AHRC NYC Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

AHRC NYC has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, staff coordination, human resources, financial management, legal compliance, and communications.

Dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, AHRC NYC advances inclusive education, clinical support, and vocational training to foster independence and community integration across the New York region.

Leadership Roles at AHRC NYC

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Amy West
  • Chief Operating Officer - Bob Gundersen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Lorelei Vargas
  • Chief of Staff - Melanie Moelis
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Sharon Fong
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - Gail Kerner
  • Chief Communications Officer (Cco) - Jose Carbonell
  • Amy West - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Amy West, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at AHRC NYC, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. West oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and grant management, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to support clinical and educational services. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer manages the long-term financial planning required to sustain the organization's mission in a competitive non-profit landscape. Amy West monitors cash flow and investment strategies, providing the necessary capital to fund new program developments and facility upgrades. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accountability to donors and regulatory bodies. West collaborates with the board to assess financial risks and opportunities, driving the fiscal stability that allows the organization to expand its reach and impact for individuals with disabilities throughout the region.
    Amy West

    Bob Gundersen - Chief Operating Officer

    Bob Gundersen, the Chief Operating Officer at AHRC NYC, directs internal service delivery systems to ensure high-quality support for individuals with disabilities. Gundersen manages the daily execution of clinical and educational programs, optimizing resource allocation to maintain operational excellence. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of service centers throughout the New York area. Bob Gundersen monitors performance metrics to align departmental outputs with the broader mission of the organization. This leadership role involves coordinating with clinical directors to refine care protocols and improve participant outcomes. Through rigorous oversight of facility management and program logistics, the Chief Operating Officer drives sustainable growth. Gundersen maintains a focus on operational scalability, ensuring that the organization meets the evolving needs of the community while upholding strict regulatory standards for non-profit service providers.

    Lorelei Vargas - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Lorelei Vargas, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at AHRC NYC, architects the strategic framework for vocational training and work placement services. Vargas oversees the expansion of employment programs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities gain meaningful access to the workforce. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer directs the integration of community-based initiatives, scaling service reach across diverse urban environments. Lorelei Vargas collaborates with external partners to secure job opportunities, driving economic inclusion for the population served. By analyzing market trends in the non-profit sector, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer refines service delivery models to maximize participant success. This leadership position involves managing large-scale program budgets and ensuring that vocational outcomes meet established quality benchmarks. Vargas maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in providing essential employment support services.

    Melanie Moelis - Chief of Staff

    Melanie Moelis, the Chief of Staff at AHRC NYC, facilitates strategic alignment across all executive departments to ensure cohesive organizational performance. Moelis manages high-priority initiatives, bridging communication gaps between leadership and operational teams to accelerate project completion. The Chief of Staff oversees the implementation of internal policies, ensuring that every department adheres to the core mission of supporting individuals with disabilities. Melanie Moelis coordinates executive meetings, synthesizes complex data for decision-making, and monitors the progress of long-term institutional goals. By fostering cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff optimizes the internal environment for staff and participants alike. Moelis drives organizational agility by identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions that improve overall productivity. This role requires constant engagement with diverse stakeholders to maintain focus on the strategic objectives that define the impact of the organization within the regional disability services sector.

    Sharon Fong - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sharon Fong, the Chief Human Resources Officer at AHRC NYC, directs talent acquisition and workforce development strategies to support the organization's extensive clinical and educational staff. Fong oversees employee relations, training programs, and performance management systems, ensuring that the workforce remains equipped to provide specialized care. The Chief Human Resources Officer implements initiatives that promote staff retention and professional growth, which directly impacts the quality of services delivered to individuals with disabilities. Sharon Fong manages complex labor compliance requirements, ensuring that all personnel practices align with state and federal regulations. By fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the organizational capacity to fulfill its mission. Fong collaborates with other executives to align human capital strategies with the broader operational goals of the organization, ensuring that the right talent is positioned to drive success across all service locations.
    Gail Kerner, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at AHRC NYC, directs all legal affairs, risk management, and regulatory compliance initiatives. Kerner oversees the legal framework governing clinical services and educational programs, ensuring that the organization operates within the bounds of complex healthcare and disability laws. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer manages litigation, contract negotiations, and corporate governance, protecting the interests of the organization and the individuals served. Gail Kerner provides counsel to the executive team on policy development, mitigating potential liabilities while supporting the mission of the organization. By staying abreast of legislative changes, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer ensures that all operational practices remain compliant with evolving standards. Kerner drives the development of internal protocols that safeguard the rights and privacy of participants, maintaining the highest level of integrity in all organizational activities.

    Jose Carbonell - Chief Communications Officer (Cco)

    Jose Carbonell, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at AHRC NYC, directs the public relations, brand strategy, and community outreach efforts. Carbonell oversees the development of messaging that highlights the organization's impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. The Chief Communications Officer (Cco) manages digital presence, media relations, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the mission remains visible to the public and potential donors. Jose Carbonell coordinates advocacy campaigns that influence public perception and support for disability services. By crafting compelling narratives, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) strengthens the organization's reputation as a leader in the non-profit sector. Carbonell collaborates with other executives to ensure that all communications align with the strategic goals of the organization. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information to the community, driving awareness, and fostering support for the essential services provided across the region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AHRC NYC Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AHRC NYC?
    AHRC NYC is led by Amy West (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Bob Gundersen (Chief Operating Officer) and Lorelei Vargas (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of AHRC NYC’s executive team?
    The executive team of AHRC NYC includes leaders such as Amy West (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Bob Gundersen (Chief Operating Officer), Lorelei Vargas (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AHRC NYC have?
    AHRC NYC has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AHRC NYC’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AHRC NYC includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer.