NYC Outward Bound Staff

Senior Staff

Richard Stopol, President

As executive director since 1989, Mr. Stopol is responsible for fund raising, program planning and personnel. He previously served as a program director at the Fund for the City of New York, specializing in issues affecting children and youth. An attorney, Mr. Stopol earned a JD from New York University’s School of Law and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association. He graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and is a trained facilitator and a published writer.

William Abelow, Deputy Director for Operations

Mr. Abelow has multiple responsibilities for operations, programs and special projects. Previously, he was a founding member of the NYC Outward Bound Board of Directors. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and received a JD from Columbia University School of Law. For more than two decades, Mr. Abelow was CEO and counsel of the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes of New York. He also practiced law with the firm of Weil, Gotshal and Manges.

Robert Burke, Director of Staffing, Professional Development and Safety

Mr. Burke’s responsibilities include recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation and development of staff working in NYC Outward Bound’s field-based programs. He is also works with staff to ensure that all field programs are delivered safely and conform to Outward Bound safety standards and protocols. Over many years with NYC Outward Bound, Mr. Burke has worked as instructor, course director and manager, and is adept at activities ranging from sailing, climbing and backpacking to urban explorations and group work with youth and adults. He joined the staff in 1993 and since 2001 has served as manager of contract programs.

Ann Morris, Chief Financial Officer

Ann Morris oversees all financial matters of NYC Outward Bound. Previously she worked at the New York City Board of Education, where she designed the School Leadership Team Initiative and led its implementation throughout the City school system. Ms. Morris has worked in a variety of public and non-profit organizations, serving as budget officer for the Open Society Institute/Soros Foundation and as assistant commissioner for budget and finance for New York City’s Department of Homeless Services. She earned a BA from Brown University and a Masters in Public Administration from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Doris Phinizy, Director of Personnel and Administration

Doris Phinizy manages issues relating to NYC Outward Bound’s human resources and ensures that the office has everything it needs to run smoothly. She joined NYC Outward Bound in 1989. Previously she assisted the President at the Bronx Community College and supervised the college work-study program. Ms. Phinizy is director of music ministry at the New Ebenezer Baptist Church and executive administrator of the Joyce Harrigan Dance Academy in Westchester County. Ms. Phinizy graduated from Empire State College with a major in community and human service and a minor in business administration.

Suzanne Tillman , Field Director for Expeditionary Learning™ Outward Bound Programs

Ms. Tillman manages all Expeditionary Learning programs in New York City and serves as liaison to the NYC Department of Education’s Office of New Schools. Prior to joining NYC Outward Bound’s staff, Ms. Tillman served as Director of Organization and Leadership Development at the New York Citywide School to Work Alliance, supporting principals and school leadership teams in implementing their strategic plans, building effective school/business partnerships and designing school curriculum. She has also worked for the NYC Partnership and Chamber of Commerce as Senior Director of Education Programs where she directed initiatives related to education and workforce development.

Paola Vita, Director of Development and External Relations

Ms. Vita has worked with NYC Outward Bound since 1989 in various capacities. Her experience in education, counseling, and youth development is extensive. Prior to assuming her current post, she served as director of marketing for two years and development director for five, responsible for raising annual operating funds. As well, she launched and completed NYC Outward Bound’s first capital campaign. Earlier Ms. Vita worked as an educational specialist, alumni coordinator and instructor at George Washington High School, and was a course director and instructor for youth courses, teacher and staff training. She graduated from Brown University and received a M.Ed. in counseling and education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Fai Walker, Program Director

Ms. Walker manages all of NYC Outward Bound’s non-Expeditionary Learning programs for students, parents, teachers and school administrators. Her primary responsibilities involve supervising and supporting the staff that manage and design these programs, and working with them and program clients to ensure quality program delivery. Ms. Walker has worked with cultural and educational organizations for two decades, in roles as various as playwright, curriculum developer, facilitator, program coordinator, educational specialist and executive director. At NYC Outward Bound from 1994 to 2000, she developed and managed courses for educators, youth workers and service learning. After four years in Tulsa, OK, where she served as executive director of Greenwood Cultural Center, she returned to NYC Outward Bound.