Executive Staff - Project Hospitality

Reverend Dr. Darlene "Dr. Dee" Williams

Chief Executive Officer

Rev. Dr. Darlene “Dr. Dee” Williams serves as Chief Executive Officer of Project Hospitality. A nationally recognized executive, educator, and faith leader, Dr. Dee brings nearly 30 years of experience leading nonprofit, public-sector, healthcare, human services, and higher education organizations serving historically underserved communities throughout New York City. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles including President & CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director, and is known for her strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to advancing equity and strengthening communities. Dr. Dee is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition as one of Crain’s New York Most Notable Black Leaders. She holds doctoral degrees in Public Policy & Administration and Religious Education and is a respected leader in the nonprofit sector.

Michelle Gassama, MPH

Chief Operating Officer

Michelle Gassama, Project Hospitality's Chief Operating Officer since 2022, joined the organization in 2013. Previously, she served as Deputy Director of Planning and Evaluation, overseeing data management and quality improvement. Before her tenure at Project Hospitality, Michelle spent 8 years at Montefiore Medical Center's Adolescent AIDS Program, managing community research initiatives and outreach. Her career in community health began as a U.S. Peace Corps Health Extension Volunteer in The Gambia, West Africa, focusing on HIV/AIDS education and data management. Michelle holds a Master's degree in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dartmouth College.

Luis Pico, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Luis Pico oversees finance and accounting at Project Hospitality. Before this role, Luis served as the controller for Black Veterans for Social Justice from 2021 to 2023. Before his experience in the nonprofit world, Luis held several senior financial roles in the private sector. Luis holds a master’s in business administration in finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from New York University.

Ayo Odeyale, LMSW

Deputy Chief Program Officer

Ayo Odeyale came to Project Hospitality in 2000 and has worked in several leadership positions within the agency. In his current role as the Deputy Director of Programs, he is responsible for the oversight, leadership, and management of programs including budgeting, program marketing, collaborations, coalition building, and implementation plans for new programs within his area of responsibility. Ayo is experienced in the areas of substance abuse, homeless services, mental illness and diagnosis, and HIV/AIDS. His diverse portfolios of services include Adult Services, Family Services, Transitional/Emergency Housing Services, Residential Services, and Youth services. Ayo has a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and with a special interest in Non-Profit and Public Management.

Gale Alwill, LCSW

Deputy Chief Program Officer

Gale Alwill came to PH in 2002 and has worked as a manager in the areas of Mental Health, HIV services, and Housing. Gale became the Deputy Director of Program at Project Hospitality in 2011. In her current role, she oversees the Wellness and Recovery Division, the Housing Services Division, as well as Food and Nutrition and Quality Improvement. Gale lives in New Jersey, she is an LCSW, and she holds a Master in Social Work from New York University.

Reverend Karen Pershing, M.Div.

Director of Recovery and Community Initiatives

Rev. Karen Pershing came to Project Hospitality in 2012 and oversees the agency’s Community Initiatives Division and community help centers, which provide many free services to our Staten Island neighbors. She also oversees the agency’s disaster recovery work and serves as the Executive Director of the Staten Island Long Term Recovery Organization, an organization founded in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. She is also the co-chair of the Staten Island Inter-Religious Leadership coalition and serves on several government and non-profit boards and steering committees. Rev. Pershing earned her Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America.