinguished by his ability to forge strategic collaborations with community-based organizations, service providers, city agencies, and educational institutions. Notably, initiatives such as his youth anti-violence initiative, which was highlighted in The New York Times in 2022, underscore Captain St.Fort's commitment to tackling the root causes of challenges faced by young people, aiming to foster safer and thriving neighborhoods through shared responsibility and collaboration. Through his innovative approaches and collaborative spirit, Captain Derby St.Fort continues to pave the way for transformative change in law enforcement, driving progress towards safer and more resilient communities.

Captain St.Fort currently serves on the board of Strategies for Youth, a nonprofit youth advocacy organization, and also serves as the law enforcement liaison for the Center for Justice at Columbia University. He earned his master's degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Jeff Lindor Founder | CEO 
Gentlemen’s Factory Inc.

Jeff Lindor is the Founder and the inaugural CEO of the Gentlemen’s Factory, a private 400+ membership community offering physical locations throughout NYC where members conduct business, attend professional development workshops and connect with fellow leaders of color. He has since expanded the vision and created the Factory Company, which serves as a central platform advancing black communities throughout the world. Its portfolio companies include Gentlemen's Factory, the Skill Factory, a workforce development agency training thousands of New Yorkers for in demand jobs and the Investment Factory, a angel fund that invests in early stage minority led startups. Jeff’s work has been featured on The New York Times, CNN, Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg TV. Prior to being a Social Impact Entrepreneur, Jeff served as a Senior Advisor to heads of Agencies in NYC Government. He consulted them in the areas of Criminal Justice Reform, Procurement and Diversity & Inclusion. Jeff earned his Masters Degree in Urban Policy at The New School and lives in NYC with his two children, Jeff Jr and Olivia Lindor.

 

Breanna Neff, CFS Founder | Chief Food Scientist brelixi

A Cornell University alumna with a B.S. in Food Science & Technology, Business, Nutrition and Health, Breanna is a visionary Certified Food Scientist. Her journey includes pivotal roles at industry giants like Danone, Dannon, Evian, and Hydrant, where she honed her skills as a product developer, R&D engineer, and FDA compliance specialist.

Now, fueled by a passion for cannabis, homeopathic remedies, and functional ingredients, Breanna has birthed brelixi. This innovative venture offers meticulously crafted, ready-to-mix drink blends that reimagine how we engage with cannabis. Brelixi not only reflects Breanna's academic prowess and industry experience but also showcases her aim to destigmatize cannabis culture and elevate the user experience.

Relying on her scientific expertise, along with her  profound drive for culinary innovation and holistic wellness, Breanna is setting new standards in the dynamic landscape of cannabis-infused consumables.

Mary Theresa Ortiz is a full-time faculty member in the Biological Sciences Department here at Kingsborough Community College. Her degrees include a B.S. in Biology & Mathematics from Wagner College, as well as a M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University. Before coming to Kingsborough Community College in 1993, Mary was a Research Scientist in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Operations at the New York State Institution for Basic Research, as well as an Adjunct Lecturer at New York City Technical College and The College of Staten Island. She also worked as a Thesis Advisor and Mentor for the Graduate Physician Assistant Program at Wagner College/Staten Island University Hospital. Additionally, she worked for 15 years as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Staten Island Emergency Medical Training Center and served as a Certified Instructor Coordinator. Here at Kingsborough, she has served on numerous departmental and college-wide committees. Currently she is the Course Coordinator of College Now Science. In 2023 she was inducted into the New Dorp High School Hall of Fame.

Evelyn Ortiz Co-Chief Executive Officer

Evelyn Ortiz recently assumed the role of Co-CEO at Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT), rejoining the organization where she began her impactful public service career.

With 17 years in the government and nonprofit sectors, she has been a fervent advocate for economic empowerment and workforce development throughout New York State.

Before returning to OBT, Evelyn was appointed as the first Latina to hold the position of Senior Deputy Commissioner for the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs. In this capacity, she managed workforce training funds of $17 million annually, benefiting over 26,000 Suffolk County residents.

Furthermore, Evelyn played a pivotal role as the Deputy Director at the New York Association of Training & Employment Professionals (NYATEP), a statewide association representing 200 organizations. In this capacity, she facilitated the achievement of quality jobs for over a million New Yorkers through job training, education, and workforce development. During her tenure at NYATEP, she spearheaded the establishment, implementation, and execution of the association's policy, advocacy efforts, and equity initiatives across New York State.

During her initial term at OBT, Evelyn’s advocacy efforts led to a threefold increase in government funding for the organization, ensuring the continuation of OBT's essential programs. Evelyn realized the power of advocacy while working for NYS Senator Kevin Parker as the Director of Constituent Affairs. In this role, she came face to face with constituents who were experiencing alarming unemployment rates and risked eviction due to the mortgage crisis and recession. To help strengthen the community she established workforce development initiatives that alleviated her constituent’s financial burdens and enhanced their access to economic success.

Evelyn holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and a Master's degree in Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook University (SBU). While at SBU, she collaborated with eight Women of Color committed to community impact to found the Alpha Delta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon, Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority Incorporated. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Evelyn's path is a testament to her profound dedication to social change and community development.

Opportunities for Better Tomorrow

Currently serving as Kingsborough's Vice President of Finance and Administration, Eduardo Rios has extensive executive experience within the City of University of New York.  Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Rios served as Assistant Vice President for Finance and Business Services at the College of Staten Island (CSI), and he has also held senior positions at the City College of New York and the CUNY Graduate Center.  Mr. Rios graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a B.A. in Psychology.  A proud CUNY graduate, Mr. Rios also received an A.A. in Marketing Management from New York City Technical College. Mr. Rios has served on the CSI Foundation Finance and Investment Committee; the CSI Association Board of Directors (President's Designee and Treasurer); and the CUNY Council of Business Managers, and many other college-wide and CUNY-wide committees.

