Allies Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Allies has 11 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and quality assurance.

Dedicated to empowering individuals with special needs, Allies provides essential housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational services, fostering independence and community integration.

Leadership Roles at Allies

  • Chief Executive Officer - Yadar Mundi Haruna
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Krystal Odell
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer - Michael Haggerty
  • Chief Executive Officer & Founder - Steve Jackson
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Garrett Deiter
  • Chief Financial Officer - Leonard Nicolosi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Wendi Ford
  • President - Ted Nikolai
  • President - James Dike
  • Training Vice President, Quality Assurance - Darren Garansi
  • Yadar Mundi Haruna - Chief Executive Officer

    Yadar Mundi Haruna, the Chief Executive Officer at Allies, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the agency's mission to provide comprehensive support services, including housing, healthcare, employment, and recreation, to individuals with special needs. Haruna ensures that the agency's programs align with its core values and effectively serve the communities of their choice. The Chief Executive Officer oversees all departmental functions, fostering collaboration among teams to achieve organizational goals and enhance the quality of life for program participants. Yadar Mundi Haruna drives the strategic vision for growth and sustainability, ensuring Allies remains a leading provider of essential services in New Jersey.

    Krystal Odell - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Krystal Odell, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Allies, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the nonprofit agency. This executive position involves ensuring the delivery of critical services such as housing, healthcare, meaningful employment, and recreational opportunities to individuals with special needs. Odell focuses on fostering an environment of independence and choice within the communities served. The President & Chief Executive Officer works to enhance program efficacy and expand the agency's reach, collaborating with stakeholders to secure resources and support. Krystal Odell champions the organization's commitment to empowering its clients and advancing their well-being through dedicated service delivery.

    Michael Haggerty - Interim Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Haggerty, the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Allies, provides critical leadership during a transitional period, ensuring continuity in the agency's mission. This role focuses on maintaining the high standards of service delivery, including housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational support for individuals with special needs. Haggerty oversees the organization's operations, guiding staff and management to uphold the agency's commitment to community-based support. The Interim Chief Executive Officer works to stabilize and advance the agency's objectives, ensuring that clients continue to receive the essential services they depend on. Michael Haggerty's leadership ensures that Allies remains a steadfast resource for individuals seeking independence and choice.

    Steve Jackson - Chief Executive Officer & Founder

    Steve Jackson, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at Allies, established the organization with a vision to provide comprehensive support for individuals with special needs. This foundational role involves setting the strategic direction and instilling the core values of independence and community integration. Jackson oversees the agency's commitment to delivering essential services, including housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational opportunities. The Chief Executive Officer & Founder works to ensure that Allies consistently meets the evolving needs of its clients, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive. Steve Jackson's enduring leadership guides the organization's mission and its impact across New Jersey.

    Garrett Deiter - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Garrett Deiter, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Allies, initiated the organization's mission to serve individuals with special needs. This executive capacity involves shaping the strategic vision and ensuring the consistent delivery of vital services, encompassing housing, healthcare, employment, and recreation. Deiter focuses on empowering clients to live with independence and choice within their communities. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer guides the agency's operational framework, fostering a culture of support and dedication among staff. Garrett Deiter's foundational leadership continues to drive Allies' commitment to enhancing the lives of those it serves.

    Leonard Nicolosi - Chief Financial Officer

    Leonard Nicolosi, the Chief Financial Officer at Allies, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. This critical role involves overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and ensuring fiscal responsibility across all agency operations. Nicolosi directs the financial strategies that support the delivery of housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational services to individuals with special needs. The Chief Financial Officer works to secure funding and optimize financial performance, enabling Allies to expand its impact and maintain its commitment to client independence. Leonard Nicolosi's expertise ensures the sustainable operation of programs that empower individuals within their communities.

    Wendi Ford - Chief Operating Officer

    Wendi Ford, the Chief Operating Officer at Allies, directs the day-to-day operations and service delivery across the organization. This executive function ensures the efficient and effective provision of housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational opportunities for individuals with special needs. Ford oversees the implementation of programs designed to foster independence and community integration, managing departmental workflows and resource deployment. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other leaders to align operational strategies with the agency's mission, driving performance and service quality. Wendi Ford's leadership ensures that Allies consistently meets the needs of its clients with compassion and professionalism.
    Wendi Ford

    Ted Nikolai - President

    Ted Nikolai, the President at Allies, provides strategic leadership and oversight for the organization's core initiatives. This executive position focuses on guiding the agency's mission to deliver essential services, including housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational support, to individuals with special needs. Nikolai works to ensure that Allies fosters independence and choice within the communities it serves, driving operational excellence. The President collaborates with stakeholders to advance the agency's goals and enhance its capacity to meet client needs. Ted Nikolai's leadership contributes to the sustained growth and effectiveness of Allies' programs.

    James Dike - President

    James Dike, the President at Allies, directs the strategic vision and operational framework of the nonprofit agency. This leadership role is central to ensuring the consistent provision of vital services, such as housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational opportunities, for individuals with special needs. Dike focuses on empowering clients to achieve independence and live according to their choices within their communities. The President oversees the implementation of programs and initiatives that support the agency's mission. James Dike's commitment drives Allies' efforts to provide comprehensive and impactful support, enhancing the quality of life for all served.

    Darren Garansi - Training Vice President, Quality Assurance

    Darren Garansi, the Training Vice President, Quality Assurance at Allies, leads initiatives focused on enhancing service delivery and operational standards. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive training programs to ensure staff are equipped to support individuals with special needs effectively. Garansi oversees the quality assurance processes, guaranteeing that housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational services meet rigorous standards of excellence. The Training Vice President, Quality Assurance works to maintain compliance and promote best practices across the agency, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Darren Garansi's dedication to quality ensures that Allies provides reliable and high-impact support to its clients.

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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 Krystal Odell (President & 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), Krystal Odell (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Haggerty (Interim Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Allies have?
    Allies has 10 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Founder & Chief Executive Officer.