Gary Field, LCSW
Founder/Executive Director
garyf@careergear.org
Fifteen years ago, Gary fit the profile of many of Career Gear’s clients – unemployed, recovering substance abuser, having just completed a job readiness program. He scraped together $50, bought a used suit for his interviews and successfully landed a job. Within five years, he completed his undergraduate studies, received a Master’s degree in social work and set about the business of helping men in similar positions get and keep satisfying jobs.
Prior to founding Career Gear, Gary worked as the Director of Services at the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, NYC, with formerly homeless mentally ill adults. As a psychiatric social worker. Gary earned a B.A. with distinction and an M.S.W. from New York University and an L.C.S.W. from the state of New York.
Michael Obertacz
Program Director
mikeo@careergear.org
Mike is responsible for the daily operations of Career Gear New York to maintain the quality of the organization’s current programming, improve curriculum and reporting where applicable, develop new and engaging programs for participants and supervising staff, interns and volunteers. Originally hired in 2007 as Program Manager, he has increased program retention, developed partnerships with organizations and individuals for guest facilitation, provided guidance and counseling to every participant involved in the Professional Development Series and strengthened the brand of the organization.
Mike is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a BS in English Education. He has applied his past experiences and strengths from working as a performer, theatrical set designer, manager, educator and mentor into the position he currently fills. Mike often speaks on behalf of the organization and the population of men Career Gear serves at various functions and events in New York. He recently completed the Junior Fellows program through the United Way of New York City’s Nonprofit Leadership Development Institute. His passion for the organization and its mission lies deeply in the belief that through quality and accountability we are creating an environment where participants feel comfortable to take risks and challenge themselves to become more than just men with jobs. We are creating a community of success, supporting one another, families and communities.
Leta Malloy, MPA
Director of Corporate Partnerships
letam@careergear.org
Leta is the liaison between Career Gear and its corporate partners. She is responsible for developing relationships with corporations around the country, bringing in financial and in-kind donations, as well as cause-marketing campaigns and specialized events for sponsors. Leta creates unique opportunities for each corporate partner. She also manages Career Gear’s social media initiatives.
Originally hired in the fall of 2006, as Affiliate Director, Career Gear has expanded to additional markets across the United States and improved the brand, under her guidance. Leta continues to introduce potential affiliates to the organization’s mission and programs.
Leta’s passion to work for Career Gear stems from the guidance she received in her youth from positive male mentors and role models. With a background as a professional performer, Leta has spent many years advocating self-esteem, confidence and the power of presentation to young performers. She has also worked in event management, planning conferences and anniversary celebrations for academic institutions, the arts and a labor union.
Leta is a graduate of Brown University with a BA in History with Honors. She recently completed the Junior and Senior Fellows programs through the United Way of New York City’s Nonprofit Leadership Development Institute. Leta co-published an article, “Good Staff is Hard to Find: What Skills Do NYC Nonprofit Staff Need?” in the New York Nonprofit Press, along with other Senior Fellows. She recently received her Masters in Public Administration from Baruch College’s School of Public Affairs. Leta is a member of Women in Development and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
Alison Nager, MFA
Development Officer
alison@careergear.org
Alison is responsible for raising money to support the general operating costs and the programs at Career Gear so that we can continue to provide our valuable services free of charge to those in need. She writes grant proposals for federal, state, city, corporate and foundation funds and is also responsible for researching new avenues of funding. Additionally, Alison works with current funders, keeping them up to date on Career Gear’s program achievements, statistics and current funding outlook and provides subsequent reporting requirements. She also cultivates relationships with individual donors, manages the Annual Appeal as well as various special promotions throughout the year including cause marketing campaigns aimed at increasing Career Gears profile. She manages Career Gear’s financial documents and all incoming contributions.
Alison started her career at Amnesty International where she worked on fundraising and media coordination for the Human Rights Now! world tour. She later went to NBC, starting as a Page and later worked as a Production Coordinator in the news division. Alison went on to develop film and TV projects for a small Los Angeles based film company and ran the talent management company Ellin Management before becoming a professional actress herself. She is a member of both the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association. Alison holds a BA in American Studies from Brandeis University and a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the Actors Studio at the New School University. She is a member of Women in Development.
Stephanie Stroh, MSW
Program Manager
stephanies@careergear.org
Stephanie is primarily responsible for overseeing the growth and success of the MAST Mentoring Program, as well as providing support for the Professional Development Series and analyzing successes of the current programming.
Stephanie obtained her Master of Social Work from Columbia University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Stephanie’s passion for the organization and the population served comes largely from her experience working with men returning home from prison and understanding the immense challenges they faced in the reentry process. Stephanie applies her knowledge of event planning, group facilitation, the intersection of social work and law, empowerment, and program development to enhance the quality of services available by promoting self-sufficiency and recognizing the value of confidence and a supportive, trusting community.
Christopher Straub
Program Coordinator
chris@careergear.org
Chris serves as the initial point of contact to everyone entering the Career Gear office. He works directly with counselors and clients to schedule daily appointments. Chris leads a dedicated group of volunteers in suiting clients and managing the clothing inventory. He also assists at the Professional Development Series Workshops in the evenings.
Chris has a background in retail and is an avid player in club sports across the NYC metro area. He is currently working on his CASAC certification, and is also on the Member Advisory Board for the organization, Chelton Loft.
