The Door Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Door has 8 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, operational oversight, board governance, and executive leadership.

Committed to empowering disconnected youth through comprehensive, integrated support services, The Door fosters success in education, career development, and personal well-being across the New York City metropolitan area.

Leadership Roles at The Door

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kelsey Louise
  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Charles Dougiello
  • Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer - Lois O'Neill
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Anthony Cullotta
  • Board President (Volunteer) - Yolanda Childs
  • President & Owner - Susan Cotterman
  • President & Owner - Sonny Hall
  • President - Tara Melega
  • Kelsey Louise - Chief Executive Officer

    Kelsey Louise, the Chief Executive Officer at The Door, directs the overarching strategic vision for youth development programs. Overseeing the integration of health, education, and legal services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all 11,000 annual members receive cohesive, wraparound support. This leadership role involves managing the $30 million operating budget while maintaining the organization's reputation as a premier nonprofit in New York City. By fostering collaborations among the 300 staff members, Louise optimizes service delivery across the SoHo headquarters and the Bronx satellite location. The Chief Executive Officer also engages with external stakeholders to secure funding and expand the reach of these critical resources. Through rigorous oversight of program outcomes, Kelsey Louise guarantees that the organization remains nimble and responsive to the evolving needs of the youth population, ultimately driving long-term success for every individual served.
    Kelsey Louise

    Charles Dougiello - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Charles Dougiello, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at The Door, architects the foundational mission and long-term growth strategy for the organization. Focusing on the expansion of career development and supportive housing initiatives, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer aligns internal resources with the complex requirements of disconnected youth. This role involves high-level coordination with the Board to ensure financial sustainability and operational excellence across all service departments. By championing the integrated service model, Dougiello strengthens the bonds of support that define the organization's impact. The Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer also monitors regional market trends to identify new opportunities for scaling operations beyond the current Manhattan and Bronx footprint. Through consistent advocacy and strategic planning, Charles Dougiello secures the necessary infrastructure to support the 50-year legacy of the organization, ensuring that every young person gains the tools required for professional and personal advancement.

    Lois O'Neill - Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Lois O'Neill, the Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer at The Door, manages the internal operational framework and the delivery of educational services, including the Broome Street Academy. Overseeing the daily functions of the charter high school, the Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer ensures that the 300 students receive high-quality instruction within a safe, caring environment. This leadership role requires constant synchronization with the health and nutrition departments to provide truly holistic care. By refining the internal processes that support the 11,000 annual members, O'Neill drives efficiency and service quality across the entire organization. The Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer also mentors department heads to maintain a culture of innovation and empathy. Through meticulous attention to educational outcomes and student retention, Lois O'Neill directly impacts the success of the youth, solidifying the organization's position as a leader in comprehensive youth services.

    Anthony Cullotta - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Anthony Cullotta, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at The Door, executes the fiscal and administrative policies that sustain the organization's diverse service portfolio. Focusing on the optimization of legal services and recreational programming, the Principal Chief Executive Officer ensures that all departments operate within the established $30 million budget. This role involves streamlining the administrative workflows that connect the SoHo headquarters with satellite operations, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the staff. By analyzing performance metrics, Cullotta identifies areas for improvement in service delivery and resource allocation. The Principal Chief Executive Officer also coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that the organization's mission remains central to every operational decision. Through disciplined management of organizational assets and a focus on scalable solutions, Anthony Cullotta supports the continued growth and stability of the nonprofit, ensuring that the youth of New York City receive consistent, high-quality care.

    Yolanda Childs - Board President (Volunteer)

    Yolanda Childs, the Board President (Volunteer) at The Door, governs the strategic direction and fiduciary responsibilities of the organization. Overseeing the board's engagement with the executive team, the Board President (Volunteer) ensures that all programs align with the core mission of supporting disconnected youth. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level discussions regarding the organization's 50-year milestone and future expansion plans. By providing objective oversight and guidance, Childs strengthens the governance structure that supports the 300 employees and the diverse range of services provided. The Board President (Volunteer) also represents the organization to external partners and donors, advocating for the continued investment in the integrated service model. Through dedicated service and strategic vision, Yolanda Childs maintains the integrity and impact of the organization, ensuring that the leadership team remains focused on the long-term success of the young people served across New York City.

    Susan Cotterman - President & Owner

    Susan Cotterman, the President & Owner at The Door, directs the strategic partnerships and external relations that bolster the organization's national and international reputation. Focusing on the development of corporate and community alliances, the President & Owner ensures that the organization maintains a robust network of support for its various programs. This leadership role involves identifying new avenues for funding and advocacy that directly benefit the 11,000 young people served annually. By leveraging the organization's status as an innovative nonprofit, Cotterman expands the reach of the integrated service model to broader audiences. The President & Owner also collaborates with the executive team to refine the messaging and public presence of the organization. Through proactive engagement and relationship management, Susan Cotterman secures the resources and visibility necessary to sustain the organization's mission, ensuring that the youth of New York City continue to receive comprehensive, life-changing support.

    Sonny Hall - President & Owner

    Sonny Hall, the President & Owner at The Door, oversees the infrastructure and facility management that enable the delivery of comprehensive services under one roof. Focusing on the physical and digital environments where youth interact with staff, the President & Owner ensures that the SoHo headquarters and the Bronx satellite remain safe, accessible, and efficient. This leadership role involves managing the logistical complexities of providing diverse services, from nutrition to recreation, in a unified space. By optimizing the use of physical assets, Hall supports the collaborative efforts of the 300 employees. The President & Owner also evaluates the technological needs of the organization to improve data tracking and service coordination. Through careful planning and resource management, Sonny Hall creates the stable foundation required for the organization to meet the evolving needs of its members, ensuring that every young person finds a welcoming and effective environment.

    Tara Melega - President

    Tara Melega, the President at The Door, leads the implementation of specialized youth programs and the integration of health and wellness services. Focusing on the Adolescent Health department, the President ensures that medical and mental health support remains confidential, accessible, and high-quality for all members. This leadership role involves coordinating with the education and career development teams to provide a truly holistic experience for the 11,000 young people served each year. By fostering a culture of care and empowerment, Melega drives the success of the organization's wraparound service model. The President also monitors the effectiveness of health initiatives and adjusts programming to address emerging trends in youth well-being. Through dedicated oversight and a commitment to the organization's mission, Tara Melega ensures that every young person receives the necessary tools to thrive in school, work, and life, reinforcing the organization's status as a vital resource in New York City.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Door Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Door?
    The Door is led by Kelsey Louise (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Charles Dougiello (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Lois O'Neill (Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of The Door’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Door includes leaders such as Kelsey Louise (Chief Executive Officer), Charles Dougiello (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Lois O'Neill (Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Door have?
    The Door has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Door’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Door includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer, Principal Chief Executive Officer, Board President (Volunteer).