McCormack+Kristel Tapped by Central New York ON RAMP for CEO Search
April 1, 2025 – Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (Central New York ON RAMP) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Reporting to the board of directors, the ON RAMP CEO will build the Central New York ON RAMP organization. They will develop and implement all programs, recruit and onboard staff, oversee daily operations, and lead business development and revenue generation strategies and execution. The founding CEO will represent ON RAMP in the community, engaging with employer partners, regional stakeholders, funders, and trainee prospects.
The inaugural CEO will be a seasoned leader with deep experience in developing and implementing workforce training programs, according to the job specification. They will bring a strong growth mindset and a fierce drive for innovation to the work of building a new organization.
The CEO will have a deep understating of workforce training and educational opportunity programs and a vision for realizing the extraordinary possibilities afforded by the $100 million public-private investment in Central New York. The inaugural CEO will be an innovative and adaptable leader who is passionate about engaging historically underserved communities and increasing workforce diversity in the advanced manufacturing and construction sectors, according to the job spec. During the start-up period, the ON RAMP CEO will work on-site in CenterState CEO’s main office in Syracuse, NY.
ON RAMP is dedicated to addressing critical workforce skill gaps in the advanced manufacturing and construction industries in Central New York. Its mission is to provide local employers with a skilled workforce pipeline while ensuring equitable access for historically underserved communities. ON RAMP will provide demand-driven, high-quality training, career development support, and job placement services, aiming to meet growing regional demand while promoting economic equity and inclusion.
McCormack+Kristel was started in 1993 as McCormack & Associates with the mission of recruiting senior leadership for the many research, advocacy and human services organizations growing exponentially in response to AIDS pandemic. Diversity recruiting has long been on the firm’s agenda.
With the advent of effective treatments for HIV/AIDS, and the diminishing needs of many of these organizations, the firm broadened its client base into areas like social justice; healthcare; women’s issues; higher education; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender; civil rights; and more.
Five years ago, founding partner Joseph A. McCormack formed a new business partnership with Michelle Kristel, who joined the firm in 2013 as an associate. The firm has offices in New York City and Palm Springs, CA. McCormack+Kristel clients have included the ACLU, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, TransForm, Planned Parenthood, SAGE, and the Tides Foundation, among others.
Related: McCormack+Kristel Recruits CFO for the Los Angeles LGBT Center
In 2022, Mr. McCormack retired. Ms. Kristel continues to run the firm’s national practice. She is the former executive director of In The Life Media (ITLM), a non-profit organization producing social change media to raise awareness of issues related to gender, HIV/AIDS, and LGBT rights.
Openhouse Search
McCormack+Kristel recently assisted in the recruitment of Rob Sánchez-Nelson as director for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DJEDI) of Openhouse in San Francisco. Bryan Epps led the assignment. Working across departments and with the board’s JEDI committee, Rob Sánchez-Nelson will identify real-time opportunities and challenges for Openhouse to deepen its commitment, competency, and JEDI outcomes to make positive change within the organization. With primary oversight of human resources, they will develop and implement HR policies to foster a strong, positive, and professional working environment. Additionally, they will support the HR manager with hiring and retention and provide ongoing staff training that ensures staff and volunteers reflect the community and provide culturally appropriate services to the LGBTQ+ elders Openhouse serves.
Rob Sánchez-Nelson is an experienced diversity and equity officer, educator, and support specialist with a demonstrated history of working in higher education, non-profits, and performing arts. They are passionate about making radical changes from within systems to grow equitable educational and professional experiences for all. Rob Sánchez-Nelson previously served as chief diversity officer of the San Francisco Ballet. Before that, they were director of social media, religious literacy project, Harvard Divinity School.
Openhouse empowers LGBTQ+ seniors to overcome the unique challenges they face as they age by providing LGBTQ+ welcoming housing, high-impact direct services, and innovative community programs. Their work reduces isolation and empowers LGBTQ+ seniors to improve their overall health, well-being, and economic security. It is a dynamic and entrepreneurial organization with a budget in excess of $5,500,000 and is on the leading edge of the growing field of aging services for LGBTQ+ elders at the local, state, and national levels.
Related: McCormack+Kristel Helps Recruit New Leader for Project HOME
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
