WHO WE ARE
MEET OUR Executive Staff
Jennifer Neifeld
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Jennifer is a “Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Use Counselor (CASAC)” and a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach. She has worked in various positions within the agency since 2007. Jennifer was nominated as the Rural Health Champion of the Year in 2019. She is extremely integrated within her role promoting additional services that will benefit the communities and enhance services in the Capital Region.
Peter Kelsey
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Housing (Albany)
Mr. Kelsey holds an MBA, and has been with PYHIT for 35 years. He is an intricate part of the senior management team and is responsible for home meal, housing, and employment/ vocational programs. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and camping.
Jackie Foster
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Treatment (Albany & Glens Falls)
Jackie currently oversees operations for the OASAS certified clinical programs and residential programs. She has a degree in Psychology and is a Certified Addictions Counselor (CASAC Advanced). She has worked for PYHIT since 2008 holding various positions in the agency including being a counselor, supervisor, and director. Under her positions Jackie has worked with the staff to develop additional programs that serve people in the community and in jails. She has a passion for working with other community partners to bring needed services into the communities we serve. Jackie is a 20 under 40 award recipient as well as a Rural Health Champion award recipient. Outside of work Jackie enjoys traveling, kayaking, and most importantly watching her family do what they enjoy.
Bronwen Compo
HR MANAGER
Bronwen is an experienced HR professional with a Bachelor’s in Business and an Associate’s in Human Services. With over 7 years in human resources and 6 years in the nonprofit sector, she has held roles as an HR Specialist, HR Generalist, and gained experience in business administration. Miss Compo is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture, driving employee development, and ensuring efficient HR operations to support organizational success.
Ricky Thompson
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
Ricky Thompson attended SUNY Buffalo State College. After working with several different New York State agencies, he retired and found his calling with the Altamont Program, Inc. Over the last 8 years, he has engaged in many roles including Janitorial instruction and working within the Parole Diversion program. Currently, he oversees all Information Technology tasks and responsibilities. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, has a passion for sports, especially the New York Jets. He loves the mission of the agency and is gratified by all the success stories.
MIKE TREMONT
CORPORATE COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Mike is a highly accomplished compliance professional with specialized training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Handle with Care (HWC), and OPWDD-certified investigations. He possesses a strong background in quality enhancement, risk management, and regulatory compliance across diverse service settings.
With a demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and monitor effective compliance and incident management systems, Mike consistently ensures organizational adherence to applicable laws, standards, and best practices. He is skilled in conducting thorough investigations, identifying areas for improvement, and driving corrective actions that support operational excellence.
Mike is deeply committed to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement, and is known for his collaborative approach and dedication to ethical service delivery.
Erin Gardner
DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Erin Gardner
DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Erin Gardner
DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Patrick Fitzgerald
DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Patrick, a SUNY Potsdam BFA graduate, has 30 years of experience in digital media, starting at a small-town newspaper and expanding into webcasting, interactive design and presentations, and multimedia production with companies from start-ups, to small design studios, as well Fortune 50 companies like GE, Merck, and Pfizer. He also taught Interactive Digital Design at Marymount College of Fordham University. He's grateful to be doing what he loves while having a positive impact on others.
Erin Gardner
DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Erin Gardner
DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Erin Gardner
DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin Luibrand
BOARD PRESIDENT
Kevin Luibrand is a Civil Rights and Criminal Defense Attorney who represents people whose civil rights have been violated or have been accused of wrongdoing. He has been involved with the Board for approximately three years.
William Hennessy
VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY
William Hennessy is currently a licensed Mechanical and Civil engineer who plans and supervises a variety of engineering projects throughout New York State. He plays an integral role in ensuring that our properties and buildings are up to code, safe, and healthy for the residents that we serve.
James Morrell
TREASURER
Chief Operating Officer and Principal Owner of multiple businesses including hotels, radio stations, and car dealerships.
Donna Langan
BOARD MEMBER
Donna is a retired New York State (NYS) legislative assistant for NYS.
James Stone
BOARD MEMBER
James is the former Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Leah Witko
Peter Tavares
Ann Marie sinese
Peter Newkirk
John Graham
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
Leah has been in commercial real estate for 19 years. She lives in Delmar with her two daughters Audrey (16) and Caroline (13). She is also a member of the Ladies of Charity. In her free time she likes to travel, play golf and enjoy her friends and family.
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER