Executive Management
Omar Andujar, Ed.D
Acting President and CEO
Dr. Omar Andujar is the acting President and CEO at New Opportunities, Inc. His background features a proven track record in driving process and systems improvements in large and complex organizations, including community action agencies and educational institutions, such as the University of Connecticut and the University of Florida.
Omar is a seasoned leader who has driven the design and administration of highly effective initiatives in compliance, quality assurance, workforce development, safety, and risk management. He is also passionate about advancing purpose-driven, values-based, and inclusive workplace cultures. Throughout his career, Omar has leveraged his expertise in adult learning to create and deliver an array of learning and development solutions to increase leadership and employee engagement, and help organizations achieve their business goals.
Dr. Andujar has been recognized for his innovative program and project management approach. His collaborative nature and dedication to helping others has enabled him to make positive contributions across multiple sectors. Omar has shared his insights and expertise through a diverse range of channels, including national conference presentations, workshops, written articles, as well as e-learning modules, and other tools and resources.
Omar has been an active member of several governing boards and committees. For instance, he co-founded and served as the treasurer of the Higher Education Protection Network, a national non-profit organization focused on protecting vulnerable populations.
Dr. Andujar holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Connecticut. He also holds an MBA in Corporate Innovations, a BBA in Supervisory Management, and is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP). Additionally, he holds a certificate from the University of South Florida in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace. His research has primarily focused on inclusive and accessible learning environments, compliance and safety, and workforce development.
Mark E. Kovitch
Chief Financial Officer
Mark is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Connecticut and Massachusetts. His background includes over twenty-five years of experience providing accounting, auditing, consulting, technology implementation, and governmental interaction services for not-for-profits, housing projects, higher education and governmental entities.
At New Opportunities, Mark is responsible for managing all financial and accounting operations, including internal and external financial reporting, financial and administrative controls. Providing senior management with strategic guidance and presenting financial status and projection reports to the Board of Directors. The management of fiscal operations includes New Opportunities, Inc, its affiliate entities, and fiscal sponsorship of another non-for-profit.
Prior to joining New Opportunities in 2019, Mark was CFO of Geer Corporation, a non-for-profit, which provides a continuum of care for seniors. As CFO, Mark was responsible for providing direction and guidance to maintain the financial systems, audit activities, strategic objectives, information technology, human resources, financial policies, and control systems.
Prior to that, Mark was the CFO of Key Human Services, Inc. a non-for-profit, supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. His responsibilities included financial management, technology implementation, monitoring internal accounting controls and compliance with financial, State, and Federal regulations.
Mark started his career in the public accounting firm environment for eight years specializing in providing accounting, auditing and consulting services to not-for-profit, higher education, and governmental entities.
Mark is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s, National Society of Accountants and Connecticut Society of CPA’s. Mark is an active member of Connecticut Society of CPA’s Not-for-profit Committee. Mark is a board member of Greater Hartford Legal Aid.
Mark was a member of the Connecticut Nonprofit Human Service Cabinet which was instrumental in developing of the Connecticut Cost Standards and Single Audit regulations implemented by the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. Mark graduated from Lyndon State College with a B.S. in Accounting and A.S. in Computer Science.
Joanne Balaschak
Director of Energy Services
Joanne Balaschak is the Director of Energy programs at New Opportunities. Her background includes over thirty years of experience working in the energy services field.
At New Opportunities, Joanne is responsible for overseeing the agency's largest operating division which includes energy and weatherization services for a region that includes over sixty-five municipalities. Joanne also serves on the Board of Directors of Operation Fuel, the Low Income Energy Board and is a Weatherization Policy Advisory Committee Member. She is also an on-staff advisor for CAFCA, the Connecticut Association for Community Action, regarding energy related issues.
Prior to joining New Opportunities in 1988, Joanne worked for the State of Connecticut monitoring energy programs for nearly a decade.
Joanne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. She has also earned the designation of as Family Development for Leaders Certificate from the Children's Trust Fund & University of Connecticut School of Development and Family Studies.
Julie Turrell
Director of Human Resources
As the Director of Human Resources for New Opportunities, Inc., Julie brings over thirty years of comprehensive experience in human resources operations. She has specialized competencies in strategic leadership, talent management and development, which includes leadership culture, performance management and employee engagement. Julie thrives in the work of an organization that has a positive impact and makes a difference in the lives of people and society.
Julie resides in Wolcott with her husband, Rob and their three children. She loves to spend time with her family at the beach in Rhode Island.
Gawdys Grullon, MPA
Director of Research, Development and Planning
Gawdys Grullon is the Director of Research, Development and Planning at New Opportunities, Inc. As of 2012, Gawdys has served a vast range of populations in the community, such as the unemployed, underemployed, economically disadvantaged, people living with HIV/AIDS and individuals with mental, physical, developmental and learning disabilities.
At New Opportunities, Gawdys began her career as a Family Development Specialist and AHAP Housing Case Manager. Simultaneously, she provided case management services under the Society of Support (SOS). Gawdys advanced into a role as an Employment Manager, ultimately positioning her to oversee the Vocational, Education & Training programs.
In 2013, as a member of NOI’s Relationship Strategy team, Gawdys presented the team’s missions and goals in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 2021, Gawdys was appointed to Wheeler Board of Trustees, where she is currently serving as a Board Member.
Gawdys holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Management, with a concentration in Health Care Management from Kaplan University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Post University, John P. Burke School of Public Service.
Brian Bonds, M.Ed.
Director of Residential and Integrated Services
Brian Bonds is the Director of Residential and Integrated Services for New Opportunities. Brian’s oversees the agency’s operations in Meriden, Wallingford, Berlin and Southington including the David J. Dudley New Beginnings Emergency Shelter and Hospitality Center and New Opportunities of Greater Meriden (NOGM). Brian is also responsible for the oversight of the early childhood programming at Muriel Moore Child Development Center, residential programming at Bishop House, and integrated services at New Opportunities of Greater Torrington.
Steven Burkman
Director of Information Technology
Steven Burkman brings over 30 years of experience in the field of information technology to New Opportunities Inc., where is serves as the Director of Information Technology. He offers extensive knowledge of enterprise computing, communications, networking, network security, disaster recovery systems development and implementation, and network development.
Prior to being named Director of Information Technology, Steven served as the IT Systems Coordinator at New Opportunities, where he oversaw the daily operations of all network and communication systems.
Steven and his wife Wendy split their time between Connecticut and Massachusetts. He enjoys bike rides and long walks with his Australian Cattle Dogs on the beaches and trails of Cape Cod.