Allies Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Allies has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and quality assurance.

Committed to empowering individuals with special needs, Allies delivers essential housing, healthcare, and employment services to foster independence and community integration across New Jersey.

Leadership Roles at Allies

  • Chief Executive Officer - Yadar Mundi Haruna
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Ari Tepper
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer - Michael Haggerty
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Krystal Odell
  • Chief Financial Officer - Leonard Nicolosi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Wendi Ford
  • President - Ted Nikolai
  • Training Vice President, Quality Assurance - Darren Garansi
  • Yadar Mundi Haruna - Chief Executive Officer

    Yadar Mundi Haruna, the Chief Executive Officer at Allies, directs the overarching strategic vision for nonprofit operations. This leadership role involves managing complex healthcare and housing initiatives to ensure high-quality support for individuals with special needs. By aligning organizational goals with community requirements, Haruna drives the expansion of employment programs across the region. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to secure long-term sustainability and mission fulfillment. Yadar Mundi Haruna monitors service delivery metrics to guarantee compliance with state standards. Through rigorous oversight of resource allocation, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the impact of charitable funding. This position requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the urgent needs of the population served. By fostering partnerships with local stakeholders, Haruna strengthens the organizational footprint. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every program participant receives the necessary care to thrive within the community.

    Ari Tepper - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Ari Tepper, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Allies, architects the foundational mission and long-term growth strategy for the agency. This leadership role focuses on maintaining the core values established at inception while adapting to evolving healthcare landscapes. By guiding the executive team, Tepper ensures consistent delivery of housing and employment services. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer evaluates market trends to identify new opportunities for community-based support. Ari Tepper collaborates with external partners to enhance the reach of nonprofit initiatives. This position demands a deep understanding of the regulatory environment governing special needs care. By prioritizing innovation in service delivery, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer improves the quality of life for program participants. Tepper manages high-level stakeholder relationships to sustain organizational momentum. Through strategic planning, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the agency while upholding the commitment to inclusive community living.

    Michael Haggerty - Interim Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Haggerty, the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Allies, executes daily operational leadership during this transition period. This role involves stabilizing core functions while maintaining the continuity of housing and healthcare services. By coordinating with department heads, Haggerty ensures that all programs remain aligned with the mission of supporting individuals with special needs. The Interim Chief Executive Officer monitors financial performance and operational efficiency to prevent service disruptions. Michael Haggerty facilitates clear communication across the organization to maintain staff morale and focus. This leadership position requires rapid decision-making to address immediate challenges in service delivery. By overseeing the implementation of strategic directives, the Interim Chief Executive Officer preserves the integrity of the agency. Haggerty manages the interface between the Board and the operational teams to ensure transparency. Ultimately, the Interim Chief Executive Officer provides the necessary stability to support ongoing growth and community impact.

    Krystal Odell - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Krystal Odell, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Allies, drives the comprehensive execution of the agency's mission to provide housing and healthcare. This leadership role involves setting the strategic agenda for all service departments. By overseeing the integration of employment and recreational opportunities, Odell ensures a holistic approach to special needs support. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages the organizational culture to promote excellence in care. Krystal Odell engages with regional stakeholders to advocate for the needs of the population served. This position requires constant evaluation of program outcomes to maximize social impact. By directing the senior leadership team, the President & Chief Executive Officer aligns operational activities with long-term goals. Odell monitors fiscal health to ensure the sustainability of charitable programs. Through proactive management, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the agency's position as a leader in community-based support services.

    Leonard Nicolosi - Chief Financial Officer

    Leonard Nicolosi, the Chief Financial Officer at Allies, manages the fiscal integrity and resource allocation for the entire nonprofit agency. This leadership role involves overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and audit compliance to ensure the sustainability of housing and healthcare programs. By analyzing revenue streams and charitable contributions, Nicolosi optimizes the financial foundation required for service delivery. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to align spending with strategic priorities. Leonard Nicolosi monitors cash flow to support the expansion of employment and recreational opportunities. This position requires rigorous oversight of financial controls to maintain transparency with donors and regulatory bodies. By implementing efficient accounting practices, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and enhances operational stability. Nicolosi provides the financial data necessary for informed decision-making at the board level. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources needed to fulfill the mission of supporting individuals with special needs.

    Wendi Ford - Chief Operating Officer

    Wendi Ford, the Chief Operating Officer at Allies, directs the day-to-day operational functions of the agency, focusing on the delivery of housing and healthcare services. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve the efficiency of support programs. By overseeing staff training and resource deployment, Ford ensures that all community-based initiatives meet high standards of care. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to resolve operational bottlenecks and enhance service quality. Wendi Ford monitors performance metrics to track the effectiveness of employment and recreational programs. This position requires a hands-on approach to managing the logistics of care delivery across various locations. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Chief Operating Officer drives continuous improvement in service outcomes. Ford manages the operational infrastructure to support the agency's growth. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the daily activities of the organization directly benefit the individuals served.
    Wendi Ford

    Ted Nikolai - President

    Ted Nikolai, the President at Allies, leads the strategic development of programs designed to provide meaningful employment and recreational opportunities. This leadership role involves expanding the agency's reach within the community to ensure inclusive living for people with special needs. By collaborating with the executive team, Nikolai aligns program development with the overarching mission of the organization. The President evaluates the effectiveness of current service models to identify areas for innovation. Ted Nikolai manages external relationships with community partners to create new pathways for participant engagement. This position requires a focus on long-term growth and the sustainability of support services. By overseeing the implementation of new initiatives, the President ensures that the agency remains responsive to the evolving needs of the population. Nikolai provides the vision necessary to drive organizational progress. Ultimately, the President secures the agency's role as a vital provider of essential community services.

    Darren Garansi - Training Vice President, Quality Assurance

    Darren Garansi, the Training Vice President, Quality Assurance at Allies, architects the standards and training protocols that govern all healthcare and support services. This leadership role involves auditing program performance to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. By developing comprehensive training modules, Garansi equips staff with the skills necessary to provide high-quality care to individuals with special needs. The Training Vice President, Quality Assurance monitors service outcomes to identify opportunities for process improvement. Darren Garansi collaborates with operational leaders to implement corrective actions and maintain excellence. This position requires a deep commitment to safety and the continuous enhancement of service delivery. By overseeing the quality assurance framework, the Training Vice President, Quality Assurance protects the reputation and integrity of the agency. Garansi ensures that every program participant receives consistent, reliable support. Ultimately, the Training Vice President, Quality Assurance drives the culture of excellence that defines the organization's impact.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Allies Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Allies?
    Allies is led by Yadar Mundi Haruna (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ari Tepper (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Michael Haggerty (Interim Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Allies’s executive team?
    The executive team of Allies includes leaders such as Yadar Mundi Haruna (Chief Executive Officer), Ari Tepper (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Haggerty (Interim Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Allies have?
    Allies has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Allies’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Allies includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.