Currently Vice President, Retail Market Manager at Investors Bank, Roni Shoyfer is an experienced banking professional. Mr. Shoyfer has a strong track record of increasing sales, improving client retention, growing the customer base, and employee development. Prior positions include Store Supervisor at TD Bank and Assistant Vice President, Assistant Branch Manager at both TD Bank and Herald National Bank. Mr. Shoyfer graduated from Sinai Academy High School in Brooklyn and attended LaGuardia Community College in Queens and the School of Visual Arts in New York. He is multi-lingual, speaking Russian and Hebrew as well as English. Mr. Shoyfer currently lives in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.

Dr. Scott Stimpfel oversees Learning & Development globally for Citi's corporate and investment bank. He holds an adjunct faculty appointment at New York University's (NYU) Stern School of Business where he teaches courses on professional responsibility and leadership. Prior to joining Citi, he was the Associate Dean of NYU's School of Professional Studies (SPS) Division of Programs in Business and Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Innovation for NYU Stern School of Business. 

Dr. Stimpfel sits on the board of the I Have a Dream Foundation (NYC) and Resources for Educational and Employment Opportunities (REEO). He co-founded REEO, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to empowering underserved community college students. Dr. Stimpfel is the recipient of the Manhattan Institute's Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the NYU-Satter Foundation's Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Dr. Stimpfel attended Pasadena City College before transferring to the University of Southern California. He graduated from the University of Southern California, summa cum laude, with a B.S. in Business Administration. He earned an M.B.A. with a dual specialization in Corporate Finance and Entrepreneurship & Innovation from NYU's Stern School of Business. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education. 

Dr. Stimpfel is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges, Alpha Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, and Beta Gamma Sigma. 

David Woloch is Executive Vice President, Division of External Affairs at the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) the fifth largest public library system in the US where he oversees government and community affairs, marketing and communications and development. In his time with the library, Mr. Woloch has led an overhaul of Library press function, developed a Library-wide communication plan and increased positive press coverage for the Library and its staff. He was also at the forefront of developing the Library's first strategic plan. Prior to his work with BPL, Mr. Woloch spent 10 years as Deputy Commissioner/Policy Advisory for the New York City Department of Transportation where he managed communications, legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations and graphic services for the 4,000-person city agency; provided guidance to the department's borough offices; developed new initiatives and oversaw the implementation of a number of key agency projects. While at the DOT, he was named one of the 20 most influential non-elected persons in City Government by City Hall newspaper.

Mr. Woloch is an adjunct professor at The New School; he serves on the board of multiple associations and non-profits; coaches youth baseball, basketball and soccer; and has volunteered for a number of political campaigns. David has a Masters in Public Policy with a concentration in Urban Development from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government and a BA in History from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. He currently lives in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Alec Teytel is a distinguished banking executive with over 20 years in the industry. In his current role as Vice President, Branch Manager at TD Bank, which he has filled for over five years, he is responsible for business development, staff management and overall implementation of corporate goals and vision.  Previous positions include Senior Vice President, Managing Director with Herald National Bank; Branch Manager at Commerce Bank; and Vice President, Business Relationship Manager with HSBC Bank USA.

Mr. Teytel is President of the Bensonhurst Business Club and a Board Member of the Jewish Community Center of Bensonhurst. Over the years he has received numerous awards in recognition of his leadership and service to his community. He holds a Certificate in Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado; an AS in Business Administration from Berkeley College of Business in New York and a BS in Business Science from the State University of Kiev in Ukraine. Mr. Teytel is fluent in English and Russian and lives in Marine Park, Brooklyn.

Dimple Willabus Owner | President Rhythm Nation Entertainment

Dimple Willabus is a driven Advocate for the empowerment of the most vulnerable members of our society, through improving accessibility to quality, educational resources and opportunities. Dimple has more than 25 years in the Media and Marketing industry. She utilizes her journalisticand entrepreneurial experiences to specialize in business development and brand management. Under her belt she holds many titles: wife, mother, grandmother, business owner and community leader!

Of her many personal and professional accomplishments, Dimple believes her greatest accomplishment is the development of her family.

Dimple Willabus is the Founder and CEO of Rhythm Nation Entertainment which partners with CEO’s, organizations, entrepreneurs and various government entities, to grow their personal and professional brands and to maximize their effectiveness within their selected industry. Dimple knows that the key to enhancing brand recognition, developing strategic goals, accomplishing progressive outcomes and generating exponential revenue, is not developed in the boardroom—it’s building personal relationships and creating a reliable network, with like-minded people. In short, it’s about bringing people together, highlighting the common bond and truly enlightening them on the benefits of achieving each other’s goals through a coalesced effort! Willabus is the owner of Rhythm Nation Entertainment since 1996, The Stalwarts Youth since 2016 and former owner of Corner Point Wines & Spirits.

Dimple is the Founder and President of the First Responders Lions Club, the Director of Community & Governmental Affairs- Victory Assembly of God Church as well as the Public Relations Officer of the NYPD 71st Precinct Community Council.

Dimple is a 3-time CUNY grad, having earned her AA in Communications from Kingsborough, BA in Television & Radio and MA in Media Studies with a Minor in Marketing & Economics from Brooklyn College.