New Community Corporation, one of the nation’s largest community development organizations, appointed Simone Gagneron as its chief executive officer on Thursday. Gagneron succeeds Richard Rohrman, who retired in 2021.
Gagneron most recently served as chief operating officer at United Way of Northern New Jersey where she led financial planning and managed human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade at the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity serving as vice president of finance and chief financial officer where she oversaw financial operations and IT functions and managed risks and compliance.
She began her career in finance, serving as a senior auditor. She then took on the role of a senior lead at the real estate management firm Pinnacle Group. From there, she served as interim CFO/Assistant Vice President of Finance at Palladia Inc., a social services agency in New York City with a $50 million operating budget.
Gagneron earned an MBA in technology from New Jersey Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Binghamton University. She serves on the board of the Baltimore startup nonprofit organization Transforming Youth into Adults (TYIA).
New Community board of directors Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba expressed the board’s confidence in Gagneron because of her background, experience and demonstrated commitment to the urban environment.
“The board is confident that Simone will continue New Community’s legacy of service and empowerment,” Yamba said.
Board member Edgar Nemorin, who chaired the CEO search committee, noted Gagneron’s proven leadership with strong financial and business acumen, as well as her wealth of experience in finance, housing and project management.
“She has the skills, knowledge and experience from her work at the YMCA and United Way that will lead New Community Corporation to achieve its goals,” Nemorin said.
In accepting the position, Gagneron has committed to New Community’s mission and looks forward to leading the nonprofit to continued success.
“I am excited to join an organization that continues to be influential in its commitment to changing the life trajectory for inner city families,” Gagneron said. “It is essential that nonprofits and businesses work together to make sure that the next generation has the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.”
About New Community
New Community Corporation (www.newcommunity.org) was founded in 1968 in Newark by Monsignor William J. Linder and a small group of community residents during a time of civil unrest that was spreading throughout urban communities across the United States. NCC has grown to become one of the largest and most comprehensive community development organizations in the country, providing services ranging from housing and health care to education and banking services. Included in the network is close to 2,000 units of housing for families and seniors; an accredited post-secondary career and technical school; a 180-bed skilled nursing facility; a one-stop Family Resource Success Center; a transitional housing facility for homeless families; Adult Learning Center; a federally-insured Federal Credit Union; a licensed outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment center; Financial Opportunity Center; two early learning centers; and after-school, recreational and summer camp programs for youth.
