Leadership

David Gaskin joined Seamen’s Society for Children and Families as President and CEO in 2017. David brings a unique blend of corporate and nonprofit leadership experience to the role. His background in the corporate sector includes 17 years with Vanguard, where he was a Principal in the firm’s Strategy & Finance, Human Resources, and Institutional Asset Management Divisions. He also held positions of increasing responsibility with leading Fortune 500 companies, including American Express, JPMorgan Chase, and Johnson & Johnson.

In the nonprofit realm, David is the co-founder and trustee of the Success Through Education and Preparation Fund (S.T.E.P.), a private nonprofit foundation that commits grants to high-potential and economically disadvantaged youth to help finance their private high school education. He is also the former Chair of the Board of Trustees for Oaks Integrated Care, Inc., one of the largest nonprofit organizations in New Jersey. David serves on the boards of The Velocity BioGroup, Inc., and the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA).

David can attest to the influence that one person can have in transforming and empowering the life of a child. He grew up on Empire Boulevard, in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, and attended P.S. 221. His sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Lois Subotnick, was instrumental in identifying his potential and encouraged his family, despite the considerable financial hurdles, to enroll him in The Dalton School.

David went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in History from Yale University and his MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Philip Zweiger is the Chief Financial Officer for Seamen’s Society for Children and Families. Since joining us in August 2019, he has provided leadership and oversight for the accounting, treasury, budgeting, human resources, and audit functions. Philip joined Seamen’s Society with nearly 40 years of strategic finance experience in nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Most recently, he served as CFO for Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation (now called New York Edge). Prior to that he was the CFO for New Concepts for Living, The AIDS Service Center of Lower Manhattan, Inc. (renamed Alliance for Positive Change), and Amcor.

Philip brings a vast amount of corporate financial experience from his positions in the media/publishing, professional services, consumer electronics and textiles industries. He served as VP-Director of Finance for GFK-NOP, the New York headquarters for a Global Market Research firm. Preceding that, he was CFO/SVP of Finance & Administration (and a Board Director) for publisher Farrar, Straus & Giroux, LLC. Other prior roles include ones with Penguin USA, Am-Law Publishing, and National Spinning Co., Inc.

Philip received his MBA in Finance from Pace University as well as a BS in Accounting from Brooklyn College. He is also a member of the Financial Executives Networking Group (FENG), the Financial Executives International Group (FEI) and the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce (MRCC).

Dan Barckhaus rejoined Seamen’s Society for Children and Families in 2019, where he first began his career 15 years earlier. He serves as Senior Vice President of Programs and leads the organization’s Foster Care, Behavioral Health, Health Services, and Health Home Care Management programs. Dan’s experience includes multiple executive management positions at child welfare organizations in New York, and he has established a track record of developing high-performing programs that support children and families within their communities.

During his tenure at Abbott House, Dan transformed their Foster Care program into one of the preeminent performing organizations in New York City. He also was responsible for procuring Preventive Services and Regional Permanency Center contracts, further enhancing their program offerings.

Since rejoining Seamen’s Society, he has used his expertise and experience to successfully re-structure the Foster Care program utilizing Continuous Quality Improvement and team-based leadership. In the summer of 2020, he was tasked with leading the organization through its transition to Medicaid Managed Care and the expansion of Behavioral Health Services.

Dan received his bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University and his master’s in social work from Hunter College.

Felicia Soodeen joined Seamen’s Society for Children and Families in 2018 bringing more than 17 years of experience working in physical health, mental health, housing, and other social service programs. She is responsible for core program services, and the programs under her leadership provide a safe and nurturing environment that is inclusive, and where family voice and choice are the primary focus. She oversees Family Support Services (formerly General Prevention), Family Treatment and Rehabilitation, Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence, and Tutoring programs, as well as the organization's information technology functions.

Her previous experience includes, but is not limited to, serving as Compliance Officer for SERV Behavioral Health, Director of Client Responsibility for NYC Department of Homeless Services, the largest shelter system in New York City, Project Manager for NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and Associate Staff Analyst for NYC Housing Preservation and Development.

Among her most recent accomplishments, Felicia has designed and implemented evidence-based models and intervention, secured government funding, and implemented program operations and processes that improved the agency’s scorecard performance.

