Our Team

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Chief Executive Officer

Michael Barrett

Michael joined Habitat with extensive leadership experience. He brings two decades of executive level experience in three gubernatorial administrations and held high level policymaking roles across various sectors (economic development, environment, criminal justice, and emergency management). He also directed two executive agencies and co-founded the first nonprofit of its kind in the United States. Prior to coming to Habitat, he led the Adirondack Mountain Club through a strategic planning process where recommendations were fully implemented.

Michael has also published two novels, was the former publisher of Adirondack magazine, commentary editor-in-chief of the Journal of Legal Medicine, and author of numerous newspaper articles. Former adjunct professor of constitutional law at the University of Missouri. He is the recipient of the Dorsey Award by the American Bar Association.

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Chief Financial Officer

Dave Morgan

Dave came to Habitat for Humanity NYS after many years of financial experience in both the non-profit and construction arenas.  He came to Habitat because he believes in giving people the opportunity to improve themselves, their families and their neighborhoods with a little help from the Habitat community.

Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.  He manages all financial related matters for the SSO.

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Office Manager

Carrie Tocheny

As Office Manager, Carrie ensures the office runs smoothly. Her responsibilities include book keeping, administrative support to the CEO, Affordable Housing Corporation and National Service Grants.

Prior to coming to work for HFH-NYS, Carrie worked at various other non-profits where she gained experience working in the non-profit office environment.

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Grants Administrator

Allie Bernhard Graham

Allie worked in grant administration, specifically affordable housing grants, for a number of years prior to joining the Habitat for Humanity New York State team.  As Grants Administrator, Allie is responsible for reviewing and approving documents submitted by our affiliates, ensuring contract terms and agency guidelines are adhered to, updating our document database, preparing grant reports, and assisting our CEO in grant application preparation and submission. Allie also has extensive experience working in various non-profits serving low income and homeless communities in Albany and Rensselaer Counties.

Allie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services from SUNY New Paltz.

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Director of Communications

Robbie Smolinsky

A life-long resident of upstate New York, Robbie works to support new marketing efforts of New York State Habitat affiliates and develop strategies for the continued growth of the Habitat brand across the region.

Robbie graduated from Binghamton University and brings years of professional experience as the marketing lead and tech specialist across various business sectors, from smaller non-profit organizations, to higher education, and corporate settings.

Board of Directors

Chair
Diane Brown, Retired, Community Foundation for South Central NY

Vice-Chair
Karen Derksen, NBT Bank

Treasurer
James Wyatt, Visions Federal Credit Union

Secretary
Jennifer Stevenson, Blue Heron Reality

Directors
Emily Barrett, Chemung County HFH
Sarah Bruce, Syracuse HFH
Barbara Dunn, Morris Habitat for Humanity
Kristina Persaud, Advanced Energy United
Jaylene Smith-Kilner, HFH of Genesee County