Leadership
National Board of Directors
Barbara Duganier – Executive Director, Accenture
Scott Garrett – Senior Operating Partner, Water Street Healthcare Partners
Terry Grier, EdD. – Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District
Charles Hazen – CEO, Hines REIT
Mike Mulcahy – President, Bridgeway Capital
Marvin Nathan – President, Nathan Sommers Jacobs, A Professional Corporation
Scott Pharr – Senior Partner, Accenture
Marci Spector – Partner, New Profit
Rafael Alvarez – Founder & CEO, Genesys Works
Genesys Works National Office Staff
Rafael Alvarez
Founder and CEO
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Rafael Alvarez, Founder and CEO, started Genesys Works in 2002. Rafael is now overseeing the national organization and is personally involved in replicating the model throughout the country. For his work as a leading social entrepreneur, Rafael was inducted into the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship in 2006.
Prior to starting Genesys Works, Rafael worked 11 years for Compaq Computer Corporation (now HP) in diverse management roles including engineering program management, corporate strategy and market intelligence.
Rafael is an engaging public speaker who has motivated audiences around the country in diverse topics such as social entrepreneurship, nonprofit earned income models, effect of minority spending programs, changing organizational behaviors and others.
Rafael obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Houston.
Matt Heath
Vice President of Program Effectiveness
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Matt Heath, Vice President of Program Effectiveness, started with Genesys Works in 2013. Matt is responsible for embedding measurement and metrics and driving quality and process improvement across Genesys Works.
Prior to working at Genesys Works, Matt was a corporate executive with over 28 years of experience in a variety of roles and organizations. Matt had management roles at Gulfstream Aerospace, Branch Bank & Trust and Hewlett-Packard. While at Hewlett-Packard, Matt held management positions in Industry Marketing, Corporate Strategy, Consulting Services, Internal Audit and Credit and Collections (based in Malaysia for APJ region).
Matt worked with Rafael Alvarez at Hewlett-Packard and was actively involved in Rafael's decision to start Genesys Works. Matt served on the Genesys Works board from inception until 2011 when he moved to Malaysia.
Matt has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with Honors from Oregon State University.
Chris Gonzalez
Vice President of Development and Communications
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Chris Gonzalez joined the Genesys Works National Team in March of 2013 as the Vice President of Development and Communications. She is responsible for fundraising, communications, and marketing for Genesys Works’ strategic goals. Prior to joining Genesys Works, Chris worked as the Public Relations Director and Marketing Director for KIPP Houston Public Schools. She has also taught middle and high school history and worked in the Benefits and Human Resources at Hewitt Associates and Baker Hughes. Chris also serves on the Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees, the Spring Branch Education Foundation board, and the SPARK School Park board.
Chris earned her MBA from Rice University and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University.
Wayne CarlsonDirector of Finance and Administration
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Wayne Carlson, Director of Finance and Administration, started with Genesys Works in 2011. Wayne oversees the Finance, Human Resources and IT departments, as well as being actively involved in the overall advancement in operational excellence for the organization.
Wayne brings a diverse finance background to Genesys Works that covers nearly a decade. He has worked with nonprofits and government agencies during his time at California's Department of Finance, audited and consulted media companies, and most recently worked at Hewlett Packard in several finance roles, including audit project management, financial planning and analysis, and finance business support.
Wayne has a Bachelor of Arts and Applied Sciences in Public Administration from San Diego State University, Masters of Business Administration at the University of Hawaii - Manoa, and holds an active CPA license.
Leticia Konigsberg
Director of Development
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Leticia Konigsberg joined the Genesys Works National Office in June of 2012 as its Director of Development. She is responsible for the implementation of our development strategy, achievement of fundraising goals, and the engagement of private and corporate foundations. Leticia offers a unique perspective to her role and the organization. Her diverse background includes six years in public and media relations, two years in college/scholarship access counseling, and five years in corporate citizenship and sustainability. During the last seven years she has seen Genesys Works grow and scale, first as a high school counselor in one of our partner schools and then as a corporate giving officer with one of our corporate clients. Leticia brings to Genesys Works first-hand knowledge and experience in both large for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Leticia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational and Corporate Communication from the University of Houston – Main Campus.
Darine Ali
Staff Accountant
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Darine Ali joined the Genesys Works National Team in May 2012 as its Staff Accountant. She is responsible for analyzing, preparing and reporting financial data, as well as providing input on how the organization is performing financially. In addition to those responsibilities, she also manages the Accounts Payable processes for all Genesys Works sites.
Darine brings an extensive financial analysis background to Genesys Works. Her experience comes from past internships and 2 years of financial accounting experience with Principal Financial, Northwestern Mutual. In addition to her work experience, Darine was actively involved in setting up relations with student programs and non-profit organizations while she was President of the International Student Organization at the University of Houston-Downtown.
Darine graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business with a minor in Finance from the University of Houston-Downtown. She is currently pursuing her Master’s of Science in Accounting and her CPA.
Delys Johnson
HR Analyst
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Delys Johnson initially joined Genesys Works in 2011 as a Program Coordinator. In 2012, she decided to join the National team as their HR Analyst. Her responsibilities include payroll and HR processes for all Genesys Works sites.
Delys brings a unique and diverse background to Genesys Works. Prior to working at Genesys Works, she spent several years working in the Social Services arena with Foster Youth in Group Homes throughout Southern California and teaching court assigned Parenting classes. She also served as a CASA and Mentor for Foster Youth. In addition to her work in the Social Services arena, Delys volunteered at the Navy – Marine Corps Relief Society. There she helped Service Members attain financial assistance in the form of interest free loans for emergency needs, educational loans and teaching a “budget for baby” class.
Delys has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with an emphasis in counseling from California State University San Marcus.
Rajani Koshy
Research Analyst
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Rajani Koshy joined the Genesys Works Team as a Research Analyst in February of 2013. She comes to Genesys Works with a strong analytical background. Rajani is responsible for collecting data and performing data analysis for process improvement initiatives. She is a key player in driving metrics and measurement in all parts of Genesys Works to leverage the efficiency of business operations. She is also actively involved in developing research reports to gather market intelligence and make informed recommendations.
Rajani recently completed her Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Previously, she had earned her Bachelor's Degree in Bio-Medical Engineering from Sathyabama University, India.
Cortney Meza
Executive Assistant
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Cortney Meza joined the Genesys Works National Team in September of 2012 as an Executive Assistant. She provides high level administrative support to the Founder & CEO, Rafael Alvarez. She is responsible for calendar management, scheduling, and assisting in special projects. Her unique background provides knowledge and experience with legal matters, administration, and customer service.
Cortney has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from George Washington University and a Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law.
Elizabeth Navejar
Accounting Coordinator
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Elizabeth Navejar brings 10 years of accounting experience to Genesys Works in for-profit and not-for-profit companies. She previously worked for Consumer Attorneys of California, a trade association for trial attorneys, where she held the position of AP/Payroll Manager.
Since joining Genesys Works in 2009 as an Administrative Assistant, Elizabeth was promoted to the national team where she is now in charge of Accounts Receivables.
