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.
Gawdys Grullon, MPA
Interim CAO and Senior Director of Admin & 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.
Steven Burkman
Senior 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.
Maria Gonzalez
Senior Director of Energy and Community Programs
Maria L. Gonzalez is a respected community services executive, advocate, and leader with more than 35 years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Northwest Connecticut. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to creating opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and improving access to critical resources for underserved populations.
Maria attended Manhattan Community College and the University of Texas at El Paso, where she studied Business Administration. She has continued her professional development through extensive leadership, family development, and community health training. She completed Hands on Training Circles Campaign through the Move the Mountain Leadership Center, as well as Family Development Credential and Training Empowerment Skills for Leaders through the Children’s Trust Fund and the University of Connecticut School of Human Development and Family Studies. She also completed the Family Development for Leaders Certificate and Training Facilitator program through the Children’s Trust Fund and the University of Connecticut. Maria completed Community Health Worker training and obtained her Connecticut Community Health Worker certification. She also received a certificate through the UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Community Health Advocate Management Program and holds a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor Certificate.
Maria joined New Opportunities, Inc. in 2003 and has advanced through progressively responsible leadership roles from Case Manager to Case Manager Supervisor and ultimately Director of Community Services. During her tenure, she has overseen a broad portfolio of community-based programs and services while building strong relationships with community organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and local stakeholders.
One of Maria's most significant accomplishments was helping expand New Opportunities' presence in Torrington. Recognizing the growing needs of local families, she advocated for expanded services and community investment, helping transform a limited Energy Assistance presence into a trusted community resource hub serving more than 4,000 families annually throughout Northwest Connecticut. Today, she oversees community-based programs and supervises a multidisciplinary team of 11 employees dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals and families.
A passionate advocate for the Hispanic community, Maria has spent decades working to create opportunities through education, workforce development, youth leadership, and community engagement. She founded the Northwest Connecticut Latina Women Association in 2013 to support leadership development, empowerment, and advocacy for women throughout the region. She also established youth leadership initiatives focused on educational achievement, cultural pride, and positive outcomes for Hispanic youth.
Maria's commitment to community service extends well beyond her professional responsibilities. She has served on numerous boards, committees, and collaborative partnerships throughout Northwest Connecticut, including the Juvenile Review Board, LARC, Northwest United Way, Hartford HealthCare Northwest Region Board, Torrington Coalition to Reduce Youth Substance Use, Northwest Chamber of Commerce, The Gathering Place, Torrington Chief of Police Community Action Committee, and several other organizations focused on health, education, youth development, and community well-being.
Throughout her career, Maria has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership and community impact, including being named one of Connecticut's 50 Distinguished Latinos (2023), recipient of the Vale La Pena Award (2021), Community Leader Award from the Northwest Chamber of Commerce (2020), Woman of the Year by the Northwest United Way Women's Leadership Initiative (2019), and several additional leadership and community service recognitions.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Maria remains committed to building stronger communities, developing future leaders, and creating opportunities that empower individuals and families to achieve long-term success.
Adrienne Ricciardi
Senior Director of Early Childhood Education
Adrienne brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in early childhood education, nonprofit management, and community-based services.
Throughout her career, she has been committed to advancing high-quality programs, fostering collaborative partnerships, and supporting initiatives that strengthen outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Her diverse experience in leadership and operations has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of organizational effectiveness,workforce development, and community engagement. Adrienne is passionate about developing strong teams, supporting professional growth, and advancing mission-driven work that creates meaningful impact.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Adrienne is actively involved in statewide advocacy efforts focused on issues affecting children, families, educators, and communities. She also provides training and professional development on leadership and early childhood education topics, sharing her knowledge and experience with professionals across the field.
In addition to her work at New Opportunities, Adrienne serves on the Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee at Charter Oak State College, where she contributes her expertise to the advancement of early childhood education and the preparation of future professionals.
Adrienne holds degrees in Business Administration and Early Childhood Education, along with professional certifications in Human Resources and Women in Leadership. She leverages her expertise to support strategic planning, program development, and organizational excellence.
Julie Turrell
Senior 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.