Rev. Dr. Darlene “Dr. Dee” Williams, PhD, D.R.E
President and Chief Executive Officer
Rev. Dr. Darlene “Dr. Dee” Williams, PhD, D.R.E, is a nationally recognized executive leader with over 30 years of experience leading complex nonprofit, public-sector, healthcare, human services, and higher education organizations through periods of growth, transformation, and organizational transition. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served in senior leadership roles including President & CEO, Interim CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Program Officer, Assistant Commissioner, Executive Director, and Board leader across some of New York City’s most impactful institutions, where she has guided organizations through executive transition while strengthening strategic direction, organizational culture, operations, and sustainability.
Dr. Williams has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, led large multidisciplinary teams of more than 700 employees, managed complex government and philanthropic partnerships, and strengthened operational performance across organizations serving historically underserved communities. Her leadership expertise spans strategic planning, organizational transformation, operations management, program oversight, fundraising, public policy, governance, workforce development, and community-centered systems leadership.
A respected educator and thought leader, Dr. Williams has served as graduate and undergraduate faculty across multiple higher education institutions, teaching research methods, nonprofit management, public administration, leadership, and organizational systems. She holds dual doctorate degrees in Public Policy & Administration and Doctor of Religious Education, bringing together systems leadership, evidence-informed strategy, and a deep commitment to service and community impact.
Dr. Williams has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership and public service, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Crain’s New York Most Notable Black Leaders, City & State Above & Beyond in Social Services, Nonprofit Trailblazers, Fifty Over 50: The Age Disruptors, Above & Beyond Gen X, The Responsible 100 Award, PoliticsNY & AMNY Metro Nonprofit Players, and Schneps Media Queens and Manhattan Power Lists, along with multiple civic and community leadership recognitions.
Known for her strategic vision, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership style, Dr. Williams is deeply committed to strengthening organizations, advancing equity, building high-performing teams, and creating sustainable systems that improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
Deputy Chief Program Officer
Gale Alwill came to PH in 2002 and has worked as a manager in the areas of Mental Health, HIV services, and Housing. Gale became the Deputy Director of Program at Project Hospitality in 2011. In her current role, she oversees the Wellness and Recovery Division, the Housing Services Division, as well as Food and Nutrition and Quality Improvement. Gale lives in New Jersey, she is an LCSW, and she holds a Master in Social Work from New York University.
Gale Alwill, LCSW
Chief Program Officer
Mathylde Frontus, Ph.D., LMSW, joined Project Hospitality as Chief Program Officer in 2026. She is a seasoned human services executive, clinician, educator, and former New York State Assemblymember with more than two decades of leadership experience across nonprofit, government, behavioral health, housing, and community-based services.
Dr. Frontus previously served as Chief Program Officer at HousingPlus, overseeing a $17 million government-funded portfolio and a multidisciplinary workforce of more than 65 staff. She also founded and led Urban Neighborhood Services for 12 years and served two terms in the New York State Assembly. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from Columbia University.
Mathylde Frontus, Ph.D., LMSW
Chief Operating Officer
Michelle Gassama, Project Hospitality's Chief Operating Officer since 2022, joined the organization in 2013. Previously, she served as Deputy Director of Planning and Evaluation, overseeing data management and quality improvement. Before her tenure at Project Hospitality, Michelle spent 8 years at Montefiore Medical Center's Adolescent AIDS Program, managing community research initiatives and outreach. Her career in community health began as a U.S. Peace Corps Health Extension Volunteer in The Gambia, West Africa, focusing on HIV/AIDS education and data management. Michelle holds a Master's degree in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dartmouth College.
Michelle Gassama, MPH
Deputy Chief Program Officer
Ayo Odeyale came to Project Hospitality in 2000 and has worked in several leadership positions within the agency. In his current role as the Deputy Director of Programs, he is responsible for the oversight, leadership, and management of programs, including budgeting, program marketing, collaborations, coalition building, and implementation plans for new programs within his area of responsibility. Ayo is experienced in the areas of substance abuse, homeless services, mental illness and diagnosis, and HIV/AIDS. His diverse portfolio of services includes Adult Services, Family Services, ransitional/Emergency Housing Services, Residential Services, and Youth Services. Ayo has a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, with a special interest in Nonprofit and Public Management.
Ayo Odeyale, LMSW
Director of Recovery and Community Initiatives
Rev. Karen Pershing came to Project Hospitality in 2012 and oversees the agency’s Community Initiatives Division and community help centers, which provide many free services to our Staten Island neighbors. She also oversees the agency’s disaster recovery work and serves as the Executive Director of the Staten Island Long Term Recovery Organization, an organization founded in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. She is also the co-chair of the Staten Island Inter-Religious Leadership coalition and serves on several government and non-profit boards and steering committees. Rev. Pershing earned her Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America.
Reverend Karen Pershing, M.Div.
Chief Financial Officer
Luis Pico oversees finance and accounting at Project Hospitality. Before this role, Luis served as the controller for Black Veterans for Social Justice from 2021 to 2023. Before his experience in the nonprofit world, Luis held several senior financial roles in the private sector. Luis holds a master’s in business administration in finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from New York University.
Luis Pico, MBA
Chief of Staff & Strategic Advisor to the CEO
Birat Shrestha started with Project Hospitality in 2023 in a fundraising and development role and now helps develop agency-wide strategy. He is proud to serve the mission of the organization.