Felicia holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Virginia State University, and her MPA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice (with specializations in Policy and Human Resources). She is a member of the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA).

Mary Ponte is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Seamen’s Society for Children and Families. With over twenty years of experience in office management, marketing, healthcare compliance, and human resources, Mary brings a wealth of expertise to the organization. She joined the agency in May 2016 as the Office Associate, and has worked her way up the ranks, to being promoted to CAO, and has been a part of the growth and success of the organization. In her role, Mary is responsible for the overall administration and looking for ways to enhance and promote staff efficiency. She also serves as the liaison to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the board and the staff.

Mary is also responsible for the construction, maintenance, and improvements of the organization's facilities. She oversees updates to the vehicle fleet and policy, ensuring that the organization operates smoothly and efficiently. Mary earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the City University, College of Staten Island, graduating cum laude. Her educational background, combined with her experience, allows her to effectively manage the diverse needs of the organization.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Mary is actively involved in various charitable organizations that support families and veterans. She volunteers her time with Operation Homefront, Rolling Thunder Chapter 2, and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Her dedication to serving the military community was recognized in 2015 when she was awarded the United States Army's Patriotic Civilian Service Commendation Award, one of the highest honors a civilian can receive from the Army.

Karen DeGraaf joined Seamen’s Society for Children and Families in March 2022. Karen is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of New York with more than twelve years of child welfare experience including seven years in nonprofit quality assurance – continuous quality improvement. Karen specializes in developing professional partnerships to drive performance and organizational growth. Karen currently oversees quality assurance/quality improvement initiatives, training/professional development, and compliance and ethics for SSCF. Karen strives to create a thriving workplace culture with her smiley face emojis amidst compliance activities and rigorous oversight of our contracts.

Karen was born and raised in Michigan. She began her career in child protection as an investigator for the State of Michigan. Shortly after moving to New York City, Karen worked for SCO Family of Services at their Brownsville Brooklyn location in prevention services. An interest in policy and improved outcomes led Karen to Children’s Aid in quality assurance/continuous quality improvement for their foster care programs from September 2016 – February 2022. Through these experiences, Karen found her passion for supporting children and youth, strengthening families, and building collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and community advocates.

Karen obtained her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Western Michigan University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan. Karen received her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Purdue University in 2022.

Teresa leads all fundraising initiatives for the agency working closely with donors, businesses, community leaders and institutions to advance and support the mission of Seamen’s Society. Teresa was previously the Director of Development at Eden II Programs and served as the Executive Director of Eden II and Genesis Foundation. Teresa also was the Director of Development at On Your Mark, Inc. She began her community outreach career within the office of Assemblyman Matthew Titone, serving as the Communications Coordinator and working outside of the office as the Deputy Campaign Manager. Over the past decade, Teresa has secured several millions of dollars for both organizations from private, public, corporate and foundation sources and has extensive experience with many channels and tools for driving funding to a nonprofit organization.

Teresa has been awarded the Lathrope Voorspuy Memorial Scholarship, been chosen as one of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s (SIEDC) 20 under 40 honorees, been selected by the STAR Network as a Staten Island Top Women in Business honoree, has been recognized by World of Women as a Woman of Distinction, and has been honored by Staten Island Center for Independent Living for her work with the autism community.

She is currently the President of the Board of Directors for the Staten Island Business Outreach Center and Co-Chairs the annual Women Empowerment Event for the organization. Teresa served as a council member and second Vice President for the NYC Department of Education Community Education Council (CEC) District 31, and at the conclusion of her elected term, was appointed by Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella to continue serving on the council. She also recently joined the newly created board of Staten Island Women.

Teresa volunteers her time and serves as the chair of the Development affinity group for Nonprofit Staten Island. Finally, Teresa also serves on many fundraising committees to support local groups including Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Fire Flag EMS, Pride Center of Staten Island, Brooklyn Autism Center, Jewish Community Center (JCC), and Bridge Preparatory Charter School.

Teresa holds a bachelor’s degree from Stockton University where she majored in Political Science and minored in Jewish Studies. She has also received fundraising certifications from Baruch College and University of California, Davis.

While Teresa enjoys being active in so many amazing organizations and the Staten Island community, she loves spending time with her husband, John, their daughter, Madison, and their high energy dog, Bailey.