BOARD MEMBERS & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TANISHA BROWNEExecutive Director and President

Tanisha Browne is a passionate, non-profit leader with over 20 years of leadership experience from both the public and private sectors, having worked at organizations and agencies like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. She has many years of experience working with youth in foster care and has successfully led OHFF’s growth and built partnerships with public and private agencies over the past several years. Tanisha holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University. She also holds a Master in Public Administration from Baruch College, where she was a National Urban Fellow. Tanisha currently sits on the National Advisory Committee for Forward Promise, a national programming initiative, which aspires to improve the health outcomes of boys and young men of color.

ROBERT SCHULMANFounder and Chairman of the Board

Robert Schulman’s Wall Street career spans more than 30 years. Mr. Schulman retired in July of 2008 and is currently CEO of Foredestine, LLC. Previously, he was responsible for Smith Barney’s $60 billion Consulting Services Division and Retail New Product Development. As an advisor to venture capital groups, he regularly reviews small companies’ financials, business plans and strategies for their potential. He also takes an active role in public charity work, including having served on the Easter Seals New York Board.

Mr. Schulman’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from New York University and a Master of Business Administration with Distinction from the Lubin School of Business.

NANCY SCHULMANFounder/Board Director/Secretary

Dr. Schulman is both a New York State licensed psychologist and a New York State licensed social worker who has practiced for more than 30 years. Dr. Schulman was a member of the Disaster Response Network of the New York State Psychological Association and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Red Cross for her work with families of the victims of the NY TWA Flight 800 plane crash in July, 1996. In addition to a private practice, she has worked in clinical environments at various facilities, including as Director of Clinical Services at the Jennie Clarkson campus of St. Christopher’s, Inc., a Westchester, N.Y. based residential treatment facility.

Dr. Schulman’s academic credentials include a BA degree in Sociology from Rutgers University , a Masters degree in Social Work from Hunter College, School of Social Work, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University.

JERYL PARISBoard Director

Jeryl has over 35 years of experience on Wall Street in various management positions, helping individuals and institutions both in the US and abroad. Jeryl is currently retired, but her most recent role was Senior Vice President in Wealth Management at Jefferies LLC in New York. She was introduced to OHFF though her husband who was a mentor in the Educational Mentoring Program (“EMP”), and has first-hand knowledge of the difficulties and the joys of helping someone in the EMP. Jeryl has a BA from SUNY Albany and an MBA from Stern School of Business.

JUDITH CAESAR-BROWNBoard Director

Judith Caesar-Brown has worked in Human Resources and Professional Development for over a decade. She is currently a Senior Manager of Human Resources at Ropes & Gray, a leading global law firm with eleven offices around the world. Prior to working in HR, she practiced law as both an associate at a large global law firm and served as director and in-counsel for the U.S. division of a multinational technology company. She holds a BA in History from Brown University and a JD from Tulane Law School, where she graduated cum laude. Judith has volunteered with NY Cares and has mentored young people through the Urban League’s Tuesday’s Network.

SHIRLEY SALOMONBoard Director

Shirley Salomon is a forward-thinking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of service in child welfare programs in New York. Shirley has worked for, and in partnership with, several agencies serving youth and families. She is currently the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative Director of Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation.

Shirley earned an MSW at Hunter College School of Social Work and began working as a social worker at Good Shepherd Services for youth in foster care. She later created the mentoring program which she coordinated in partnership with corporate volunteers and partners, OHFF included. She has also helped develop a crochet and youth entrepreneurship program through Foster Pride, an organization dedicated to providing arts opportunities to youth in foster care. Shirley co-chaired the New York Mentoring Partnership’s Provider Council for several years starting in 2011 and went on to earn the New York Mentoring Partnership Coordinator of the Year award that same year. In 2023, Shirley earned the NYNMedia Nonprofit Trailblazers Award.

Montieth IllingworthBoard Director

Montieth is CEO of Montieth & Company, a specialist PR firm with offices in New York, London, and Hong Kong. He began his career as a journalist, first in Canada and then the U.S. He became a PR professional in 1995 representing governments worldwide in economic development marketing communications. He went on to work in leadership positions at a variety of global agencies and advised clients on a wide range of corporate initiatives and special situations. He has a specific expertise in counseling organizations, including non-profits, and management leadership teams on corporate and financial communications, media relations, issues management and crisis communications, leadership transitions, M&A and an array of special situations.

Gabriela BenitezBoard Director

Gabriela Benitez is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in creative advertising.

