Every person plays an important role in what we do!

Our Staff

Tina Sharpe – Executive Director
Richard J. Leggett – Fiscal Director
Kim Smith
Wahida Syeda

Community Services and HEAP
Kathy Applegate – Program Director   
Jennifer Smith
Malachi Walker                                                                                

Family Literacy Program
Jewell Chestnut
HosneAra Kader

Weatherization
Gloria Vicenti – Program Director
Annmarie Friebe
Shawn Jennings
John Kline
Gavin Smith
Lincoln VanWettering

Head Start
Cindy Andrus – Program Director
Brandon Caraballo
Chantale Carious
Tristen Cummings
Lindsay Davidson
Jessica Fontanez
MonRay Francois
Emily Gaschel
Wendy Gloss-Rubet
Tabatha Gregory-Tipple
Cindy Hutchings
Danielle Markessinis
Nicole Markessinis
Donna Martino
Lisa Miller
Laila Papry
Chrystal Perry
Amber Quickenton
Sonna Shelton
Jennifer Smith
Patrick Tuthill
Keona Velasquez
Tamia Virgo
Tina Vessio
Theresa Weed
Carolyn Williams
Kathy Williams

Our Board

Columbia Opportunities, Inc. is governed by a tri-partite Board of Directors made up of public, consumer, and private-sector representatives. This unique structure is designed to promote the participation of the community in attacking the causes and conditions of poverty in Columbia County, NY. Board meetings are currently held the third Thursday of the month via Zoom. Please contact coi@columbiaopportunities.org for more information.  

Bruce Frishkoff, Chairperson
Carol Friedman, Vice Chairperson
Berne Bendel, Secretary
Barbara Sagal, Treasurer
Charlotte Fuss
Michael Hofmann
Annette Perry
Lori Kolb Speer
Olivia Smith