Board Members

An established and proven 20-year career fundraiser, grant writer, and government contract specialist for several for-profit, and non-profit organizations, including major hospital, and transportation systems.

In the past several years, Marcos has secured tens of millions of dollars for initiatives directly supporting public health issues, including funding for urgent care facilities, substance misuse programs, mobile medical testing facilities, and diesel fuel replacement technologies and infrastructure.

Marcos has extensive knowledge of Federal, State, and local procurement practices and guidelines, and enjoys well-developed and mature relationships with key individuals tied to small business and corporate start-ups.

Carol Berkowitz has been the Executive Director of Penates Inc. since 2021, where she leads a team of professionals in human services and shelter provision serving many individuals and families annually.

With over 12 years in the nonprofit sector, Carol previously obtained the first NYS HHAP grant funding for shelter remodeling in the agency’s 30+ year history in her first year in her role. Carol also addressed staff morale as a major priority, acknowledging that without high morale and a positive and supportive work environment, the hard work her staff does every day is only made more difficult.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Human Services and lives in Rocky Point, NY, with her husband.

Miguel Turell is a community leader, nonprofit executive, and logistics professional with more than two decades of experience in operations, supply management, and community engagement.

He is the Co-Founder and President of Uplift Our Towns Inc., a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth programs, neighborhood improvement initiatives, and resource distribution.

Miguel brings a strong commitment to service, collaboration, and organizational leadership, along with a B.S. in Organizational Management and an MBA in Management and Leadership.

Through his professional and community work, he has developed a reputation for building partnerships, bringing people together, and turning ideas into meaningful community impact.

Melissa is a professionally trained Direct Support Professional with experience ensuring high standards of culturally competent care for a wide variety of consumers with diverse needs.

Marcus Duffin, a native of Amityville and an alumnus of Amityville High School and the University of Hartford, has devoted more than 20 years to community service. His dedication to volunteerism began during his university years when he worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters to provide academic support and mentorship to middle school and elementary students in the Greater Hartford area.

Before his current roles at the Town of Babylon in 2019, Marcus worked at the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, Consumer Affairs, and the Suffolk County Board of Elections. He currently holds the positions of Special Projects Coordinator for the Town Supervisor's Office and Deputy Commissioner of Human Services.