Craig Drinkard – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba Retires

Michelle Lang — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:02:07 +0000

Click here to read the Special Edition Clarion highlighting Dr. Yamba’s retirement.

91��Ƭ Board of Directors Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba has retired from his position with the organization, effective Dec. 31, 2023. Yamba joined the Board in September 2012 and became Chairman in June 2018 following the passing of NCC founder and Board Chairman Monsignor William J. Linder.

Yamba was involved with 91��Ƭ long before his official capacity as a member of the Board of Directors. He was a parishioner of Queen of Angels Church where Monsignor Linder served as priest during the founding of 91��Ƭ. He had been asked to join the Board prior to 2012 but declined because of his employment responsibilities. After he retired, he joined 91��Ƭ’s Board of Directors.

He has enjoyed being able to give back to the community through his work on NCC’s Board.

“The myriad of services that 91��Ƭ offers are critical to the total well-being of the community. And that has been my passion all along,” Yamba said.

During his service with the Board of Directors, Yamba oversaw the re-syndication of NCC housing, helped lead the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, established Board committees to have closer working relationships with NCC leadership staff, assisted in the re-accreditation process for , led NCC through times of leadership transition and helped relaunch the organization’s Golfing for a Cause fundraiser following the pandemic.

NCC Interim Board Chairman Edgar Nemorin said Yamba has been an ambassador, advocate and steward to 91��Ƭ.

“As Board Chairman, he successfully ensured that 91��Ƭ continued its mission of providing services to the residents of Newark,” Nemorin said. “Although he has resigned as a Board Member and Board Chairman of NCC, we know that he is only a phone call away to assist us in fulfilling our mission.”

Under Yamba’s direction, the Board worked with senior leadership after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health and safety of NCC employees, residents and clients while maintaining the necessary services to the community. He also led the organization through two leadership transitions: the passing of Monsignor Linder and the retirement of CEO Richard Rohrman. He was instrumental in the search process for NCC’s current CEO Simone Gagneron.

“Dr. Yamba defines what it means to be in public service. The dedication and support he has provided to 91��Ƭ and the people of Newark is extraordinary,” Gagneron said. “He has clearly set the stage for others to follow. I would like to thank him personally and professionally for his guidance.”

Yamba said 91��Ƭ’s mission is just as relevant today as it was in 1968 when the organization was founded and that its offerings continue to be vital.

“It’s my hope and prayer and certainly part of Monsignor’s vision that these services will continue to be provided as long as we have people who need them,” Yamba said.

In addition to his work with 91��Ƭ, Yamba has served the community in a variety of roles in the areas of education and community development.

Yamba is President Emeritus of . He served as President from 1980 to 2010, which is the longest tenure for that position at the school. He was also involved with the institution well before leading it. Yamba joined the humanities faculty when the college opened in 1968 and served as Dean of Faculty before he was appointed President in May 1980.

Current Essex County College President Dr. Augustine Boakye said Yamba strengthened the community through his work.

“Our Essex County College family and the Essex Community owe Dr. Yamba a debt of gratitude for enriching our lives and making education the cornerstone of community engagement and development,” he said.

Yamba served as a commissioner of the for more than a decade and is a founding member of the , an affiliate of the of the . His other past affiliations include serving on the boards of the Essex County WIB, Newark Downtown Redevelopment Corporation, American Conference on Diversity, Christ the King Prep Academy, Council of Higher Education in Newark (CHEN) and . He is also an Emeritus Board Member of .

“For decades, Dr. A. Zachary Yamba has been one of Newark’s great educators and activists. Whether as President of Essex County College, Chairman of the 91��Ƭ Board or Commissioner of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, he has mentored and inspired his colleagues, students and residents of our city. His legacy is firm in the hearts and minds of the generations he empowered in his many endeavors,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “As Dr. Yamba enters this new phase of his life, we thank him for his leadership and service to Newark, and wish him joy and success for the future.”

Victoria Foundation Executive Officer Craig Drinkard said the City of Newark, Essex County and the State of New Jersey are all better places because of Yamba’s leadership.

“His tireless and regal service to Newark and all of humanity spans decades and has helped to transform the lives of countless individuals and families,” Drinkard said.

