Brian Fitzgerald

CEO/PRESIDENT

Brian Fitzgerald went from being born and raised in a rough neighborhood in New York City, to rising through the ranks from intern to the position of CEO and President of Easterseals New Jersey, the leading disability services not-for-profit. Before fully devoting to Easterseals, Fitzgerald served in the United States Armed Forces completing a tour in Vietnam from 1967-1972, where he was recognized for his valor and meritorious service. He later went on to obtain his Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Seton Hall University.

Under Brian’s leadership, Easterseals New Jersey has grown from a $16 million organization to $106 million with a multi corporate structure serving nearly 9,000 individuals in need annually. Fitzgerald has also served as President of the Easterseals Leadership Association as well as liaison to several committees of the National Easterseals Board of Directors. Gaining recognition as a leader, Brian has amassed several reputable awards in the categories of community service, management, rehabilitation and much more. He firmly believes “everyone deserves a chance to reach their full potential.”

Helen Drobnis

CORPORATE SECRETARY/SPECIAL PROJECTS

Helen Drobnis has been with Easterseals New Jersey as its Chief Advancement Officer and Corporate Secretary for over 20 years. She manages over 1 million dollars in operating budget and oversees several teams including Marketing, Development, Office of the President, and Office Support. She is also the organizational liaison for the company’s Board of Directors helping to facilitate their governance, legal, and fiduciary responsibilities.

One of Helen’s key achievements in her fundraising role was raising $1.2 million for the first-ever trademarked Be Well & Thrive initiative, a dedicated nutrition and exercise program for people with disabilities. She is proudest of her work engaging current and prospective donors to increase organizational financial support and also working to strengthen awareness of the organization’s mission, vision, values, programs, and services. She shares, “working to make others’ lives a little better is a privilege I’ve been lucky enough to play a small part in during my career.  I take great pride in any part my contributions have made.”

Prior to her work at Easterseals New Jersey, Helen Drobnis was assistant to the president at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City where she grew up. During her eleven-year tenure with the college, Helen worked with executive management and the University’s Board of Directors to grow the college so it could best serve the needs of Hudson County residents.

Aleish Hart

COO

Aleisha Hart joined Easterseals New Jersey in 2008 as a Senior Financial Analyst and currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer responsible for managing a portfolio of over 100 million dollars on average. A member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Institute of Management Accountants, Hart earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Wilberforce University. She now boasts almost 30 years of practice in corporate finance and accounting and over 20 years of leadership proficiency. Her experience during this time spans various industries including real estate, government, and non-profit to name a few.  Hart was one of the nominated finalists of the 2016 NJBIZ CFO of the Year Rising Stars Awards and was also a recipient of the esteemed Easterseals Clark J. Paradise Award which is given out to an employee of Easterseals who exemplifies the highest standard of the company’s mission. Aleisha is known as a quick study with a passion for her work and prides herself on getting more done with less!

Anysa Holder

CAO

Anysa Holder currently serves as the Chief Advancement Officer for Easterseals New Jersey, as executive lead over advocacy, marketing, internal communications, customer support, and fundraising. Anysa graduated from New York University and is also a Certified Project Manager (PMP). A lifelong communicator, she has spent close to 20 years in marketing leadership across sectors. The majority of her experience however has been in steeped in supporting social impact organizations.

Her cross-disciplinary teams have received various industry awards from prominent institutes like Graphic Design USA and The Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts. In her own right, she has garnered individual recognition as one of New Jersey’s Top 40 under 40 in Marketing in 2018 and as one of “Jersey’s Best” in Marketing by the NJ Ad Club. Anysa additionally serves on the board of various organizations such as the Red Cross of Greater New York, the REACH Institute for Children’s Mental Healthcare, and the Marketing Advisory Board of Rutgers Business School, to name a few.

Cristina Jones

CPO

Dr. Cristina Jones is a mission-driven leader with 20 years of process improvement, change management, and strategic leadership experience in healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing industries. As Chief Program Officer, Dr. Jones collaboratively articulates, implements, and operationalizes the agency’s strategic vision, mission, and goals while developing, implementing, and providing oversight over all programs and related services across the agency.  Before joining Easterseals New Jersey, Dr. Jones worked at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for ten years and held various leadership roles. Her most recent position was Administrative Director in the Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry & Behavioral Science. She oversaw all business, clinical, academic, and research functions, including finance, budgeting, regulatory, human resources, strategic planning, recruitment, compensation, faculty affairs, operations, contracting, and program development. Dr. Jones obtained a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) specializing in strategy and innovation and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specializing in business intelligence from Capella University. She is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).

Mike Ring

CCO

Michael Ring received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Monmouth University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. He also is a NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Certified Employment Assistance Professional. He has more than 25 years of experience in the human services field, including over 20 years at Easterseals New Jersey. Since Ring joined Easterseals New Jersey in 1997, he has worked in Substance Abuse Services, Behavioral Health, IDD, Workforce Development, Business Development, and Compliance. Ring is responsible for the start-up of agency social enterprises and the acquisition of a Community Mental Health Center. He has served on a County Human Services Advisory Committee and County Addiction Board.