As people prepare for fresh starts in the new year, some area nonprofits are doing the same, with some new and some familiar faces taking on new leadership positions.
Capital Harmony Works
Niki Spruill Named Executive Director
Capital Harmony Works, a Trenton-based nonprofit organization formed in 2023 through the merger of four youth development and music education programs has announced the appointment of Niki Spruill as its new executive director. Spruill has served as the organization’s director of development for the past two years and assumed her new role effective December 9.
In her role as director of development, Spruill was instrumental in advancing corporate and community partnerships, while also stewarding individual support for the organization’s programs. She played a key role in planning and executing last spring’s One Voice Gala, which raised significant funds to further the organization’s mission.
“We are thrilled to have Niki step into the role of executive director,” said Genevieve Thayer, chair of the Board of Trustees for Capital Harmony Works. “Her deep understanding of the organization, her ability to foster community relationships, and her dedication to creative youth development make her the ideal leader to guide us into the future.”
Capital Harmony Works, which brings together Trenton Children’s Chorus, Trenton Music Makers, Music for the Very Young, and Learning Academy, serves as a hub for creative youth development resources for Trenton and surrounding communities. Through high-quality tuition-free ensemble music education, participating children and youth build meaningful connections while discovering new forms of expression.
As executive director, Spruill will oversee the organization’s operations, including fundraising, program development, and community outreach, while continuing the mission of fostering a supportive environment for youth through music and the arts.
“I am honored to take on this new role and continue to support the incredible work Capital Harmony Works does to unite and inspire our community through music,” said Spruill. “I look forward to working with our talented team, board, and partners to expand our reach and impact even further.”
Born and raised in Trenton, Spruill discovered a passion for performance early on through transformative programs like All Stars at the YWCA and Mill Hill Playhouse. A graduate of Granville Academy, Spruill has remained engaged in the Trenton community, serving on the board of Every Child Valued and acting as a liaison for the Souls to the Polls voter registration movement. She is also an active member of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, contributing to the distribution of grants that support vital organizations across Mercer County.
After earning a master’s in stage and production management from the California Institute for the Arts, Spruill worked in the performing arts, beginning with Atlanta’s Jomandi Productions, the city’s oldest African American theater. This foundation led to stage management roles at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, the Evidence Room in Los Angeles, and The Classical Theatre of Harlem in New York.
After returning to New Jersey a few years ago, Spruill committed herself to uplifting the performing arts community that once inspired and guided her.
For more information, visit www.capitalharmonyworks.org.
The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey
Julie Dees to Replace Retiring CEO Pressma
The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey (CHSofNJ) has announced the retirement of CEO Donna Pressma, effective December 31, after 38 years with the organization.
Julie Dees will take over as CEO on January 6, 2025.
Dees currently serves as the CEO of Family Service Association of Bucks County, where she oversees 30 programs that serve 40,000 participants in community-based, outpatient, and residential settings for families and children. During her tenure, Dees has championed innovative solutions to address behavioral health, integrated care, family well-being, and systemic challenges. Her passion for mission-driven work aligns seamlessly with CHSofNJ’s focus on empowering families and children to thrive.
“I chose CHSofNJ because its mission deeply resonates with my personal and professional values,” Dees said. “Both of my nieces are adopted, which gives me a profound connection to the transformative work CHSofNJ does every day. I am inspired by this organization’s proactive approach to tackling societal challenges — intervening early in a child’s life to set them on a path to success. This vision of addressing intractable problems before they take root is one I am excited to pursue.”
Dees holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and earned her master’s of business administration from West Texas A&M University.
Micah Parker, chair of the CHSofNJ board, praised Pressma’s leadership over the past four decades. “Donna’s work to expand CHSofNJ will never be forgotten,” Parker said. “We look forward to working with Julie and know she will lead us into a bright and sustainable future for the families and individuals we serve.”
For more information, visit chsofnj.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County
New Board Leadership Named
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County (BBBS-Mercer) has elected new officers to its Board of Trustees. These accomplished individuals bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and fresh perspectives that will guide the organization through its next chapter of growth and impact.
The newly elected officers include:
President: Theresa Holzheimer, associate director, global supply chain strategic initiatives, at Bristol Myers Squibb was introduced to BBBS-Mercer through one of her mentors to co-found and lead the “NextGen” board in 2018. She joined the board in 2020 and has since served as liaison to the NextGen board, secretary, and vice president.
Vice president: Armando Alfonso, program specialist at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) brings his experience as someone who benefited from strong mentorships throughout his life and as a public servant with the goal of making people’s lives better.
Treasurer: Steve Duvall is the executive vice president of credit risk management at PNC Bank. He was a Little Brother as a child, a Big Brother as a young adult, and therefore has a deep appreciation for the impact of the organization.
Secretary: Janelle Hazell, chief operating officer at Rue Insurance has been a board member since 2022.
“The election of these outstanding leaders marks an exciting new chapter for BBBS-Mercer,” said Executive Director Stephanie Karpowicz. “Their combined expertise and passion for mentoring will drive the organization forward as we continue to make a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.”
BBBS-Mercer has also added Philip Loew to its board. Loew has an extensive background in innovation and entrepreneurial development. As the founder and CEO of What Is Next (WIN), Loew connects high school students with professionals to explore careers in STEM, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Most recently, Loew served as senior director and head of expansion for Activate, where he supported entrepreneurial fellowships helping scientists transform groundbreaking research into market-ready solutions addressing global challenges like climate change.
“We are so excited to have Philip Loew join the Board,” said incoming Board President Theresa Holzheimer. “His passion for youth empowerment and mentorship perfectly aligns with our mission, and we look forward to the valuable contributions he will bring to BBBS-Mercer.”
For more information, visit www.mercerbbbs.org.
