Meet our Board of Directors

Ginny O'Brien

President

When it comes to dedication to community, few rise to Ginny’s level of involvement. She was a member of the East Greenbush Town Board, minority leader of the Rensselaer County Legislature, is a member of St. Michael’s Church Social Justice Committee and Parish Council, and is a Trustee of Catholic Charities. These opportunities have expanded Ginny’s network and made her a successful realtor with Coldwell Banker.

Patricia Cannistraci

Vice President

Physical health and well-being are low on the priority list for people experiencing homelessness. Patti’s desire to serve the whole person, including health and well-being, is central to who she is and what she brings as a board member. Patti provides visionary and innovative leadership to her position as Dean for Samaritan Hospital’s School of Nursing and she eagerly shares those leadership qualities with the Center.

Carrie Nyc-Chevrier

Treasurer

As the Director of Business and Finance for Niskayuna Central School District, Carrie has over five years of experience developing fiscally responsible budgets, without reducing the integrity of programs. Carrie feels strongly that issues of food insecurity and housing instability must be addressed so that children can focus in school and make the most of education opportunities.

Nicole Kirk

Secretary

Nicole is a special education teacher with the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District with priceless experience working with youth. “As a former St. Paul’s Center volunteer, I have seen the positive impact the Center has on women and children. As Secretary, I bring that experience and the perspective of an educator with special education, family involvement and cultural competence experience to the Board.”

Patricia Birch

Director

Trish is a faculty member of Hudson Valley Community College and an experienced social worker. She is fully aware of how best practice models impact an agency’s effectiveness – in particular when it comes to homelessness, generational poverty, and addressing the effect the trauma of homelessness has on children. Trish’s knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm shine brightly.

Marilyn Dyer

Secretary

Marilyn played an integral role in the development St. Paul’s Center and was a founding board member. Marilyn is a very active volunteer leader and has organized various Center fundraising events. She works as the Executive Assistant to a New York State Senator and is well versed in the legislative process. She brings to the Center a deep passion for service to vulnerable families in the Capital Region.

Robert Romaker

Director

Robert R. Romaker is a Managing Attorney at the Albany office of Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY). He has been a legal aid attorney for his entire career, focusing on representing tenants at risk of homelessness for over 30 years. Mr. Romaker started his career as an attorney for Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS), and later became a managing attorney, until moving to New York 13 years ago. He lives in Albany with his wife, Jane Ann, his stepson, Matthew, and their dogs, Zeke and Sadie.

Richard Mooney

Director

Richard is an Audio Visual Cordinator for the NYS Assembly. He was the interim Mayor for our wonderful city and has been an active volunteer not only for St. Paul's Center but at various children's schools throughout the community. Before he became a member of our board he was a member at Rensselaer Youth Board, Holy Spirit School Board, Rensselaer Kiwannis and plenty of others. Richard's generosity and community involvment knows no bounds and we are lucky to have him.

Jennifer Rexius

Director and Chair of Resource Development

Centralized Sales Manager with HEI Hotels and Resorts, Jennifer is a Leadership Tech Valley graduate, bringing eight years of Board experience and organizational and planning skills. “Helping the homeless and those in need has been on my heart a great deal and led me to seek out ways to get involved. I have been blessed in countless ways and feel that my talents are being called to serve my community alongside the people of St. Paul’s Center.”

Alicia Verdile

Director and Chair of Finance

As an executive liability insurance underwriter, Alicia Verdile uses her analytical skills to add value to the St. Paul’s Center Board of Directors as a member of the Finance and Audit Committee. Not only is Alicia committed to providing transitional housing and support services for local families, she also advocates to solve for the root causes of homelessness. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Syracuse University in 2014.

Olivia Karis

Director and Chair of Governance

For the past 16 years, Olivia has worked as an attorney in the New York State court system, assisting judges in deciding difficult and complex cases, often involving families. As a mother of two school-aged kids, Olivia joined the SPC board to help ensure that other moms have all the support they need to provide for their children. Her experience leading other nonprofit boards has allowed her to make valuable contributions in the area of SPC board governance.

Interested in joining our Board?

Please fill out our Board Member Application. Our staff will reach out following your application’s review.

APPLICATION