Leadership
Len Cipollone, President/CEO
Len Cipollone joins Easterseals with an extensive background in human services. He started his career as a direct support worker for adults with intellectual disabilities at the Department of Developmental Services. Over the course of a career that spanned 5 decades, Len held positions with increasing degrees of responsibility; quality oversight, budget review, and program oversight. He played an integral role in expanding opportunities, resources, and programs for individuals served in Connecticut. Len closed out his time with the public sector in a leadership role as the Director of Service Development and Support for The Department of Developmental Services South Region. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle, adult children, and three dogs.
Gary Nielsen, C.P.A, CFO/COO
Gary Nielsen has been with Easterseals since 2004. He is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master’s Degree in Finance. He provides oversight of the Finance Office, IT and Agency Infrastructure. He has over 35 years of professional business experience in accounting, audit, budget development, administration, finance, insurance, policy development, grant management, construction oversight and infrastructure management. Over the course of his career, he has been a Board of Director for 15 Corporations and Foundations, a Trustee for a National Reinsurance Pool and has held the Executive Leadership and Cabinet position of Chief Financial Officer for 18 years. Gary has a long tenure with Easterseals and he “enjoys making a difference in the lives of the individuals and families that we serve on a daily basis in the greater Waterbury area”. He and his wife Nancy live in Woodbury and have two adult children.
Eric Cybulski, MBA, Vice President of Program Administration
Eric has been with Easterseals since 2017. He received a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, and an MBA in Healthcare Management and Compliance Law. Eric has proven to be valuable asset to Easterseals as the Director of Rehabilitation programs and as the Vice President of Program Administration. He has over 10 years of experience in providing voluntary and professional leadership throughout the Greater Waterbury area including St. Mary’s Hospital, Prospect Soccer Club and a local church. He is a visionary leader who believes that everyone’s position is important to the success of the organization. When Eric is not working you can find him hiking, snowboarding, fishing or spending time on Rhode Island beaches with his family.
Lisa McNeill, MBA, Vice President of Program Administration - Employment and Community Services
Lisa joins the Easterseals team with 27 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals throughout youth and adulthood in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. She has worked across various service settings including residential options, day programs, employment supports, and within independent living and family homes. She attained her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from CCSU and her Master's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership from Post University. Lisa has since used her education and ongoing experience to lead teams and build systems and structures always ensuring the highest standards of support are provided. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and the most recent addition to the family, a puppy named Everest.
Board of Directors:
Chair - Jim Watkowski
Treasurer - Kellie Jandreau
Secretary - Robert Stabile
Marya DiPernaMark GravelinePaul Jessell, Esq.Kenney JohnsonLiz LaCava
Tamara Nyce, Esq.Renee Rovelli
Maribel Rivera-Smith
David Segal
Robert TeittinenMichelle Yamin
James S. Zoldy, Jr.
Honorary Members:
Mark Dost, Esq.David Long
Judith Mirrer
Stedman Sweet