Her extensive background includes collaborating with C-Suite executives, VPs, and Brand Marketing Directors to craft award-winning global and North American campaigns across a diverse range of industries, including telecom, tech, finance, automotive, luxury, retail, CPG and in the non-profit space. She has a proven track record of delivering impactful communication strategies that drive sales, enhance brand awareness, and maintain relevance. Currently, Gabriela is the President of creative agency Madwell, headquartered in Brooklyn, NY.

As a devoted mother and proud Latina who grew up in Argentina and Puerto Rico, Gabriela takes a huge responsibility in trying to elevate other people of color in the marketing industry and within the community. She has been volunteering with OHFF since 2017, and previously took a key role in the Junior Board of OHFF. She is excited to now take on a larger part of the organization that is near and dear to her heart.

Brooke Van RoekelBoard Director

Brooke Van Roekel is a brand leader, insights geek, and quiet fighter of ‘isms’. She honed her brand chops from 17 years at Nike and the Nike Foundation in both the U.S. and Europe. Wanting to use her skills for good, she joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a philanthropy in the U.S. that is focused on improving the health of everyone in the country – regardless of their race, zip code, or how much money they make. As the Director, Brand for RWJF, she is working to strengthen RWJF’s brand in order to have greater impact in the country.She earned her BA from Wellesley College and MBA from Bainbridge Graduate Institute (now merged with Presidio Graduate School). When she isn’t baking, you can find her walking miles to work off said baked goods and listening to a variety of podcasts and audiobooks.

Barbara WinklerBoard Director

Barbara Winkler currently works in the Tech and Media division of a leading global financial institution. Blending her skills of establishing and maintaining business relationships, and her passion for making an impact in our communities, she incites priceless engagement from professional organizations and individuals. She established the Economic Empowerment Program series of curated fire-side chats for Sanctuary for Families, where powerhouse women in finance share their unique and inspirational journeys.

Barbara brings leadership, adaptability, and determination to all aspects of her life. As a former competitive beach-volleyball athlete in Honduras, teamwork is second nature.

Barbara studied Business Management in Unitec, Laurette University in Honduras, and Public Relations at The New School in New York.

Mirza DolmoBoard Director

Mirza is a New York State licensed social worker and a Certified Dual Language practitioner with over six years of experience working with diverse populations across New York City, including children and families with a history of trauma. Mirza is currently a full time bilingual social worker for the New York City Department of Education, in addition to her role as psychotherapist at a private group practice. Through her work, Mirza is a strong advocate for the education and awareness of mental health among people of color and vulnerable populations. Mirza’s personal mission is to help individuals from all walks of life overcome obstacles and tap into intrinsic and extrinsic resources that optimize their overall functioning. It was this mission that brought Mirza to OHFF. Mirza has a BA from SUNY College at Old Westbury and a MSW from CUNY Lehman College.

MICHAEL VENUTI Board Director/Treasurer

Michael Venuti has more than three decades of experience in the consumer products and finance industries. Former Chief Financial Officer of Glaceau Vitaminwater, he was part of management team that helped build it to a billion dollar company. Board member that was principally involved in negotiating $4Billion dollar sale to The Coca-Cola company. He currently provides consulting services related to finance, strategic planning, management, and general business practices. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club, Hofstra University, Zarb School of Business, and Marist University.

Mr. Venuti received his MBA from the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University and his Bachelor’s Degree from St. John’s University. He is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

KAMAL SHAH Board Director

Kamal Shah has 25 years of experience in Asset Management Technology within the Financial Services arena. He has held various roles, including leading high profile projects in North America, England, China, India, Canada and Bermuda. He was a key member of the Executive Committee of Select Equity Group, and is currently the Group Chief Information Officer at TWG Global.

In his spare time, Kamal loves helping non-profit organizations, mentoring and supporting immigration and refugee causes. He earned a BS in Software Systems for the Arts and Media at the University of Hertfordshire.

CHRISTINE BYRNESBoard Director

Christine Byrnes has over 30 years experience in financial services. As Chief Administrative Officer for Tremont Capital Management she was responsible for the day-to-day oversight of Tremont’s business operations with particular focus on optimizing technology and operations across the organization.

Ms. Byrnes served as Vice President of the Down Syndrome Association of Central New York, Inc. and is a Board member of Front Row Players, Inc. in Manlius, New York. Ms. Byrnes was a recipient of an educational grant which afforded her the opportunity to receive her college degree and she is committed to helping OHFF provide the same opportunities for others.