1050 Jeanette Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Phone: 908-687-2697
Who We Are
Mission
Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
Purpose
Provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Locations
Russell Triolo Clubhouse - Union Club
Elizabeth Club
513-515 Richmond Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Phone: (908) 351-3344
Corporate Office
1050 Jeanette Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Phone: 908-687-7976
Plainfield Clubs
145 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Phone: (908) 822-8672
Staff
Caring, well-trained staff, are the foundation for all we do in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County. There is a strong bond of love, trust and friendship that has been forged between the kids and the staff who guide them.
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Russell Triolo
Chief Executive Officer
Russell Triolo has 52 years executive level experience in the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement and is recognized throughout Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) movement as a visionary leader. Russ has been our Chief Executive Officer for the last 43 years. He was member of the National BGCA President’s Advisory Committee and was a prestigious member of the BGCA “GREAT FUTURES” National Commission that developed the worldwide direction of BGCA and it’s 4000+ local Clubs through 2025. In 2021 the Board of Directors re-named the Union Club the “Russell Triolo Clubhouse”.
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Brian Phillips
Chief Operating Officer
Brian brings over 30 years of experience in multinational banking and financial services, with a strong background in risk assessment and internal controls. For more than 20 years, he held leadership roles at Citi, focusing on risk and internal controls within Treasury and various Finance functions.
A dedicated advocate for youth development, Brian has served on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Union County for over a decade, including four years as Board Chair. His expertise in risk and control practices has been instrumental in supporting the Club’s operation and mission. Passionate about providing meaningful developmental experiences for children, Brian is committed to ensuring the Club continues to positively impact the communities it serves.
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Carlos Calisto
Chief Financial Officer
Carlos Calisto’s non-profit career spans over 25 years, the last 20 with Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County. Carlos started his Boys & Girls Club Career in 1996.
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Joseph DeMaio
Union Club Director
strategy. Joe guides the inclusion of the youth development strategy in all program activities and includes this strategy within all trainings for our staff. He also assists within the Fund Development Department where he is responsible for the reporting on Federal Grants as well as directing staff within other departments within the organization.
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Yefim Shoykhet
Aquatics Director
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Lucero Cano
Assistant Aquatics Director
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Gemma Samper
Union Community Center Director
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Lita Thomas
Elizabeth Club Director
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Candace Barnes
Elizabeth Club Education & Teen Services
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Lakeish Oates
Elizabeth Club
Youth Development Staff
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Craig Davila
Plainfield Club Director
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James Hand
Director of Educational Services
He assumes a strategic role in the overall development of educational programing and related activities, including character and leadership success.
He is a Strength and Conditioning Coach, Basketball and Life Coach, with over 20 years of working with underprivileged youth and adolescents. He believes in cultivating positive social relationships with the inclusion of health and wellness while promoting a holistic approach to childhood education; prioritizing the importance of play-based learning, building self-esteem and resilience, and assisting in the development of social and emotional intelligence. All within a safe space and enriching environment that cultivates growth.
His favorite quote is that from Maya Angelou’s “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
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Patricia De Castro
Executive Assistant HR/Finance
Patricia’s journey with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County began in 2011, marking the start of a deeply meaningful chapter in her life. Starting out at the Union Club’s front desk as a receptionist to Office Manager and now Assistant to the CEO, she embraced her role with passion and dedication, pouring her heart into every interaction with club members and families who walked through the doors. She works closely with all departments, collaborating seamlessly to ensure the smooth operation of the club and the delivery of exceptional programs and services. Her ability to connect with colleagues across departments has made her an asset, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork that permeates every corner of the organization.
As the Assistant to the CEO, she plays a crucial role in the executive office by, handling correspondence, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, and serving as a key liaison between the CEO and various departments.
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Samad Gordon
Union Club Director of Programs
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Jakeline Barrientos
Union Club Office Manager
Jakeline started her career as a Receptionist, where she developed strong organizational and customer service skills over two years. Now, as the Office Manager for the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, she manages administrative tasks, oversee office operations, and support the organization’s mission by ensuring everything runs smoothly. Her experience in reception has equipped her with a solid foundation for handling the diverse responsibilities in her current role.
Jakeline is a beacon of warmth and support, working to ensure that every member feels valued and welcomed. Her focus on membership retention reflects her genuine care for the community she serves, forging bonds that transcended mere transactions.
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LaCresha Roman
Union Club Teen Director
Board of Directors
The guidance and commitment of our Board of Directors is truly the lifeblood of our organization. Comprised of local business and civic leaders, these volunteers lend their substantial expertise, commitment and support in leading Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County.
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Brenda Williams
Chair Emeritus
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Francis J. Purdue
Board Chair
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Wendy Cama
Vice Chair Financial Services
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Ed Palmieri
Vice Chair Operations
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Sharanda Bennett
Vice Chair Resource Development
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Christopher Bono
Board Member
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Susan Cannilla
Board Secretary
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Antonio Dei Medici
Board Member
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Demond Hargrove
Board Member
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Gene Jannotti
Board Member
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Tenisha Malcolm-Wint
Board Member
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Marcy Metz
Board Member
Asisco Auto, Inc.
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Scott Myers
Board Member
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Claudia Schiavone
Board Member
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Stephanie Schwartz, FACHE
Board Member
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Christine Callahan
Board Member
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Frank Lawrence
Board Member
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Joi Stanley
Board Member
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Erica Stasio
Board Member
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Karolina Dehnhard
Board Member
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"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader"
- John Quincy Adams
Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County appreciates everything our staff and volunteers have done, are doing, and will do to ensure that we continue to make a difference around our community and in the lives of young people.
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