About
Gary
If I had to guess, it seems I was put on this planet to do one thing: identify the best in people and help them reach their full potential. Sometimes the focus is on individuals, sometimes the organizations those individuals make up, and sometimes students, but regardless of whom, my ultimate goal is to help people realize their greater purpose and push them to the next level.
The insight I have to offer is a direct result of my personal journey.
Recent +
Past
History
Gary is an executive coach, consultant, and educator with more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience. He previously served as Executive Director of New York Cares and held senior roles at Young Audiences New York and TADA! Youth Theater. In addition to his consulting practice, he teaches nonprofit leadership and strategy at Columbia University and Baruch College.
As a coach, Gary has supported more than 100 nonprofit executives, rising leaders, and board presidents as well as dozens of nonprofit boards and senior leadership teams.
Testimonials
“I have had the good fortune of not only seeing Gary's leadership firsthand, but working closely with, learning from, and receiving coaching from Gary for over 20 years. As Gary has gone on his journey in the nonprofit sector, he reflects deeply and shares his wisdom generously. I am a stronger, more confident and compassionate leader because of him.”
— Nancy Kleaver
CEO, Dancing Classrooms
“Gary’s deep and extensive expertise in the field, combined with his charismatic presence and dynamic style, uniquely qualify him to coach boards and leadership teams and to prepare others to lead. Whether he is in a boardroom, conference room, or classroom, Gary guides a group with rigor, inclusive engagement, and a spirit of discovery.”
— Lisa Lewin
CEO, in Residence, Primary Venture Partners
Former CEO, General Assembly
"As a new CEO, it was important to build a strong and collaborative relationship with the board from day one. Gary’s partnership, coaching and sage experience has helped us to energize and engage the board, providing us with the tools and information we needed to set a great future in motion."
— Jenny Lawson
President and CEO, Keep America Beautiful
"I've worked with Gary closely for over a year and he has been instrumental in supporting LEAP's post-pandemic strategy and capacity planning. Gary is a great partner who can both serve as a thoughtful coach and a thorough planner through periods of growth and transition."
— Rich Souto
Executive Director, LEAP
“If you want to lead and get the best out of others, you start by exploring and leading yourself. Gary prepares leaders to do the conscious self-exploration necessary for success.”
— Rashaan Harris, PhD
CEO, Citizens Committee for New York City
Clientele
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
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Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs
Adjunct Professor, Strategic Management of Nonprofit Organizations
Adjunct Professor, Leadership in Action
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Baruch College, The City University of New York
Adjunct Lecturer, Public and Nonprofit Management (current)
Adjunct Lecturer, Public Service in NYC
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Co-author, Volunteer Engagement and Management, Nonprofit Management 101 (Wiley)
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
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Real Leaders, Top Executive Coach, 2025
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Notable in Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Crain’s New York
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CSR Responsible 100, City & State New York
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The New York Times Company Nonprofit Excellence Award for Overall Management Excellence
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Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation
AFFILIATIONS
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Board of Directors, Nonprofit New York (www.nonprofitnewyork.org)
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NYS Commission on National and Community Service (2015-2025)
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Board of Directors, National Urban Fellows (2020-2025)
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Academic Degrees: Baruch College, MPA; Ithaca College, BS Music Composition
TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
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International Coaching Federation Certified Coach (PCC)
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iCoach Professional Coaching Program
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Certifications in Leadership Circle Profile (LCP); Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI); EQ-I 2.0 and EQ-I 2.0 360