Educational Alliance Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Patricia Kusimo
  • Chief Financial Officer - Tailin Brecher
  • President - Irma Gordon
  • Founder & President - Desarie Nicholas
  • 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 diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs that enhance well-being and socio-economic opportunities. This leadership role involves overseeing all facets of the organization, from early childhood education and addiction recovery services to arts education and support for older adults. Baum's strategic vision focuses on empowering individuals and families, fostering a vibrant community where everyone can thrive. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the organization's founding principles while adapting to contemporary community needs. Richard Baum's executive oversight guarantees the sustained impact and growth of Educational Alliance's vital services across New York City.

    Patricia Kusimo - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Patricia Kusimo, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Educational Alliance, drives the strategic direction and comprehensive management of the organization. Kusimo champions the mission of providing essential educational, social, and cultural services to a diverse community in Lower Manhattan. This executive leadership ensures the effective implementation of programs designed to enhance well-being and create socio-economic opportunities for residents. Kusimo's responsibilities encompass the full spectrum of services, including early childhood education, addiction recovery initiatives, arts education, and dedicated support for older adults. The President & Chief Executive Officer focuses on empowering individuals and families, cultivating a dynamic community environment conducive to growth and prosperity. Patricia Kusimo's leadership ensures Educational Alliance continues its legacy of impactful community support and development.

    Tailin Brecher - Chief Financial Officer

    Tailin Brecher, the Chief Financial Officer at Educational Alliance, manages the organization's fiscal health and financial strategy. Brecher oversees all financial operations, ensuring robust resource allocation to support the diverse programs offered across Lower Manhattan. This critical role involves meticulous budget management, financial planning, and reporting to maintain the sustainability of services like early childhood education, addiction recovery, arts education, and senior support. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with all financial regulations and optimizes financial performance to maximize community impact. Brecher's expertise is vital in securing funding and managing investments that empower individuals and families, fostering a thriving community. Tailin Brecher's financial acumen underpins Educational Alliance's capacity to deliver essential services and achieve its mission.

    Irma Gordon - President

    Irma Gordon, the President at Educational Alliance, directs key initiatives focused on enhancing community well-being and socio-economic opportunities. Gordon leads the strategic development and implementation of programs serving diverse populations in Lower Manhattan, ensuring high-quality delivery across educational, social, and cultural services. This leadership position involves overseeing specific operational areas that contribute to the organization's mission of empowering individuals and families. The President works to foster a vibrant community environment where residents can achieve their full potential. Gordon's focus is on the tangible outcomes of services such as early childhood education, addiction recovery, arts education, and support for older adults. Irma Gordon's executive role is central to Educational Alliance's ongoing commitment to community advancement and sustained impact.

    Desarie Nicholas - Founder & President

    Desarie Nicholas, the Founder & President at Educational Alliance, established the organization's foundational mission to serve Jewish immigrants and continues to guide its strategic evolution. Nicholas oversees the core principles that drive the provision of educational, social, and cultural services to a diverse community in Lower Manhattan. This leadership role ensures the organization remains dedicated to enhancing well-being and socio-economic opportunities for all residents. The Founder & President champions initiatives in early childhood education, addiction recovery, arts education, and support for older adults, fostering an environment where individuals and families can thrive. Desarie Nicholas's enduring vision and executive guidance are integral to Educational Alliance's legacy and its ongoing commitment to community empowerment and development.

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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 Patricia Kusimo (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Tailin Brecher (Chief Financial Officer).
    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), Patricia Kusimo (President & Chief Executive Officer), Tailin Brecher (Chief Financial Officer) 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Founder & President.