Executive Administration

JAMES L. KAUFMAN, President & CEO

Joining the agency in February 2013, James Kaufman comes to Abbott House with a long and notable record of achievement in social services. He began his career with Westchester Jewish Community Services where he was a Psychiatric Social Worker and later Clinical Director over an eleven-year period. After a year with Professional Services Center for the Handicapped as the Assistant Director for MR/DD Services, Mr. Kaufman joined Family Services of Westchester. From 1995 to 2013, he has served as Program Director, Senior Program Director, Vice President, and most recently Senior Vice President of Family Services of Westchester. Mr. Kaufman holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degress in Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Psychology, respectively, from the University of Miami and a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  

ROBERT M. COSTELLO, Executive Vice President & COO

Mr. Costello has been on the staff of Abbott House since 1989. His career in Social Work spans more than 35 years. Prior to joining Abbott House, Mr. Costello held senior management positions in Residential and Day Treatment programs with the Astor Services for Children and Families and the New York Foundling Hospital. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Costello is responsible for executive planning and oversight of all areas of the agency including contract management, real estate negotiations and acquisitions, facility management, information technology and purchasing in addition to direct oversight of Abbott House services for people with developmental disabilities. Mr. Costello has been recognized by COFCCA with their Best Practices Award in executive leadership and has served on national planning committees with the Alliance for Children and Families. Mr. Costello received his MSW from Fordham University.

LUIS A. RODRIGUEZ, MD, Senior Vice President

Dr. Rodriguez is an accomplished administrator in many fields with a resume that includes work in social services, human resources and healthcare. He has worked in both the profit and not-for-profit realms and brings this knowledge to our agency. At Abbott House, Dr. Rodriguez acts as the main administrator for all child welfare and clinical programs. Dr. Rodriguez received his advanced training in Pediatrics and Child/Adult Psychiatry from Harvard University, his Master’s in Business Administration from the City University of New York and a Jurist Doctorate degree from Yeshiva University.

GERARD P. FINN, CPA, Senior Vice President & CFO
With over 25 years of accounting experience, Gerard Finn blends his in-depth knowledge of nonprofit accounting with an expertise in accounting systems to help the executive team successfully grow each of Abbott House’s programs. His professional history illustrates his innate capability to identify potential problem areas and design solutions to ensure a secure and strong financial foundation. Mr. Finn possesses a strong knowledge of OMRDD funding and rate setting as well as procedural systems. Joining Abbott House in 2010, Mr. Finn is responsible for overseeing all contract funding, reporting, investments, accounts and audits.

MYRA C. GRAY,  Assistant Executive Director for Human Resources
Since joining the staff in 1977, Myra Gray has spent the majority of her professional career serving in the field of Human Resource Management. She was promoted to the position of Assistant Executive Director for Human Resources in 2004. At Abbott House, Ms. Gray is responsible for the development and implementations of all policies, programs and benefits offered through the agency’s Human Resources Department. She also serves as a member of the Abbott House Executive Management Team. Ms. Gray holds a BS in Community and Human Services from Empire State College and did graduate work at Manhattanville College.

HENRY J. ACKERMANN, JR., Chief Development Officer
Mr. Ackermann comes to Abbott House with an extensive career as a teacher, child-care worker, administrator, and fundraiser.   With over 25 years of Development experience at various non-profits in New York City and the Hudson Valley, he is well prepared for the challenges of raising monies from the private sector. Mr. Ackermann oversees all aspects of development for Abbott House, including public awareness, major gift campaigns, annual gifts, foundation grant writing, media relations, individual and corporate donations, planned giving, gifts-in-kind, special events, donor cultivation, and prospect research.  Mr. Ackermann is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.