Last month, we announced updates to our Board leadership. Following Kristie Sells’ dedicated service in the role, Elaine Tanimura has stepped into the position of Board President, with Debra Lowe serving as our new Board Vice President.
This month, we are excited to introduce our five newest members on the Anchor House Board of Directors: Ryan Duffy, Carmen Gates, Griff Humphreys, Catherine Koverola, Ph.D., and Dawn McGuire.
Meet our new Board members. Read why the mission of Anchor House is so important to them and why they decided to join the Board of Directors.
Ryan Duffy
Ryan Duffy is an Associate and member of Stark & Stark’s Real Estate, Zoning & Land Use, and Banking & Financial Services groups. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and his master’s degree in public administration from Fairfield University and his juris doctorate from Rutgers University Law School. During his time at Rutgers, Ryan worked at their Community and Transactional Lawyering Clinic, where his work serving the Newark community in forming entities, such as non-profits and limited liability companies, and handling guardianship and estate matters earned him the Outstanding Clinical Student Award. During his time at Fairfield University, Ryan interned at the environmental non-profit, Keep America Beautiful, and the education non-profit, Pencils of Promise.
“Anchor House has identified an often overlooked issue facing the youth and young adults in our community. By providing youth and young adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect, homelessness, or are aging out of the child welfare system with comprehensive services that offer them and their families the support they need to succeed and thrive, Anchor House is offering a foundation upon which the youth and young adults it serves can build. In the law, we often refer to legal foundations, which are legal structures upon which we build arguments, or in my case, draft contracts. In life, that foundation may be a home. Much like how a traditional home provides a family with more than four walls and a roof, Anchor House provides the youth and young adults it serves with the foundation for a more stable life. I decided to join the Board of Directors of Anchor House because I fell in love with its mission and because I want to do everything I can to support and advance it, thus helping those who benefit from its mission the most.”
Carmen Gates
Carmen Gates brings a wealth of expertise in community outreach, training, program management, and operations. In her current role as Vice President, Community Development & External Affairs Officer at the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), Carmen leads initiatives that foster community engagement, external partnerships, and educational programs, ensuring alignment with the Chamber’s mission to empower and support economic growth within African American communities. Throughout her career at AACCNJ, Carmen has played a pivotal role in developing and managing community-based programs. Before assuming her current position, Carmen served as Director of Training and Community Initiatives, where she was instrumental in advancing youth leadership and educational outreach programs.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Carmen is deeply committed to fostering equitable opportunities and creating lasting community impact. “Anchor House is important to me because it provides critical safety, stability, and support to vulnerable youth during pivotal moments in their lives. I chose to join the Board of Directors because my experience working directly with students through youth leadership and work readiness programs aligns closely with the organization’s mission, and I want to help expand pathways to long-term success for the young people it serves in our communities.”
Griff Humphreys
Griff Humphreys is a longtime resident of Lawrence, NJ and the proud father of four adult children who he raised with his wife, Fiona. He has worked for over 30 years in pharmaceutical research and development, first at Bristol Myers Squibb and currently as a consultant.
Griff is an avid runner and cyclist and came to know Anchor House and the impact it provides to the community youth through the Anchor House Foundation Ride for Runaways. As of 2025, he has finished seven rides and intends to keep on pedaling in 2026!
“I am grateful to become a member of the Anchor House board, having always respected the organization’s unwavering dedication to supporting at-risk youth in Trenton and nearby communities. I look forward to contributing to the AH mission to provide young people in need a stable environment to help them on their journey towards a successful, independent future.”
Dr. Catherine Koverola
Dr. Catherine Koverola is a globally experienced clinical psychologist and higher education leader whose career spans continents and communities. With over 30 years of experience as a professor, dean, and university president, Dr. Koverola brings a rare blend of academic leadership, cross-cultural insight, and clinical expertise. Her clinical practice is grounded in creating a safe, steady space for high-achieving professionals to process pain, reconnect with their values, and move forward with clarity and resilience. She is committed to helping clients not just survive, but thrive—reclaiming their sense of purpose and well-being, even in the face of profound change.
“In my view there are few things more important than providing support to youth who have become marginalized. I have had a lifelong commitment to work alongside others to ensure that all youth receive outstanding comprehensive care and the support they need to thrive. This is the very mission of Anchor House, and even more importantly, it is exactly what Anchor House does every single day! It is my honor to join the Board of Directors and contribute in whatever ways I can to this incredible organization that continues to make a phenomenal difference in the lives of so many.”
Dawn McGuire
Dawn McGuire is a senior technology and operations executive with over 30 years of experience at Bank of America, leading enterprise transformation, risk management, and operational excellence. She currently serves as Director of Independent Technical Assessment Executive, overseeing global technology evaluations and supporting critical enterprise initiatives. A certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Series 7 registered professional, Dawn has managed billion-dollar portfolios, driven process optimization and digitization, and advanced regulatory and accessibility compliance. She is a passionate Opportunity & Inclusion leader and co-chairs the Women in Technology & Operations initiative. Dawn holds an MBA and BS in Business Administration from Georgian Court University and has completed executive programs at Purdue University, University of Michigan, and The Wharton School.
“I chose to join the Board of Directors at Anchor House because I believe every young person deserves safety, stability, and the chance to thrive. Anchor House’s mission deeply resonates with me. I’m grateful for the opportunities that shaped my own life, and this is my way of giving back to my community and paying forward the support that made a difference for me.”
These new Board members bring fresh perspectives, expertise, and dedication to supporting youth in our community. They already demonstrate a passion for fulfilling our mission. We are excited to have them onboard!
