Educational Alliance Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Educational Alliance has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, administration, and community engagement.

Driven by a commitment to community empowerment, Educational Alliance provides essential educational, social, and cultural services, fostering well-being and socio-economic advancement across New York City.

Leadership Roles at Educational Alliance

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Richard Baum
  • Chief Financial Officer - Tailin Brecher
  • President - Irma Gordon
  • Founder & President - Desarie Nicholas
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Mark Enselman
  • Richard Baum - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Richard Baum, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Educational Alliance, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Baum guides the non-profit's mission to serve a diverse community in Lower Manhattan, enhancing well-being and socio-economic opportunities through high-quality programs. This leadership role involves overseeing all departments, ensuring alignment with the founding principles established in 1889. Baum's strategic vision drives the expansion and refinement of services, which currently encompass early childhood education, addiction recovery, arts education, and support for older adults. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and community partners, Richard Baum ensures Educational Alliance remains a vital resource for individual and family empowerment, cultivating a vibrant environment where all residents can thrive and achieve their full potential.

    Tailin Brecher - Chief Financial Officer

    Tailin Brecher, the Chief Financial Officer at Educational Alliance, manages the organization's fiscal health and financial planning. Brecher oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust resource allocation for programs serving New York City communities. This critical function supports the delivery of early childhood education, addiction recovery services, arts education, and senior support initiatives. Brecher's expertise is vital in maintaining financial stability and transparency, enabling Educational Alliance to effectively pursue its mission of empowering individuals and families. By optimizing financial strategies, Tailin Brecher directly contributes to the organization's capacity to foster a vibrant community and enhance socio-economic opportunities for all residents.

    Irma Gordon - President

    Irma Gordon, the President at Educational Alliance, provides strategic leadership and guidance to the organization's extensive community outreach and program development. Gordon focuses on advancing the mission of empowering individuals and families in Lower Manhattan through comprehensive educational, social, and cultural services. This leadership position involves fostering key relationships with community stakeholders and ensuring the continued relevance and impact of programs such as early childhood education, addiction recovery, arts education, and senior support. Gordon's dedication to enhancing well-being and socio-economic opportunities drives the organization's commitment to serving a diverse population. Through strategic oversight, Irma Gordon ensures Educational Alliance cultivates a vibrant community where all members can thrive.

    Desarie Nicholas - Founder & President

    Desarie Nicholas, the Founder & President at Educational Alliance, embodies the organization's enduring commitment to community service and empowerment, originating from its founding in 1889. Nicholas provides foundational leadership, guiding the strategic direction and upholding the core values that have defined Educational Alliance for over a century. This role emphasizes the continuous enhancement of educational, social, and cultural services for diverse communities in Lower Manhattan. Nicholas's vision ensures the sustained delivery of high-quality programs, including early childhood education, addiction recovery, arts education, and support for older adults. By championing the mission to foster well-being and socio-economic opportunities, Desarie Nicholas ensures Educational Alliance remains a cornerstone for individual and family advancement, cultivating a thriving community.

    Mark Enselman - Chief Administrative Officer

    Mark Enselman, the Chief Administrative Officer at Educational Alliance, directs the operational infrastructure and administrative functions supporting the organization's extensive service delivery. Enselman manages human resources, IT, facilities, and general operations, ensuring seamless execution of programs across Lower Manhattan. This role is fundamental to providing high-quality services, including early childhood education, addiction recovery, arts education, and support for older adults. Enselman's focus on efficiency and organizational effectiveness empowers staff and volunteers to concentrate on community engagement and program impact. By streamlining administrative processes, Mark Enselman ensures Educational Alliance can effectively allocate resources towards its core mission of enhancing well-being and socio-economic opportunities for individuals and families.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Educational Alliance Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Educational Alliance?
    Educational Alliance is led by Richard Baum (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tailin Brecher (Chief Financial Officer) and Irma Gordon (President).
    Who is part of Educational Alliance’s executive team?
    The executive team of Educational Alliance includes leaders such as Richard Baum (President & Chief Executive Officer), Tailin Brecher (Chief Financial Officer), Irma Gordon (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Educational Alliance have?
    Educational Alliance has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Educational Alliance’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Educational Alliance includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Founder & President, Chief Administrative Officer.