Goddard Riverside Community Center Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Klidas, the Chief Financial Officer at Goddard Riverside Community Center, manages the organization's comprehensive financial strategy and oversight. Klidas directs all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation across all programs, from early childhood education to homelessness services. This executive function is vital for ensuring the financial health and sustainability of an organization serving approximately 22,000 New Yorkers annually. Michael Klidas ensures compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements, maintaining transparency and accountability. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key role in securing funding through grants, donations, and other revenue streams, directly supporting the mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities. By providing sound financial guidance, Klidas enables Goddard Riverside to effectively pursue its goals of fostering a just society and enhancing lives.

Andrea Cain, the Chief Operating Officer at Goddard Riverside Community Center, directs the execution of all operational functions across the organization's diverse program areas. Cain oversees the day-to-day management of services including early childhood education, older adult centers, and initiatives targeting homelessness and behavioral health. This critical role ensures the efficient and effective delivery of programs that empower children, youth, and adults, supporting self-sufficiency and community strengthening. Andrea Cain's operational leadership is central to serving approximately 22,000 New Yorkers annually, ensuring resources are optimally allocated to meet community needs. The Chief Operating Officer also manages interdepartmental collaboration, driving synergy between program delivery, advocacy, and community organizing efforts. By optimizing operational workflows and implementing best practices, Cain enhances the overall impact and sustainability of Goddard Riverside's mission.

Roderick Jones, the President at Goddard Riverside Community Center, directs the organization's overarching strategic vision and operational framework. Jones guides the executive team in executing programs designed to foster a fair and just society, enabling individuals to make choices that enhance their lives and those of their families. This leadership role involves overseeing the organization's extensive service portfolio, which includes early childhood education, older adult centers, and critical initiatives addressing homelessness and behavioral health. Roderick Jones ensures alignment with the mission to empower children and youth, support self-sufficiency, and strengthen families and communities across New York City. The President's responsibilities extend to championing advocacy efforts and community organizing, alongside fostering arts and cultural engagement. By driving strategic partnerships and resource development, Jones secures the long-term sustainability and impact of Goddard Riverside's vital work.

Betsy Newell, the President at Goddard Riverside Community Center, spearheads initiatives focused on community engagement and program development. Newell drives the expansion of services aimed at empowering individuals and families, ensuring that programs effectively address critical needs such as combating homelessness and promoting behavioral health. This leadership position involves collaborating with community stakeholders and internal teams to enhance the reach and impact of early childhood education and older adult centers. Betsy Newell's strategic direction supports the organization's core mission of fostering a just society and enabling life-enhancing choices for New Yorkers. By championing innovative program models and advocating for community needs, Newell strengthens families and communities. The President's role also encompasses fostering a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to evolving societal challenges, ensuring Goddard Riverside remains a cornerstone of support.

Merrill Dobson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Goddard Riverside Community Center, leads all human capital management and organizational development initiatives. Dobson oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and professional development programs for the staff dedicated to serving New Yorkers. This role is fundamental to supporting the organization's mission of fostering a fair and just society by ensuring a skilled, motivated, and engaged workforce. Merrill Dobson drives strategies that promote a positive and inclusive work environment, crucial for delivering high-quality services in areas like early childhood education, older adult support, and behavioral health. The Chief Human Resources Officer also ensures compliance with labor laws and develops policies that align with Goddard Riverside's commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. By cultivating talent and fostering a supportive culture, Dobson directly contributes to the organization's operational effectiveness and long-term success.