President and CEO Vivian Cox Fraser said Yamba has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancing opportunities for families.

“As President of Essex County College and his leadership on the Board of 91��Ƭ, Zack never lost sight of the people he was there to serve and help.”

A graduate of , Yamba was awarded honorary degrees from his alma mater, and the in Ghana. In 1980, Yamba, an All-America soccer player, was inducted into Seton Hall’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Retired 91��Ƭ CEO Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from LISC Greater Newark

Michelle Lang — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 15:35:22 +0000

Richard Rohrman, who retired from his role as Chief Executive Officer of 91��Ƭ in 2021, was one of four recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the LISC Greater Newark 2022 NJ Neighborhood Achievement Awards, held on March 31 at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza (formerly St. Joseph Plaza) and live-streamed for virtual participation.

LISC Greater Newark describes the Lifetime Achievement Award as an honor that “recognizes an individual for significant contributions to community development and neighborhood revitalization over the span of an entire career.”

91��Ƭ Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba presented Rohrman with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the event.

“Rich’s life’s work is intertwined with 91��Ƭ. He has been part of the movement. He stayed the course. He’s been faithful. And his leadership is indelibly imprinted in all of us,” Yamba said. “We are thrilled that LISC chose to honor him.”

91��Ƭ Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Mbakaya echoed that sentiment.

“We are so happy to see Rich’s hard work and dedication to the community recognized by LISC in this way,” she said.

Victoria Foundation Co-Executive Officer Craig Drinkard served as the chair of the 2022 LISC Greater Newark Local Advisory Committee and spoke about the Lifetime Achievement Award honorees. He said he considers Rohrman a friend.

“Sir, you taught me how to block out the outside noise and stay focused on your mission. You were steadfast and you said, ‘I know what I need to do. I need to block out the noise to get us where we need to go.’ And you did it,” Drinkard said. “The next leader that comes into this organization is poised to take it into the 22nd century because of your leadership.”

When Rohrman accepted his award, he spoke fondly about his time at 91��Ƭ.

“It’s been a really rewarding 26 years here at 91��Ƭ, working in community development. It’s enriched my life more than I can really say. It’s been an experience for me that really has formed my thoughts and formed my life and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. It’s been a terrific experience,” he said. “It’s really been an honor working here and working with the dedicated staff at 91��Ƭ.”

Rohrman also acknowledged the other recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, thanking them for their work and saying he learned from each of them.

The three others who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the event also recently retired from their leadership roles. The honorees were Wayne Meyer, former President of New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC); Raymond Ocasio, former Executive Director of La Casa de Don Pedro; and Joseph Della Fave, former Executive Director of Ironbound Community Corporation.

“It’s really a terrific group of dedicated people that are receiving these honors,” Rohrman said.

LISC Greater Newark Executive Director Jorge Cruz explained the organization’s goals for the event.

“Our focus is really centered on building on local, equitable ecosystems and particularly ecosystems that are working towards equity for all,” he said. “We are recognizing those honorees who, from our standpoint, are the best of the best when it comes to ecosystem builders.”

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Awards, LISC Greater Newark also presented the Transformative Project Award to Avi Teylas of Makerhoods, the Exemplary Private Partner Award to Tomas Porturas of Wells Fargo Bank and the Rhonda A. Lewis Community Inspirational Advocate Award to Kaleena Berryman. The event also included a tribute to Rhonda A. Lewis, who served as the Executive Director of LISC Greater Newark before her passing in 2020.

91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman to Retire May 31

Michelle Lang — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 14:28:36 +0000

Chief Executive Officer Richard Rohrman has announced his retirement from 91��Ƭ at the end of May. He has served as NCC’s CEO since April of 2013.

Rohrman’s history with 91��Ƭ started long before he was appointed as CEO. In the 1980s, he served as the organization’s Assistant Director of Maintenance and Business Development Manager. Since then, he has held the positions of Director of Real Estate Operations and Director of Real Estate Development. During his tenure, he oversaw NCC’s business development, real estate development, operations and economic development. He took over the role of CEO when NCC Founder Monsignor William J. Linder retired from that position.

Rohrman said Monsignor Linder encouraged him to join 91��Ƭ in 1981.

