We provide unforgettable moments.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

MIKE FITELSON

Chief Executive Officer

Mike Fitelson has helped build Northern Manhattan’s arts community since 2003. Beginning in 2012 he ushered in a new era of arts programming at the United Palace, overseeing hundreds of events from performances by youth and other emerging artists to concerts and movie screenings with world-class talent to co-creating “The Hip Hop Nutcracker.” Before 2012 he ran the Manhattan Times, the local bilingual newspaper, and helped launch the Uptown Arts Stroll in 2003 and Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance in 2007.

Rev. Thomas brings a variety of leadership and expertise to the organization. Thomas worked globally for many years as a Supervisory Special Agent with both the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Thomas was charged with conducting sensitive investigations and operations. Thomas is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Global War on Terror medal. Thomas joined the United Palace of Spiritual Arts as the Senior Director of Security and Community Liaison in 2018 and was ordained as an interfaith minister in 2020. Thomas was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2022. Thomas is dedicated to ensuring his standards of excellence are reflected in the organization and its employees.

THOMAS CUNNINGHAM

Chief Operations Officer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

NESTOR MELÉNDEZ

Board Chair

A 35-year Wall Street veteran, working at some of the largest Asset Managers in the world, the New York Stock Exchange, and a Hedge Fund. Nestor recently joined the Board of Directors and brings an expertise in international equity markets. As a proud Puerto Rican born and raised in the South Bronx and having lived in Washington Heights for a few years, Nestor maintains close ties to the community. Nestor Receive his bachelor’s from the University of Phoenix.

DIANA CABA

Vice Chair

Diana Caba is a nonprofit professional with expertise in programs and public policy advocacy supporting the economic mobility of underrepresented communities. Diana serves as the Vice President for Community and Economic Development at Hispanic Federation, a national organization dedicated to advancing Latino causes. Diana’s portfolio with HF includes programmatic and advocacy efforts aimed at increasing the financial security of Latino families and she is a public voice on economic empowerment and equity issues. Diana launched her career as the founding Program Director of the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance and has worked with a variety of community development nonprofits throughout New York City and the nation.

TONY LÓPEZ

Treasurer

Born and raised in, and a lifetime resident of, Washington Heights, Tony Lopez is a local entrepreneur with 1 of his 3 UPS Stores in the neighborhood. A graduate of Hunter College with a Degree in Computer Science, Tony’s background includes a decade of IT Consulting at Andersen Consulting (now known as Accenture). In 2003 he left the corporate world and began building his business. His support of local organizations like Shakespeare in the Park, Inwood Little League, Dyckman Basketball, Inwood Art Works, NMIC, Uplift (UBA), UP Theatre and NOMAA is a testament to his integral role in the cultural and business life of upper Manhattan. In addition to his success in the business world, Tony is also an avid photographer.

ANA OFELIA RODRÍGUEZ

Trustee

Ana-Ofelia is a multilingual Community Development individual who focuses on bringing people together through the arts and promoting exemplary projects by highly trained professional artists and educators whose passion is to work with people in marginalized communities. In 2002 she introduced legendary artist Faith Ringgold to Broadway Housing Communities to begin a conversation on the need of more structured spaces for children to learn about art. These conversations with Ms. Ringgold culminated with the creation of the first children’s museum in Harlem. The Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling, is a beacon of hope for current and future generations of children and families of Northern Manhattan.

BRIAN ROGERS

Trustee

Brian Rogers is a career professional in Human Resources, with a focus on Compensation and Benefits. Currently the Director of Compensation, Benefits and HRIS at the Clinton Foundation, he held similar roles at American Sugar Refining/ASR Group and US Foodservice. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Connecticut and an HR management certification from Cornell’s Institute of Labor Relations. He lives in Ridgefield, Connecticut with his wife and two children.

RAFAEL FERNÁNDEZ

Trustee

A Washington Heights native and seasoned banking professional, holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Herbert H. Lehman College. With nearly a decade of experience, he has successfully led retail branches for both large commercial banks and community banks throughout New York City. Currently serving as the Vice President and Branch Manager of the Apple Bank branch on 181st Street, Rafael is dedicated to building enduring relationships, recognizing the importance of personalized attention for the community, customers, and their families. Actively engaged in community leadership, he serves as the Treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce of Washington Heights and Inwood, a board member for the Washington Heights Business Improvement District, and a Public Member of Community Board 12. Beyond his professional commitments, Rafael enjoys travel and quality time with his family, extending his community involvement by hosting financial literacy events at local schools.

ANGEL VÁSQUEZ

Trustee

Angel Vasquez serves as Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. Prior to that role, he served as Deputy Political Director and Senior Policy Advisor at the United Federation of Teachers, a union of close to 200,000 NYC educators. Angel started his career in state government as an education policy analyst in the State Senate and then as chief of staff to the first Dominican women elected to the legislative body. He is a former State Senate candidate, served as Vice Chair of Manhattan Community Board 12, and is a proud Teach for America alum. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University.

CHARLOTTE CASTILLO

Trustee

Charlotte Castillo is a seasoned brand builder, strategist, and collaborative leader with 20+ years of experience in media, focused on the Latinx community and building inclusive, high-impact teams. She is Executive Director of Poderistas®, a leading digital platform for Latinas, where she was selected to launch and lead the organization, using storytelling and media to drive civic engagement and community power. Castillo oversees strategy, operations, programming, fundraising, and partnerships for the nonprofit. Previously, she spent 14+ years as an award-winning executive at ViacomCBS and was founding Head of Marketing at Latina Magazine. Her work has earned honors including NAMIC’s Luminary Award and Imagen Foundation recognition. A daughter of Dominican immigrants and NYC native, she serves on multiple boards and lives in the Bronx with her son.

We provide unforgettable moments.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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UNITED PALACE