NYCID Announces the Election of Officers

John Mancuso

New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID) has announced the election of officers to the agency's Board of Directors as well as the election of a new member to the Board. 

John Mancuso of Westerleigh was elected to the board and John Minardo, a Manhattan resident, was re- elected as chair of the board of directors of NYCID. Maryann Lauria of Eltingville and Ruth Wahtera of Hurley, N.Y., were re-elected vice-chair and treasurer, respectively. 

Board member Michael P. O'Brien of Grymes Hill was elected secretary. 

Mancuso is the executive chef and owner of Silvestro's Gourmet Deli & Caterers, located in Westerleigh. He is the captain and commanding officer of NYPD Auxiliary Police for the 122 Precinct and Highway Patrol Unit #5 (Staten Island). 

Maryann Lauria

An attorney, Minardo is associate general counsel with the Over the Counter Medicines division of Novartis Consumer Health in Parsippany, N.J. A member of the board of directors of NYCID since 2005, he provides pro bono work in capital punishment defense, Social Security appeals, uncontested divorce for victims of domestic violence and criminal appeals. 

Ms. Lauria is the director of corporate and foundation relations for the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook. 

Ms. Wahtera works as a consultant and copywriter with non-profit organizations. 

Michael O'Brien

O'Brien is partner with the Wall Street firm of O'Brien & Jacobs. 

New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID) provides youth, community, and professional development programs and dispute resolution services that promote constructive problem solving, effective communication, violence prevention, and intercultural awareness. The St. George agency also operates a training institute to teach these skills to others. 

Published: Monday, January 16, 2012 © 2012 SILive.com. All rights reserved.

Behind the Scenes: Maryann Lauria, Board Vice Chair & Secretary

Maryann Lauria

What surprised Maryann Lauria when she made the transition from a career in financial services to the not-for-profit sector was that, as different as they are, the nonprofit sector is still a business. Success still depends on solid financial management, good organizational skills and productivity. And, Maryann says that the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), where she is director of development, practices those skills better than any of the for-profit firms where she was employed.

Maryann Lauria joined NYCID’s board three years ago for two reasons. First, she and her husband, Nick Popolo, believe in giving back to their community. That’s Eltingville, Staten Island, ever since this Brooklynite joined her new husband here five years ago. Then, when looking for how to give-back, Maryann found NYCID.

“I was drawn to NYCID when I met some of the staff,” she said. “Their passion for the work and commitment to the people they serve is above and beyond that found in most organizations. I feel lucky to be on the board of such a great organization. And, I have such respect for the talents and skills of the other board members, each in their own field.”

That’s significant praise from a person whose fundraising expertise has put the NYSPCC in the black every year since she joined them seven years ago.

Maryann earned her undergraduate degree in general business, marketing and law at Pace. When she changed careers she complemented that background with an MPA from NYU. She changed careers because she felt unfulfilled in the financial sector and wanted to use her business skills to benefit families and children. She has four brothers and 14 nieces and nephews that mean the world to her. She’d like other families to be strong and healthy, too.

Maryann and Nick balance their professional and civic lives with family, friends and travel. Maryann’s advice? When on a trip, balance each day with a mix of tourist attractions and wandering – seeing the world through the eyes of the locals. Whether she’s in the Caribbean, Las Vegas or Paris, she looks for that balance.

Maryann helps NYCID keep the right balance, too, between business and service. We’re lucky to have her on our board. Thank you, Maryann.

Michael O'Brien Joins the NYCID Board

Michael O'Brien

The NY Center Board of Directors welcomes Michael O’Brien to the Board. He is a partner at O’Brien and Jacobs, PLLC in Manhattan.

Why did Michael join the Board?

“I come from a modest background, the son of an electrician and a nurse. I worked hard in school, stayed out of trouble, and was the first person in my family to go to college and then to law school, eventually starting my own law firm in lower Manhattan.  Some people like to use the phrase "self made man." I don't. I did not achieve my goals by myself - I had numerous mentors, advisors, teachers, and supporters along the way. That’s why I want to support NYCID - to help today's young adults achieve their goals.” 

Michael O'Brien is an experienced trial attorney with numerous successful jury verdicts throughout the New York State Supreme Courts and New York City Civil Courts. He represents institutional and individual clients in complex civil litigation in a broad range of areas, including general negligence, medical malpractice, wrongful death, toxic tort, real estate, constitutional law, trademark and copyright infringement, securities fraud, and business disputes. In additional to trial work, Michael's courtroom experience also includes successful appeals in New York State Appellate Courts.

Why would a successful trial attorney support an agency with a mediation center?

“Too often in litigation, the parties drift far apart, to the point where they refuse to agree to anything, even common courtesies that neither harm nor help the case.  An effective mediation brings the parties back together, usually leading to a settlement that everyone can live with.  This reduces the burden on our already over strained court system, and leaves both parties relatively pleased with the result.”

Michael, a Rhode Island native, attended law school in Boston and now lives on Staten Island where his wife, Meaghan Murphy, grew up. He lives on Grymes Hill with Meaghan and his son, Luke