“I had no idea that I was beginning one of the most meaningful and enriching experiences of my life,” Rohrman said. “Having been able to work at the side of an icon like Monsignor Linder was a once in a lifetime honor and opportunity. He opened my eyes to the injustice in the city and the injustice that its people were suffering. As a child of the suburban Catholic school system, it is an understatement to say I was introduced to a different world than the one I grew up in.”

Rohrman embraced NCC’s mission and grew within the organization, eventually taking the reins. As CEO, he has led 91��Ƭ through its 50th anniversary year and helped set the organization on a steady path for the next 50 years. He led the re-syndication of over 1,100 units of NCC housing, which resulted in renovations and the preservation of much-needed affordable housing servicing the most vulnerable population. He also reorganized NCC’s executive team, adding a Chief Operating Officer.

Rohrman has used his expertise to strengthen the operational structure and the financial standing of the organization, positioning NCC to grow. In keeping with the organization’s values, Rohrman oversaw an increased minimum wage for its workforce and initiated a 401(k) benefits program for employees with an employer match.

Rohrman has been at the helm of 91��Ƭ through times of transition, including the passing of the organization’s founder and Board Chairman, Monsignor Linder, in 2018. He has also led 91��Ƭ through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout his tenure, Rohrman said the human element has stood out the most.

“The work has been both rewarding and meaningful to me but the real story is the people. I have been so enriched by the people I have met, gotten to know and been friends with over the years. To learn about so many cultures and backgrounds and having the opportunity to appreciate them has been a life-changer for me,” Rohrman said. “Having worked with and known a seemingly endless array of dedicated people with such different backgrounds has been the real story of my time at NCC. I am proud of my work and also thankful that I have been able to make some difference in the lives of our workforce, clients and residents.”

Being part of 91��Ƭ for so many years, Rohrman got to know the inner workings of the organization, which put him in a position to successfully lead. Members of the Board of Directors are pleased with how Rohrman has positioned 91��Ƭ to move forward.

“His retirement is going to be a real loss to 91��Ƭ because he has served us well,” said Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba. “He has a steady hand, he is very approachable and he is very knowledgeable about the organization.”

“He was remarkable in boosting both the stability and the quality of 91��Ƭ’s role as a service provider for the community,” said long-time Board Member Newton Richards. “During the course of his tenure, there was a constant upward trend.”

“Over the years, Rich has worked hard to bring NCC to the level where it is today, including increasing the membership of the NCC Board of Directors,” said NCC Board Member and Outreach Coordinator Madge Wilson. “I would like to take this opportunity to say a job well done and to enjoy your retirement.”

In addition to working closely with members of NCC’s Board of Directors and staff, Rohrman also forged relationships with those working in other organizations, including Victoria Foundation Co-Executive Officer Craig Drinkard. Victoria Foundation has served as a long-time funder of 91��Ƭ and Drinkard has worked there since 2006. Drinkard, who lived in NCC housing when growing up, described Rohrman as humble and willing to ask for help when needed.

“He was always methodical in his thinking around the moves the organization needed to make,” Drinkard said, citing as an example the re-syndication of NCC housing which took many steps and much coordination. “Not only are the residents benefiting from that on a day-to-day basis, but the organization itself is in a better position.”

Rohrman knows that after his retirement, 91��Ƭ will continue to provide quality services that fulfill the organization’s mission to help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement.

“NCC is in a strong position to explode into its next 50 years,” Rohrman said. “There will be new buildings and facilities, much greater emphasis on health and its relationship to housing, training for well-paying in-demand jobs, health care, early childhood development and who knows what opportunities will open up. Whatever arises, NCC will be ready.”

While it will be difficult to replace Rohrman, Yamba is optimistic about the future.

“We hope that the person who succeeds him will be able to rise up to the challenge, especially in this period of COVID, economic downturn and all the issues facing the nation and community-based organizations,” Yamba said.

Rorhman plans to enjoy his retirement in a variety of ways.

“Traveling with my wife Joanne, spending time with family in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Colorado; reading; volunteering; hiking; taking some courses in interesting topics; and slowing down a little are all in store for the future,” he said.

