(Courtesy of OHEL) Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Lancer to the position of chief operating officer. Adam assumed his new role beginning on January 15, 2021.
Ohel was established in 1969 to place children from abusive homes in foster care. Today, it is a $68 million social service agency that employs over 1,200 professionals and meets the needs of 20,000 individuals. Ohel’s programs and services encompass residential and non-residential care to children and adults with psychiatric and developmental disabilities, domestic violence services, geriatric care, school-based services, outpatient mental health treatment and foster care. Since the COVID pandemic Ohel’s work in trauma and anxiety has increased dramatically nationally and internationally.
“Adam is the right leader to build on Ohel’s record of success in pinpointing communal needs and then advocating and caring for vulnerable people,” said David Mandel, Ohel’s chief executive officer. “Adam has worked at Ohel 20 years. We have witnessed his passion for our mission, his professionalism and his collaborative spirit. That he’s taking the reins as COO during one of the most difficult moments our society has ever faced is indicative of his dedication to meeting the needs of our clients, no matter the scope or complexity of the challenge.”
Adam first joined Ohel in 2000 as general counsel and compliance officer. For the past two decades, he has skillfully led Ohel’s work as it relates to corporate governance, ensuring Ohel’s alignment with the service agreements and grants it holds with federal, state and local agencies. He has expertly developed agency protocols on myriad issues and conducted extensive staff training in compliance and operational procedures and practices issues.
Prior to joining Ohel, Adam worked as trial attorney in the New York Family Court, where he prosecuted cases of child abuse and neglect. His demonstrated commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children and families make him an invaluable asset to Ohel’s team.
“In my time at Ohel, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the expansive services we provide for countless children and families who have been strengthened and supported by our staff’s tireless work,” declared Adam. “In my new role as COO, I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues to further augment Ohel’s breadth of services and meet the ever-emerging community needs while focusing on the needs of each individual client.”
Adam graduated magna cum laude from New York Law School and holds a bachelor of science degree from SUNY Albany. He is a board member of Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies and a member of the Statewide Mortality Review Committee at the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. He lives in Clifton with his family and is the proud father of seven children.
