ALBANY (Dec. 20, 2024) — Daquetta P. Jones-Johnson, who has a rich and deep history in nonprofit leadership and social services, has been tapped to be the new CEO of Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region, Trinity Board President Beth Carey announced today.

Jones-Johnson will succeed Harris Oberlander, who is retiring as Trinity’s CEO after 20 years leading the nonprofit social services agency that dates to 1912. Jones-Johnson will assume the top role at the agency on Jan. 21.

The new CEO, 43, arrives from Vera House, Inc., in Syracuse, where she had been chief executive officer since September 2023. Vera House prevents, responds to and partners to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse.

Jones-Johnson will lead Trinity Alliance, a 112-year-old settlement house with more than 100 employees, serving more than 11,000 people annually. The organization continues to address growing community needs and is spearheading a $17.1 million capital campaign to renovate and expand its 1928 Trinity Place Center at 15 Trinity Place.

“Daquetta P. Jones-Johnson’s extensive background as a nonprofit leader and champion for equity and inclusion, combined with her direct service experience working with diverse populations, makes her a perfect fit to lead Trinity into a new era,” Carey said. “Her experience, vision and passion are just what our agency needs as we embark on a capital campaign and continue to grow to meet the challenges of our community.”

According to Carey, one of the reasons behind Jones-Johnson’s selection is her proven track record in fundraising. Trinity has been traditionally a grant-driven organization, but in order for the nonprofit to be successful in its capital campaign and future operations it will be striking a more balanced approach with a much stronger emphasis on donors.

Jones-Johnson plans to work closely with the leadership team to implement strategic fundraising and growth plans. In particular, Chief Operating Officer Michael Kelly will work alongside the CEO to tactically streamline and improve the many impactful programs we offer and strengthen key partnerships.

Jones-Johnson has served in numerous significant nonprofit and social services roles, primarily in this area. Of note is her 2013-19 tenure as executive director of the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region.

“I am deeply honored and filled with gratitude to receive the baton from Harris Oberlander, a beloved and devoted leader whose impact on Trinity Alliance and the Capital Region is truly extraordinary,” Jones-Johnson said. “I thank the search committee and Board for entrusting me to lead this incredible organization in advancing its mission, achieving new heights, and carrying out a successful capital campaign.”

Jones-Johnson moved to the Capital Region in high school, and is an alumna of area schools. She graduated from Albany High School, Hudson Valley Community College, The Sage Colleges and The Sage Colleges-Sage Graduate School of Management.

“I am excited to work alongside Trinity’s dedicated team and Board, and to return to the Capital Region to passionately serve and strategically lead with heart, mission and vision,” Jones-Johnson said. “Together We Are Stronger. Together We Are Trinity!”

Jones-Johnson has served in consulting roles in diversity, equity and inclusion, executive coaching and board development. Prior to joining Vera House, Jones-Johnson served as director of Equity and Inclusion Initiatives at the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, where among other accomplishments she relaunched the Catalysts for Change Leadership Program. Prior to that she was a co-director of the University at Albany Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator (ENLA) program.

She has also served as the deputy commissioner for administration for the state Department of Civil Service (2019-21). Jones-Johnson also worked as a domestic violence counselor for the Unity House of Troy from 2009-14, as well as an HIV Services Operations Manager for Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Services from 2012-13.

Jones-Johnson worked as assistant director of Community Based Services at the Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth. Earlier, Jones-Johnson worked for Equinox, Inc., primarily as a program director, monitoring the daily operation of the Equinox House for Youth shelter and administering policy and procedures.

The new CEO, who previously worked professionally under the name Daquetta P. Jones, has been bestowed 16 awards, Including the 2019 Women of Excellence Award by the Capital Region Chamber.

Oberlander arrived at Trinity in October 2004, after 17 years at the nonprofit St. Anne Institute in Albany. When Oberlander arrived, Trinity foundered in dire financial straits, facing fears of closing its doors. Today, its budget approaches $10 million.

Upon his retirement, Oberlander plans to remain involved with Trinity—in particular in raising funds for the $17.1 million rehabilitation and expansion of the agency’s Trinity Place Center headquarters at 15 Trinity Place in the South End. On Wednesday, a $20 million Environmental Protection Agency grant for climate-resiliency measures in Albany was announced, with $10 million going to Trinity’s infrastructure improvements.

ABOUT TRINITY ALLIANCE OF THE CAPITAL REGION

Founded in 1912, Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region offers a wide variety of resources and support tailored to fill the unmet needs of children, individuals, and families in our marginalized community. From parenting and reading classes to food pantries, anti-violence initiatives, housing assistance and much more, Trinity seeks to comprehensively strengthen our community in ways where it needs it, when it needs it and how it needs it. For more information, visit TrinityAllianceAlbany.org or call 518-449-5155.

Photo Credit: Andrew Elder / Best Frame Forward