Mr. Grenier’s career and education have taken him from management positions in the non-profit world, including employment at Barrier Free Living’s transitional housing facility, to the demanding world of high finance.  His undergraduate degree in biology and psychology (SUNY, 1986) was followed by two Masters degrees (New School for Social Research/Psychology, 1988 and New York University/Social Work, 1990).  Mr. Grenier is currently a senior financial advisor at Merrill Lynch.  His extensive responsibilities include: managing investment portfolios, financial planning and coordinating financial services from estate planning and trusts to insurance and mortgages. He also is a certified financial advisor. Mr. Grenier joined the BFL board in 2002.  In addition to being chair, Mr. Grenier serves on the board’s Nominating and Development Committees.

Gerald Francese, Esq. - Vice Chair

Mr. Francese is associate general counsel for Bank of America Corporation, specializing in banking and securities law.  Prior to joining Bank of America, he practiced at Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft LLP in its corporate law department where he focused on securities and general corporate law and mergers and acquisitions.  Mr. Francese earned a Bachelors of Arts in Social Sciences, summa cum laude, from Roger Williams University in 1996 and a Juris Doctorate from University of Connecticut School of Law in 1998.  He provides pro bono legal services to several New York and national charities and is a trustee of the Huntington's Disease Society of America.  He served as pro bono general counsel to BFL from 2001 to 2006, prior to joining the BFL board in 2006.  

Randolph Mowry, PhD - Secretary

Dr. Mowry is a clinical associate professor at New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, Department of Applied Psychology.  He is a certified rehabilitation counselor, specializing in people who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Prior to his assignment to the Department of Applied Psychology, Dr. Mowry taught in rehabilitation counseling and deafness rehabilitation programs.  He also is a past editor of a national journal on services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, JADARA.  Dr. Mowry received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from College of William & Mary in 1975 and a PhD in community psychology from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1985.  Dr. Mowry has been a BFL board member since September 1997, has served as board secretary since June 2001, and sits on the Nominating and Program Committees.

David W. Smith, Esq. Acting Treasurer

A former lawyer with the New York State Department of Health, Mr. Smith has served on BFL’s board since 1986.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania and Fordham Law School.  Mr. Smith served as BFL’s vice chairman from January 1992 until December 1996 and as chairman from January 1996 until February 2000.  He is currently serving as the acting treasurer for the BFL board and sits on the Finance Committee.

Geraldine Abelson, LCSW

Ms. Abelson is clinical director of Interborough Developmental and Consultation Center.  Her many community and professional activities include private practice in treating trauma and membership in the New York City Task Force on Domestic Violence, the King's County Task Force on Sexual Abuse, and the King's County Task Force on Domestic Violence.  She has presented at the National American Psychological Association and the NYS Mental Health Association conferences.  Ms. Abelson has written numerous papers related to working with child sexual abuse and domestic violence survivors as well as perpetrators of domestic violence.  She also is an Interfaith Spiritual Director.  Ms. Abelson joined the BFL board in 2004 and serves on the Program Committee. 

Hal Harris

Mr. Harris is president of Hal H. Harris, Inc., a Harlem-based real estate firm.  He has been a board member of 100 Black Men of New York and Inner City Young League of Harlem, as well as a member of the Urban Land Institute.  He also is chairman of HOPE Builders, Inc., a New York City-based nonprofit that develops affordable housing.  He has served as chairman of the National Advisory Board of Point Breeze Performing Arts Center and as a member of the Durham Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina Affordable Housing Task Force.  Mr. Harris joined the BFL board in 2004 and serves on the Nominating and Development Committees.

Daniel O'Connor, CPA

A vice president with Citibank, Mr. O’Connor is a certified public accountant who obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University.  He has served on the BFL board since 1988 and has served in the positions as treasurer, vice chair, and chairperson.  Mr. O’Connor currently serves on the board’s Finance Committee.

Malcolm Wattman, Esq.