The NCC Board of Directors has embarked on a search for the organization’s next CEO. The Board has engaged The Support Center, a nonprofit leadership and consulting organization specializing in executive search and transition management, to help navigate the search and manage the transition. The Support Center has deep roots in Newark and has been an important partner to NCC over the years.

91��Ƭ will release a special edition Clarion in the near future to highlight more of Richard Rohrman’s time with the organization and the perspective of those who have worked with him.

For information about the CEO opportunity, .

91��Ƭ To Host 25th Annual Golf Classic July 1

Michelle Lang — Fri, 31 May 2019 19:57:22 +0000

91��Ƭ Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba taking a swing at the NCC Golf Classic in 2018. File photo.

91��Ƭ will hold its 25th Annual Golf Classic Monday, July 1 at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Livingston, N.J. Proceeds from the event will benefit NCC’s youth and education programs; Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing facility for homeless families; and the Monsignor William J. Linder Scholarship Fund.
“The annual NCC Golf Classic helps raise funds for our homeless families to provide the services they so desperately need. But in the process, we have a great time playing golf, eating, drinking and enjoying the great company,” said 91��Ƭ CEO Richard Rohrman. “It is really a fun filled event that we look forward to each year. Come out and enjoy.”
Golf Co-Chair and NCC Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba emphasized the importance of the event for 91��Ƭ and the children and families it serves.
“This year more than ever, in addition to supporting Harmony House and all the work that 91��Ƭ does, we want to place an emphasis on more participants and more donations to support the Monsignor Linder Scholarship Fund to enable promising young people to obtain not just their high school diploma, but also go on to college,” he said.
Registration for the event will begin at 10:30 a.m. July 1 with a barbecue scheduled for 11 a.m. There will be a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. and after a full day of golfing, participants will enjoy an evening reception beginning at 5:30 p.m.
There will also be an opportunity to participate in a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction with RSINJ Inc.
Withum Smith+Brown is the major sponsor of this year’s event. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
Event co-chairs are Dr. A. Zachary Yamba, NCC Board President and President Emeritus of Essex County College; Michael Pintabone, Partner at Withum Smith+Brown; and Bill Passarotti, Partner and Client Executive at Palmer & Cay.
The event committee includes Richard Rohrman, NCC CEO; Diane Johnson, NCC Board of Directors Member; Craig Drinkard, Deputy Director at Victoria Foundation; Jeremy Garlock of Schenck, Price, Smith & King; Zoraya E. Lee-Hamlin, President and CEO of RayZo Marketing; Antonio Lolo, Vice President of Ferry Carpet; and Wayne Gravesande, NCC Director of Environmental Services.
If you are interested in participating in the 2019 Golf Classic or becoming a sponsor, contact Tracey Battles at tracey.battles@newcommunity.org or 973-497-4414.

Behind The Scenes Of NCC’s 50th Anniversary Video

Michelle Lang — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 15:35:33 +0000

91��Ƭ will debut a video commemorating its founder and 50 years of service at its 50th Anniversary Gala March 3 in East Rutherford.

The video will highlight the work of NCC Founder Monsignor William J. Linder and the corporation as a whole. There will be interviews with 91��Ƭ staff members, including CEO Richard Rohrman, Director of Mission Frances Teabout and Director of Health and Social Services Veronica Onwunaka; Associate Director Craig Drinkard; people who knew Monsignor Linder before he founded 91��Ƭ; and Monsignor Linder himself.

Also highlighted in the video will be a number of 91��Ƭ programs and services, including the 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center, an accredited post-secondary career and technical school; Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing facility for homeless families; day care; after-school program; and senior activities.

John Pallone, owner of Video Life Productions, is producing the piece. He visited 91��Ƭ in January to film the interviews and scenes throughout the network.

To see the video debut, purchase tickets for the 91��Ƭ 50th Anniversary Gala, which will be held Saturday, March 3 at the Hilton Meadowlands, 2 Meadowlands Plaza, East Rutherford. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by a formal dinner.

For more information about purchasing tickets or sponsorships, contact Tracey Battles at 973-497-4414 or tracey.battles@newcommunity.org or Michelle Lang at 973-497-4413 or mlang@newcommunity.org.

Additional information is also available at or by contacting event coordinator Zoraya Lee-Hamlin at 862-233-8020 or 50thanniversary@newcommunity.org.