The Nyack Cares Board of Advisors

The Board of Advisors for the Nyack Cares Fund administers the funds raised, including soliciting funding proposals for programs and making decisions on any grants made.  The Board works along with the United Way of Rockland in managing the funds and guiding the organization.  All the members of the Board have direct connections to Nyack, including residents, business owners, and leaders in our nonprofit community.  

Cheryl is the co-owner of Karenderya, a casual restaurant in Nyack focused on Filipino-inspired cuisine that was named in Esquire's list of the "Best New Restaurants in America" in 2018.

Cheryl is also extensively involved in our local community, serving as the executive director of the Arts Council of Rockland and is on the board of the Rockland Business Women's Network.  

Carl Cameu is the owner of two businesses in the Nyack downtown district, including Hudson Spectacles and The Parker.  He is also a member of the Nyack Business Council and the Nyack Chamber of. Commerce

Phyllis Frank has had a legendary career working on social justice causes in Rockland County, as President of the NOW Rockland chapter, the Associate Executive Director of VCS, Inc., and a founding member of the Center for Safety and Change, where she currently serves as Executive Program Director.  She is also currently a board member of the Phyllis B. Frank Rockland Pride Center, named for her in 2022.  She is a Nyack resident.

Nicole Hines is currently the President of the legendary Nyack Branch for the NAACP, where she manages one of the most important civil rights organizations in Rockland County..  She is also the Director of Community Engagement and Social Change for the Center for Safety and Change, which provides vital  services to the survivors of gender-based violence.  She is a Nyack resident.

Matt Koke is the Director of Community Engagement at the Phyllis B. Frank Pride Center in Nyack, where he lives with his family.  

Louise Parker served many years as a Trustee and Deputy Mayor for the Village of Nyack Board of Trustees, and is currently a Nyack resident involved in myriad community nonprofits. 

Joe Rand serves as an ex officio member of the Nyack Cares Board of Fund Advisors.  He is the Mayor of the Village of Nyack, and previously served as Trustee and Deputy Mayor.  He has worked with numerous Rockland nonprofits, including serving as the Vice-Chair for the Board of Trustees, Vice-Chair for the United Hospice Board, and on committees for People to People, the Center of Safety and Change, the Edward Hopper Museum and Study Center, Venture Forward, and others.   He does not engage in decisions on administering the funds, but is a liaison between the Board and the Village, and works directly on the fundraising campaign for Nyack Cares.