Youth Advocate Programs Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Youth Advocate Programs has 7 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, operational oversight, financial management, and human capital development.

Committed to community-based support for vulnerable youth, Youth Advocate Programs delivers essential services for individuals navigating juvenile justice, child welfare, and behavioral health systems across the nation.

Leadership Roles at Youth Advocate Programs

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Celine Taslim
  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Gary Ivory
  • Dep. Ceo - Dana Newman
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brian Morgan
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Brandon Rogers
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Lavner
  • Chief People Officer - Naomi Frazier
  • Celine Taslim - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Celine Taslim, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, directs the overarching vision for community-based support systems. Taslim architects the foundational mission to provide alternatives to institutionalization for children and young adults involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. By establishing long-term strategic goals, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains a focus on individualized care for those with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. Celine Taslim monitors the efficacy of national programs, ensuring alignment with the core objective of keeping youth within their home communities. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to expand the reach of advocacy initiatives. Through rigorous oversight of program standards, Taslim secures the integrity of the organizational model. Ultimately, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of services to address complex educational and school challenges nationwide.

    Gary Ivory - Chief Executive Officer & President

    Gary Ivory, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Youth Advocate Programs, manages the daily execution of national initiatives and organizational growth. Ivory oversees the implementation of community-based programs designed to support youth navigating the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. As the Chief Executive Officer & President, Ivory coordinates with regional leadership to ensure consistent service delivery for individuals with behavioral health needs and developmental disabilities. This role requires balancing operational demands with the mission to provide effective, non-institutional alternatives for young adults. Gary Ivory drives the development of partnerships that enhance the capacity of the organization to address school challenges and educational barriers. By optimizing internal processes, the Chief Executive Officer & President maintains high standards of care across all operational territories. Through strategic decision-making, Ivory ensures the long-term sustainability of the organization while fostering an environment dedicated to positive youth outcomes.
    Gary Ivory

    Dana Newman - Dep. Ceo

    Dana Newman, the Dep. Ceo at Youth Advocate Programs, directs specialized initiatives and supports the executive leadership in executing the organizational mission. Newman architects programs that target specific needs within the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, focusing on high-impact interventions for youth with behavioral health requirements. As the Dep. Ceo, Newman monitors the progress of strategic projects designed to mitigate educational and school challenges for young adults. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between departments to ensure that community-based services remain effective and accessible. Dana Newman drives the implementation of quality assurance protocols to maintain the standard of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. By analyzing program outcomes, the Dep. Ceo identifies opportunities for improvement and innovation. Through consistent engagement with regional teams, Newman ensures that the organizational philosophy remains central to all daily activities, ultimately supporting the growth and stability of the national non-profit.

    Brian Morgan - Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Morgan, the Chief Financial Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire organization. Morgan architects financial strategies that support the delivery of community-based services for youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. As the Chief Financial Officer, Morgan oversees the allocation of funds to programs addressing developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and educational challenges. This role involves rigorous monitoring of revenue streams and expenditure to ensure the long-term viability of the mission. Brian Morgan coordinates with the executive team to align financial resources with strategic growth objectives. By implementing robust accounting controls and reporting mechanisms, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and accountability across all national operations. Through careful financial stewardship, Morgan secures the necessary capital to expand the reach of advocacy programs, ensuring that the organization continues to provide vital support to vulnerable young adults.

    Brandon Rogers - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Brandon Rogers, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, manages the immediate financial operations and reporting requirements of the organization. Rogers architects short-term fiscal strategies to maintain the continuity of community-based services for youth involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. As the Interim Chief Financial Officer, Rogers oversees the management of grants and funding sources dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. This role involves maintaining strict compliance with financial regulations while ensuring that resources are available for educational and school challenge programs. Brandon Rogers coordinates with the finance department to provide accurate data for executive decision-making. By stabilizing financial processes during this transition, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization continues to function without disruption. Through diligent oversight of cash flow and budgetary adherence, Rogers supports the ongoing mission to provide essential advocacy and care services.

    Michael Lavner - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Lavner, the Chief Operating Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, directs the logistical framework and operational infrastructure supporting community-based services. Lavner architects scalable systems to manage the delivery of programs for youth involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Overseeing the day-to-day functionality of regional offices, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources reach children and young adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs efficiently. Michael Lavner monitors performance metrics to guarantee that service quality remains consistent across all national operations. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative workflows to support frontline staff in addressing educational and school challenges. By coordinating cross-departmental efforts, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes the deployment of personnel and funding. Through meticulous attention to operational detail, Lavner maintains the stability of the organization, ensuring that every program remains responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served.
    Michael Lavner

    Naomi Frazier - Chief People Officer

    Naomi Frazier, the Chief People Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, directs the human capital strategy and talent management initiatives for the organization. Frazier architects recruitment and retention programs to ensure that staff members are equipped to support youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. As the Chief People Officer, Frazier oversees professional development and training for employees working with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive culture that aligns with the mission of providing community-based advocacy. Naomi Frazier monitors workforce engagement and performance to ensure that the organization attracts and retains top talent dedicated to addressing educational and school challenges. By implementing effective HR policies, the Chief People Officer supports the operational scale of the organization across all regions. Through strategic talent management, Frazier ensures that the workforce remains committed to the core values and long-term goals of the organization.
    Naomi Frazier

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Youth Advocate Programs Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Youth Advocate Programs?
    Youth Advocate Programs is led by Celine Taslim (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gary Ivory (Chief Executive Officer & President) and Dana Newman (Dep. Ceo).
    Who is part of Youth Advocate Programs’s executive team?
    The executive team of Youth Advocate Programs includes leaders such as Celine Taslim (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Gary Ivory (Chief Executive Officer & President), Dana Newman (Dep. Ceo) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Youth Advocate Programs have?
    Youth Advocate Programs has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Youth Advocate Programs’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Youth Advocate Programs includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & President, Dep. Ceo, Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer.