Our Team

Executive Director

David joined Building Skills NY in 2017. Under his leadership the organization has made more than 2,500 placements into full-time construction jobs, established a neighborhood-based advanced skills training program, and equipped hundreds of New York City residents with industry-recognized credentials. David previously served as Executive Director of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, where he helped launch Brooklyn’s Workforce 1 Industrial & Transportation Career Center. David holds a BA from Canisius College and a Master of Urban Planning degree from The University at Buffalo. He is a graduate of Coro’s Leadership New York program.

Director of Business Services

Rose joined Building Skills NY in 2024 and leads the construction job placement program. Throughout her tenures in workforce development with The HOPE Program, corporate recruitment, and construction tech, she has established hundreds of construction and developer partnerships. Rose has paneled for NY Build and the New York City Workforce Professionals Training Institute, lobbied for The HOPE Program, and completed a PechaKucha Presentation with GreenHomeNYC. She holds a BA in psychology from NYU and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management with honors from CUNY Baruch College, where she won the Levenstein Labor Relations Award. Originally from England, Rose is also an avid Tottenham Hotspur F.C. supporter.

Director of Training and Operations

Tatanisia joined Building Skills NY in 2018 and leads the Construction Career Accelerator advanced skills training program (CCA). Tatanisia spearheaded the establishment of the CCA in 2021, and 400 New York City residents have since graduated from the program. She previously served as Program Coordinator for BronxWorks’ Strong Fathers, Stronger Families program, where she maximized training and employment outcomes for both custodial and non-custodial parents. She holds a BS in Human Services from Norfolk State University and graduated from the Workforce Professionals Training Institute’s 2020 Job Developer Leadership Group. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and indulging in travel.

Director of Development & Communications

Taylor joined Building Skills NY in 2023 and leads fundraising and communications efforts. Taylor spent her early career in magazine journalism and corporate communications, beginning with a tenure in the research department at Vanity Fair. She holds a BA in Classical Studies from Columbia University and completed Columbia Business School’s Developing Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals. Outside of work, she volunteers for a children’s education nonprofit and enjoys baking and travel.

Database & Evaluations Manager

Olivia joined Building Skills NY in 2018 and manages the organization’s database as a Salesforce-Certified Amin. Prior to joining Building Skills NY, Olivia worked as an Operations Manager for Lloyd’s of London and as a Researcher for Good Housekeeping magazine. She received the ‘Chutzpah’ award for her outstanding work as a Grant Writer at the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, one of the most sought-after nonprofit leadership development programs in New York City. She holds a BA in Sociology from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College and a MS in Social Research from Hunter College.

Business Services Project Manger

Lola joined Building Skills NY in 2025 with extensive experience in process management and improvement, customer success management, and inbound marketing. Prior to joining the team, Lola specialized in client success at the construction tech company Sweeten. She holds a BA in Classics from Montclair State University.

Recruitment Specialist

Bernard joined Building Skills NY in 2025 to continue creating access and impact across the communities he’s grown up in and served throughout his career. Bernard has extensive experience in the nonprofit and education sectors, having spent years as a middle school English teacher. He most recently served as a recruiter at Teach for America, where he recruited teachers for classrooms in low-income areas across the country. Bernard holds a BA in Creative Writing from Lehman College.

Program Administrator

Ariel joined Building Skills NY in 2018 after serving as the Intake Coordinator at the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation’s Workforce1 Industrial & Transportation Career Center. In his current role, Ariel supports all aspects of programming and job placement services, working directly with job seekers and community partners. Ariel previously gained exposure to the construction sector as an Office Manager and Bookkeeper for a local contractor.

Training and Employment Specialist

Tyler joined Building Skills NY in 2025 with a strong background in client support, workforce readiness, and community-focused service. With experience ranging from social services coordination at Care for the Homeless to strategic client advising and sales leadership at Metergy Solutions, Tyler has built a reputation for empowering individuals through personalized guidance, clear communication, and results-driven support. Tyler is committed to helping New Yorkers access meaningful career opportunities and thrive in long-term employment.