Youth Advocate Programs Executive and Leadership Team

Gary Ivory, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Youth Advocate Programs, directs the national strategic vision for community-based support services. Overseeing the expansion of programs for children involved in the juvenile justice system, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment with the core mission of providing alternatives to institutionalization. This leadership role involves managing relationships with state and local government partners to secure funding and operational support. By driving initiatives that address behavioral health needs and educational challenges, Ivory maintains the organization's reputation as a leader in social services. The Chief Executive Officer & President coordinates with the Board to refine long-term goals, ensuring that every program remains responsive to the evolving needs of young adults. Gary Ivory consistently prioritizes the development of scalable models that improve outcomes for families across the United States, ultimately strengthening the national impact of the organization.

Celine Taslim, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, architects the foundational philosophy guiding all community-based interventions. Overseeing the integration of developmental disability support into the broader service framework, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every program remains true to the original vision of individualized care. This leadership role involves setting the cultural tone for the organization and fostering innovation in child welfare service delivery. By analyzing national trends in juvenile justice, Taslim identifies new opportunities for growth and service enhancement. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer collaborates with executive leadership to maintain operational excellence while navigating complex regulatory environments. Celine Taslim drives the organization toward sustainable growth, ensuring that the mission of supporting children with behavioral health needs remains the primary focus of all national operations, thereby securing the future of the organization.

Dana Newman, the Dep. Ceo at Youth Advocate Programs, supports the executive team in the implementation of national program initiatives. Overseeing the coordination between departments, the Dep. Ceo ensures that the organization effectively addresses the needs of children involved in the child welfare system. This leadership role involves streamlining communication across the organization to facilitate the rapid deployment of new behavioral health and educational support services. By assisting the Chief Executive Officer in high-level planning, Newman helps translate strategic goals into actionable tasks for regional teams. The Dep. Ceo monitors the progress of key projects, ensuring that all programs remain aligned with the mission of providing community-based alternatives. Dana Newman drives cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that the organization maintains its focus on delivering high-quality care to young adults, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the national service delivery model.

Rick Stottlemyer, the Chief Financial Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, directs the fiscal strategy and financial health of the organization. Overseeing the allocation of resources for juvenile justice and child welfare programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar supports the mission of providing community-based services. This leadership role involves managing complex budgets, securing grant funding, and maintaining compliance with federal and state financial regulations. By analyzing revenue streams and operational costs, Stottlemyer provides the data necessary for strategic decision-making at the executive level. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to ensure long-term financial sustainability while supporting the expansion of behavioral health initiatives. Rick Stottlemyer drives fiscal transparency and accountability, ensuring that the organization remains a stable and effective provider of services for children and young adults with diverse needs across the entire national network.

Brandon Rogers, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, manages the immediate financial operations and reporting requirements of the organization. Overseeing the day-to-day accounting functions, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that all programs, including those for developmental disabilities and juvenile justice, receive the necessary funding to operate effectively. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous internal controls and preparing financial statements for executive review. By monitoring cash flow and expenditure patterns, Rogers provides critical insights that support the stability of the organization during this transition. The Interim Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the finance team to ensure that all grant-funded programs remain compliant with donor requirements. Brandon Rogers drives financial accuracy and efficiency, ensuring that the organization continues to provide essential services to children and families without interruption, maintaining the fiscal integrity of the entire national operation.

Michael Lavner, the Chief Operating Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, manages the daily execution of community-based programs across all regional offices. Overseeing the logistical requirements for juvenile justice and child welfare initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that service delivery meets rigorous quality standards. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to improve efficiency in the management of developmental disability programs. By coordinating with regional directors, Lavner maintains consistent service quality throughout the national footprint. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to ensure that educational and school-based challenges receive adequate resources. Michael Lavner drives operational improvements that allow the organization to scale effectively, ensuring that every child receives timely and effective support. Through meticulous oversight of field operations, Lavner guarantees that the organization remains a reliable partner for families and government agencies seeking high-quality, community-based solutions.

Naomi Frazier, the Chief People Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, directs the human capital strategy and talent management initiatives. Overseeing the recruitment and retention of staff dedicated to juvenile justice and child welfare, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization maintains a workforce capable of delivering high-quality community-based services. This leadership role involves developing training programs that address the specific needs of children with behavioral health challenges and developmental disabilities. By fostering a culture of professional development, Frazier ensures that all employees remain equipped to handle the complexities of their roles. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other executives to align workforce planning with the long-term growth objectives of the organization. Naomi Frazier drives initiatives that promote employee engagement and well-being, ensuring that the organization attracts and retains the talent necessary to support its mission of providing compassionate care to young adults nationwide.