The Board of Directors
at CARES of NY, Inc.

As a leader in the homeless service sector, interested partners can:
(1) nominate yourself and complete the nomination form or
(2) nominate another Community leader by sending them the nomination form which they can complete.
Please review CARES Board Member Expectations for more details on Board Member duties.
Audra K. Higgins
Chair
Board Member Since 2018
Business Operations Manager & Private Wealth Manager
Curran Wealth Management
Objective Statement
I am passionate about finding ways to share the skills I have from my daily work as a planner, educator and problem-solver, to enhance the lives of those in need. To serve at CARES of NY allows me to radiate out to so many front-line agencies and assist in eliminating homelessness from our region and beyond. My personal goal is to provide whatever support is needed to facilitate the CARES team achieving its mission.
Steve Goetz
Vice Chair
Board Member Since 2019
CFO
Old Brick Furniture
Objective Statement
The goal in joining any board in my experience is to find an organization that is passionate about its purpose or community in which they serve and can also help you grow personally and professionally. I was asked to join the board by an existing board member and was blown away after meeting with the Nancy about not only her passion for the organization, but her excitement in learning and growing with me. I hope to bring my experience as a finance professional to help guide Cares in the right direction now and into the future growth of the organization.
Scott Joralemon
Secretary
Board Member Since 2018
President
PNJ Technology Partners, Inc.
Objective Statement
I had heard great things about CARES and had met with Nancy to talk about the CARES mission and cause. I was thoroughly impressed with Nancy and all the various ways CARES supports it’s tenants and community’s. I had delt with some homelessness issues with my Uncle so this all hit home for me. I enjoy serving on the board, such a great group of people with a propose to help others.
Ruth Kassel
Treasurer
Board Member Since 2018
Director of Operations, Community Investment Trust
Community Loan Fund
Objective Statement
I joined the board because I enjoyed many of the collaborative projects I had done with CARES in the past. I gravitate toward community development work that combines data with community-level action. On the board, I hope to continue to connect CARES to the resources our different institutions of higher ed offer and lend my experience in diversity and racial justice work. I have helped bring young talent to CARES through my campus programs and hope there will be many more.
Kathy Leyden
Board Member Since 2018
Director, Community Engagement
CDPHP, Inc.
Objective Statement
I have long been a “fan” of CARES as an organization and the important role that CARES plays in community planning and the procurement of funds to address and prevent homelessness in communities around NYS. I am passionate about issues related to homelessness and the opportunity that exists for system partners to work more closely together to tackle the root causes of homelessness. As a board member, I strive to provide meaningful support to the organization in fulfilling its mission and to contribute expertise I’ve gained through my background in homeless & housing services and healthcare.
Deb House
Board Member Since 2023
Clinical Executive Integrated Care Coordination System
St. Peters Health Partners/Ellis Medicine
Objective Statement
The incredible work CARES does aligns perfectly with the goals and mission of my organization. We serve many of the same clients and the opportunity to collaborate with key community stakeholders only benefits those we serve.








