Melinda Mack

Executive Director 

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Melinda Mack is the Executive Director of the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP), a nationally recognized, leading non-profit membership association in the field of workforce development. On behalf of its Members, NYATEP supports the engagement and development of workforce boards, business organizations, education and training providers, economic development entities, organized labor, elected officials and government agencies to sustain and enhance education, training, and employment for all New Yorkers.

During her tenure at NYATEP, Ms. Mack as grown the organization by more than 50% and moved the organization to one focused on innovation. Ms. Mack is a co-lead of the Invest in Skills NY initiative and campaign that successfully engaged the State in 2018 to invest more than $175 million in job training and workforce development. As a steadfast advocate and expert in system’s change; she champions the investment in and expansion of promising and evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for New Yorkers; the use of data to drive decision-making; and for eliminating silos that deter from high quality services. She has testified before Congress and has been invited by the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to provide insight on the impact of economic policy on low wage and under-employed workers.

In her previous role, Ms. Mack was the founding Director for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation program, Graduate NYC!, an ambitious initiative bringing together the City University of New York, the NYC public schools and Mayor’s Office, and a range of external partners to effect system-wide changes aimed at improving college readiness and completion. Ms. Mack also served as the acting Executive Director for the New York City Workforce Board under the Bloomberg Administration. Before working in New York City, Ms. Mack worked in Upstate New York in local government working in both municipal finance and economic development in Buffalo and Albany.

Ms. Mack has received a baccalaureate degree in Urban and Public Policy from SUNY Buffalo, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and a master’s degree in Regional Planning with a specialization in housing from SUNY Albany. She also is a graduate of the Columbia Business School’s Senior Leaders in Non-Profit Executive program, the New York City Workforce Leaders Academy, and Leadership Buffalo. Ms. Mack proudly serves on the National Skills Coalition Board. She is a published author, frequent commentator in the media. In 2018, she received recognition by City and State Magazine as 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in politics in New York State.
To learn more about NYATEP visit www.nyatep.org or follow @NYATEP on Facebook or Twitter.

Therese Daly

Deputy Director for Advocacy and Equity Initiatives

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Therese Daly most previously was a Vice President for Mercury Public Affairs and worked out of Albany and New York City’s office. She brings a track record of accomplishments in the political, transportation, and financial sectors. Therese’s background includes a decade of experience with strategy development, business development, sales, communication, public relations and government relations.

Prior to joining NYATEP, Therese served as the Director of Correspondence in Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart Cousins’ office. In this role she oversaw all direct correspondence and facilitated office communications between lobbyists, constituents, advocacy groups, and individuals as well as covid response, and special events to name a few.

Earlier in her career, Therese worked at New York Public Transit Association, handling their communications, legislative and advocacy efforts as well as their annual conference. Therese was drawn to transportation from her prior work as a commodities trader on the Chicago Mercantile Market.

Therese received a B.A. in political science from Siena College and has been the recipient of awards for her advocacy efforts and leadership such as Nominee for Forbes 30 under 30, YWCA Resourceful Woman Award, A Siena Saint Who Don’t Sit On The Sidelines, Friends of Recovery 2022 Recovery Community Spotlight Award Recipient. Therese was most recently featured on City and State’s 2022 40 under 40 as part of a feature on the best and the brightest of Albany and was just named a Rising Power Player in New York State by Politics NY and AM Media.

Megan Farry

Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications

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Megan Farry is the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP). In this role, she works to support and connect workforce resources throughout the Western New York region, develop and deepen relationships with national best-in-class providers, and oversee NYATEP’s communication efforts. In her previous role with the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Development Consortium, Inc., she was responsible for developing and executing career pathway training programs. Megan is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with experience spanning a variety of industries including commercial real estate, manufacturing, and multinational workforce solution firms. She holds a Communications degree from the State University of New York College at Fredonia.

Molly Tocin

Chief of Staff & Corporate Development

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Molly Tocin is the Operations and Corporate Engagement Manager at the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP), a nationally recognized, leading nonprofit membership organization in the field of workforce development. She continues to grow the organizational corporate engagement in membership, fundraising and training capacities. Molly has had a successful career in development as she has continually raised funds for three leading capital region organizations and municipalities. Throughout her career, Molly has raised funds for educational workforce development in the arts for Proctors Collaborative, large scale free public concert series for the City of Albany Special Events department and pushed heart and brain health through advocacy with the American Heart Association. She has worked continuously with local and national organizations to raise awareness and highlight important causes that affect so many! Molly is a graduate of SUNY Albany with a degree in History and minor is Education as well as a wife and mom of 2 strong and independent little ladies. 

Joelle Monaco

Director of LevelUp 

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Joelle Monaco is passionate about educating others from a People First Principle; an organization's employees are their most valuable asset — each with their own experiences, assets, and purpose. Joelle's expertise expands over thirteen years in organizational development with over eight years in the mental health field.

Joelle has extensive experience in assessment, planning, directing, and training enhancements for people and organizational success, working with more than 1,500 individuals annually through creative sessions, training and development, and consulting. These experiences have provided Joelle with professional opportunities to build the skills and abilities required to lead teams and empower individuals to achieve professional and organizational goals while fostering a people-first approach.

Joelle is a current lecturer for SUNY Albany's Professional Adult & Continuing Knowledge department and has been a trainer for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for over six years. Additionally, Joelle currently sits on the board of directors for the New York State Public Health Association.

Joelle received her MBA and BS in Psychology with a minor in Education from the University at Albany, New York.

When Joelle isn't at work, Joelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants and shops, and meeting new people! 

Gina Onyiuke

Membership Network Coordinator

Gina Onyiuke is passionate about powering potential and driving diverse visions forward. Advocating for others and empowering them to ultimately thrive is ingrained in her DNA. A purpose-driven founder with a holistic approach to economic sustainability, her mission includes serving as connective tissue between people and opportunities by prioritizing human and social capital development and leveraging social entrepreneurship.

Born and raised in NYC with an affinity for storytelling and a varied background that includes I/O Psychology and Marketing, Gina has always had a keen interest in cultivating human-centered spaces that facilitate fruitful connections, foster greater innovation, and contribute to more equitable ecosystems. She believes the world is composed of interconnected, interdependent networks and systems; as such, being intentional about collectively accelerating impact is vital. Considering her commitment to ensuring meaningful work and living is possible for all – especially those historically marginalized and underserved – it is fitting that Gina has taken on the role of Membership Network Coordinator at the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP). Much of her work will entail liaising between members and the NYATEP team while providing value that aligns with members’ needs.

When she isn't working, building a community-powered multiverse, or getting lost in a particularly delectable book, Gina enjoys traveling, taking herself on solo dates, spending time with loved ones, and embracing new experiences.

Adrienne Ceneviva

Event and Training Coordinator

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Adrienne Ceneviva is the Training and Events Coordinator at the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP). In this role, she leads the coordination and planning for NYATEP hosted trainings, special events, and meetings. In her previous role as a Community and Events Planner, she was responsible for creating and fostering relationships with local organizations and businesses. Adrienne has experience planning events of all kinds, and creating marketing and promotional materials. She holds a Marketing degree from Siena College in Loudonville, NY.