Goddard Riverside Community Center Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Goddard Riverside Community Center has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, human resources, and organizational leadership.

Committed to fostering a fair and just society, Goddard Riverside Community Center empowers individuals through comprehensive social services, behavioral health support, and community advocacy initiatives across New York.

Leadership Roles at Goddard Riverside Community Center

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Klidas
  • Chief Operating Officer - Andrea Cain
  • President - Roderick Jones
  • President - Betsy Newell
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Merrill Dobson
  • Michael Klidas - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Klidas, the Chief Financial Officer at Goddard Riverside Community Center, manages the fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing budget allocations for Early Childhood Education and homelessness prevention programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term sustainability. Klidas directs financial reporting and audit compliance to maintain transparency for donors and stakeholders. By optimizing resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of behavioral health services across the metropolitan region. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to align funding with the core mission of supporting self-sufficiency. Michael Klidas monitors economic trends to mitigate risks while maximizing the impact of charitable contributions. Through rigorous oversight of internal controls, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for the organization to serve 22,000 New Yorkers annually. Klidas maintains fiscal integrity while driving growth in community-based programming.

    Andrea Cain - Chief Operating Officer

    Andrea Cain, the Chief Operating Officer at Goddard Riverside Community Center, directs the daily execution of social service programs. Overseeing the operational logistics for Older Adult Centers and youth initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures high-quality service delivery. Cain architects efficient workflows to streamline the intake process for individuals seeking housing assistance. By coordinating cross-departmental efforts, the Chief Operating Officer aligns staff activities with the broader organizational goal of strengthening families. Andrea Cain monitors performance metrics to improve the efficacy of community organizing and arts events. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of service capacity to meet the needs of the diverse population served. Cain implements scalable solutions to enhance operational agility across all program sites. Through strategic management of facility resources, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates a safe and welcoming environment for all participants, ensuring that every program operates at peak performance levels.

    Roderick Jones - President

    Roderick Jones, the President at Goddard Riverside Community Center, defines the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing external relations and advocacy efforts, the President champions the mission of fostering a fair and just society. Jones directs high-level partnerships with government agencies and private donors to secure support for homelessness and behavioral health initiatives. By articulating the organizational impact, the President influences public policy and community discourse. Roderick Jones leads the executive team in identifying new opportunities for growth and service innovation. This leadership role involves representing the organization at major cultural events and public forums to raise awareness. Jones ensures that all programs remain aligned with the core values of empowerment and self-sufficiency. Through visionary guidance, the President drives the long-term success of the organization, ensuring that the needs of 22,000 annual participants remain the primary focus of every strategic decision made by the leadership team.
    Roderick Jones

    Betsy Newell - President

    Betsy Newell, the President at Goddard Riverside Community Center, focuses on the internal governance and structural integrity of the organization. Overseeing the implementation of board-approved policies, the President ensures that all departments adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Newell directs the integration of arts and cultural programming into the broader social service framework. By facilitating communication between the Board and the operational staff, the President maintains organizational cohesion. Betsy Newell monitors the effectiveness of community organizing efforts to ensure that the voices of the people served remain central to the mission. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships to sustain the organization's reputation as a pillar of the community. Newell evaluates program outcomes to drive continuous improvement in service delivery. Through dedicated oversight of organizational health, the President secures the stability required to support families and individuals across the region, reinforcing the commitment to a just society.

    Merrill Dobson - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Merrill Dobson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Goddard Riverside Community Center, manages the talent strategy for the entire workforce. Overseeing recruitment, professional development, and employee relations, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds a culture centered on social justice and service excellence. Dobson architects comprehensive training programs to equip staff with the skills necessary for supporting behavioral health and youth development. By fostering an inclusive workplace, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the team reflects the diversity of the communities served. Merrill Dobson directs compensation and benefits administration to attract and retain top-tier talent in the competitive non-profit sector. This leadership role involves partnering with department heads to address staffing needs and improve organizational morale. Dobson implements performance management systems that drive accountability and professional growth. Through proactive talent management, the Chief Human Resources Officer sustains the human capital required to deliver impactful services to thousands of New Yorkers.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Goddard Riverside Community Center Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Goddard Riverside Community Center?
    Goddard Riverside Community Center is led by Michael Klidas (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Andrea Cain (Chief Operating Officer) and Roderick Jones (President).
    Who is part of Goddard Riverside Community Center’s executive team?
    The executive team of Goddard Riverside Community Center includes leaders such as Michael Klidas (Chief Financial Officer), Andrea Cain (Chief Operating Officer), Roderick Jones (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Goddard Riverside Community Center have?
    Goddard Riverside Community Center has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Goddard Riverside Community Center’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Goddard Riverside Community Center includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Chief Human Resources Officer.