Executive Team
Mark DeJoie, Esq.
Mark DeJoie Esq., is the CEO of Centerboard. Mark has been leading the organization since 1998 and has overseen tremendous growth including the increase of our Housing Services and the creation of our Youth Services and Community Programming, all of which have become mainstays for Centerboard. Mark’s unique vision for Centerboard allows for creative and collaborative processing with all Centerboard staff, allowing for a collective approach to serving families, youth and the community.
Heather Hildebrand, LSW
Heather Hildebrand, LSW, is the Chief Operating Officer for Centerboard and has been with Centerboard since 1998. She has over 30 years in the human services field and 25 years of managerial experience. Heather has overseen the creation and development of the youth and family division, and her leadership guides the overall programming and staffing needs of the organization. Heather is also the architect of Centerboard’s rigorous professional development and equity and inclusion training.
Brendan Lawrence, MSA
Brendan Lawrence, MSA, joined Centerboard as the Director of Finance in July 2019. Brendan has more than six years of public accounting experience, where he specialized in providing assurance, tax and various forms of consulting services to nonprofit clients. He has a broad range of experience in the nonprofit industry, including financial reporting, Federal and state regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational control/process implementation. Brendan is responsible for overseeing the financial strategy and operations at Centerboard.
Karen Sarro
Karen Sarro is a natural people person and has worked as a Human Resource Practitioner in the nonprofit and hospitality industries. She received her BS in Business Administration and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Endicott College in Beverly. Karen has maintained her certification as a Professional in Human Resources from SHRM since 2009. Karen’s valuable experience and knowledge provides Centerboard with support in recruitment, training, development, benefits and compliance. In her spare time Karen is an avid New England Patriots fan, enjoys golf, traveling or walking her dog Louie.
Ebony White
Ebony White is our Director of Youth Services. Ebony has over 15 years of experience working with families and youth in the Lynn Community. She joined the Centerboard team in 2008. Ebony serves as an active member of the community and works with organizations to continue ensuring that institutional policies and procedures support people of color and help bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to community members with a focus on organizational change. She has a B.A. in Communications from Newbury College and received a certificate from Suffolk University in Non-Profit Business Management. In her free time, she likes to hang out with her two children, travel, and coach basketball.
Robin Tobin
Robin Tobin has been with Centerboard since 2001 and now serves as the Director of Housing Operations. Robin brings stability and leadership to our various housing programs and leads a team of over 25 employees. She is certified in a multitude of disciplines including Family Development, Collaborative & Proactive Solutions and Nurturing Families from the Institute for Health & Recovery. Robin also serves on the Advisory Board for the North Shore Department of Transitional Assistance.
Agnes Misigah, LMHC
Agnes Misigah, LMHC is the Director of Housing, Policy and Practice. Agnes began her career at Centerboard in 2006 and started as a clinician in Centerboard's Youth Services division, later transitioning to Clinical Director of Youth Services. In 2014, Agnes joined the Housing Division as a Program Director and became co-director of Housing Services. Agnes’ perspective of helping people is based on the Empathy-Altruism Theory. She believes in putting herself in another person’s shoes, understanding how they feel and ultimately offering help without expecting anything in return. Agnes is a valuable asset at Centerboard and is a member of both the CQI and DEI planning committees. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Human Service Management from Suffolk University. Away from Centerboard, Agnes is involved in her local church volunteering both her leadership skills and music talent.
Machel Piper, Development Director
Machel has joined the team as our Director of Development in 2023. Machel has over 25+ years in Nonprofit organizations and education sectors across the country. Machel is here to oversee all of the marketing, events, grants, foundations and philanthropy for Centerboard. She is passionate about education and making a difference in the world- but mostly right here in Essex County!