Children’s Aid Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Children’s Aid has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, finance, operations, human resources, medical services, and executive leadership.

Driven by a commitment to empowering youth, Children’s Aid provides comprehensive support to children and families in underserved New York City neighborhoods, enabling them to succeed and thrive.

Leadership Roles at Children’s Aid

  • Chief Financial Officer - Diane Coupland
  • Chief Operating Officer - Ann Takahashi
  • President - Diane Crawford
  • President - Ikram Ullah
  • Honorary President - R.L. Miller
  • Chief Information Officer - Barbara-Ann Fox
  • Chief of Staff - Moria Cappio
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Priscila Silva
  • Chief Medical Officer - Lisa Handwerker
  • Diane Coupland - Chief Financial Officer

    Diane Coupland, the Chief Financial Officer at Children’s Aid, manages the organization's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Responsible for all financial operations, Coupland ensures robust budgeting, accurate financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements. This executive function involves overseeing revenue streams, managing expenditures, and optimizing resource allocation to maximize the impact of services provided to children and families in New York City. By maintaining strong financial controls, Diane Coupland supports the sustainability and growth of Children's Aid's programs. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight is critical for securing funding and ensuring that financial resources are effectively deployed to achieve the mission of helping children in poverty succeed and thrive across all operational sites.

    Ann Takahashi - Chief Operating Officer

    Ann Takahashi, the Chief Operating Officer at Children’s Aid, oversees the day-to-day operational execution of the organization's extensive service delivery network. Managing the integration of services across community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics, and camps, Takahashi ensures seamless program delivery and operational efficiency. This critical role involves optimizing resource deployment and streamlining processes to maximize the impact of support for children and families in New York City's underserved neighborhoods. By driving operational excellence, Ann Takahashi directly contributes to the organization's ability to help children in poverty succeed. The Chief Operating Officer's focus is on enhancing the effectiveness and reach of all programs, ensuring that operational strategies align with the core mission.

    Diane Crawford - President

    Diane Crawford, the President at Children’s Aid, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization's mission. Guiding the overall vision and operational framework, Crawford ensures that Children's Aid effectively serves children and families in New York City's underserved neighborhoods. This leadership position involves fostering key partnerships, driving organizational growth, and championing initiatives that empower children in poverty to succeed. By overseeing strategic planning and execution, Diane Crawford plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's impact. The President's commitment is to ensuring that all programs and services are aligned with the core objective of enabling every child to thrive.

    Ikram Ullah - President

    Ikram Ullah, the President at Children’s Aid, spearheads strategic initiatives and operational oversight to advance the organization's core mission. Directing efforts to support children and families in New York City's underserved communities, Ullah focuses on enhancing program effectiveness and expanding reach. This leadership role involves cultivating stakeholder relationships, driving innovation in service delivery, and ensuring that resources are optimally utilized to help children in poverty succeed. By championing strategic development, Ikram Ullah contributes significantly to the organization's capacity to foster positive outcomes. The President's focus remains on strengthening the foundation for children's success and well-being across all operational facets.

    R.L. Miller - Honorary President

    R.L. Miller, the Honorary President at Children’s Aid, provides distinguished guidance and advocacy for the organization's enduring mission. Offering counsel and support from a position of esteemed experience, Miller contributes to the strategic vision that empowers children and families in New York City. This role involves lending credibility and historical perspective to initiatives aimed at helping children in poverty succeed and thrive. By advocating for the organization's work, R.L. Miller helps to amplify its impact and secure continued support for its vital services. The Honorary President's involvement reinforces the long-standing commitment to child welfare and community development.

    Barbara-Ann Fox - Chief Information Officer

    Barbara-Ann Fox, the Chief Information Officer at Children’s Aid, directs the organization's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Fox ensures the secure and efficient deployment of systems that support Children's Aid's mission to help children in poverty succeed. This leadership role involves managing data integrity, cybersecurity protocols, and the technological resources necessary for community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics, and camps. By optimizing digital platforms, Barbara-Ann Fox enhances service delivery and operational effectiveness across all program areas. The Chief Information Officer's focus remains on leveraging technology to expand reach and impact within New York City's underserved communities, driving innovation in service provision and data management.
    Barbara-Ann Fox

    Moria Cappio - Chief of Staff

    Moria Cappio, the Chief of Staff at Children’s Aid, provides strategic support and operational coordination across executive leadership functions. Managing key initiatives and ensuring alignment between departmental goals and the overarching mission, Cappio facilitates effective decision-making and execution. This role involves driving special projects, enhancing internal communications, and optimizing the workflow between the executive team and program staff. By streamlining operations and fostering collaboration, Moria Cappio strengthens the organization's capacity to serve children and families in New York City. The Chief of Staff's influence extends to ensuring that all strategic priorities are effectively translated into actionable plans that support the success of children in poverty.

    Priscila Silva - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Priscila Silva, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Children’s Aid, leads all aspects of human capital management and organizational development. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, Silva ensures that Children's Aid attracts and retains the skilled professionals necessary to deliver its mission. This executive function is vital for fostering a supportive and effective work environment across all service locations in New York City. By developing robust HR strategies, Priscila Silva cultivates a culture that empowers staff to best serve children and families in underserved communities. The Chief Human Resources Officer's dedication to employee well-being and professional growth directly supports the organization's commitment to helping children succeed.

    Lisa Handwerker - Chief Medical Officer

    Lisa Handwerker, the Chief Medical Officer at Children’s Aid, directs the organization's health services and medical programming. Overseeing the integration of healthcare within community schools and neighborhood centers, Handwerker ensures comprehensive well-being support for children and families. This critical role involves setting medical standards, managing health clinic operations, and driving initiatives that address the unique health needs of children in New York City's underserved areas. By championing accessible and high-quality healthcare, Lisa Handwerker significantly contributes to the organization's mission of helping children thrive. The Chief Medical Officer's leadership ensures that health is a foundational element in the success and development of every child served.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Children’s Aid Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Children’s Aid?
    Children’s Aid is led by Diane Coupland (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ann Takahashi (Chief Operating Officer) and Diane Crawford (President).
    Who is part of Children’s Aid’s executive team?
    The executive team of Children’s Aid includes leaders such as Diane Coupland (Chief Financial Officer), Ann Takahashi (Chief Operating Officer), Diane Crawford (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Children’s Aid have?
    Children’s Aid has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Children’s Aid’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Children’s Aid includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Honorary President.